Musical Fidelity X-10v3 Tube Buffer.... opinions?

halo

As I've pointed out the Signal Cable option is (to me) a no brainer. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If they don't float your boat then get the DAC.

Its up to you. Its your money. Its your rig.

Joey_V

F1nut wrote:

Ok, I'm just going to come out and say it. You're flat out going about this whole thing the wrong way. You've got some nice pieces of gear and you're choking the **** outta what they are capable of with those patch and lamp cords. In fact, I can't understand how you can judge how any of it really sounds with those cables and the FLAC you're running as a source. I'm not sure where you're getting your advice, but they are not doing you any favors.

Your list should have 2 things on it for now, new source and new cables, that's it.

1. FLAC doesnt float your boat, fine. But it works for me so until I get a large enough CD collection, the CDP can wait. Until I have the funds to fund for a large vinyl collection, the TT can wait. So, I'm "stuck" with the SB3 or the PC as my means for source and I believe that a DAC of some legitimacy is in order.

2. So my lamp cord and patch cables arent up to snuff. Fine, but they're of decent quality and may not be audiophile but they are enough for me. Can they be improved? Of course, but if anyone here can tell me that there is a unanimous wire/interconnect out there that is perfect for my components and speaker, then let me know. If I have to play with a few brands to get the best for my system... THEN the cable upgrades can wait. WHY? Because I dont have all the components in place yet.

I will work on the cables when I feel the components are all in... or atleast when there is not this "flux" of components.

3. You dont know what my system sounds like so blatantly telling me that I need new wiring because the lamp cord and patch interconnects are squeezing any semblance of audio reproduction out of my system is a bit pretentious, though I'm sure your comment was well-meaning and had good intentions.

Several forum members have heard my system and it has always garnered good reviews. IF this was truly as lacking as you make it seem to be, then I must truly be deaf.

I'm not saying that cables arent a good move to make, all I'm saying is that I will wait before I put in cables that require SYNERGY when infact much of my components are in flux. How can I predict that the cables I get today will work with the components I get tomorrow?

There will be a time when the system will remain in somewhat of a stable amalgam of components, and when that happens, then I will work on the cables.

There will come a time when I will have my CDP, my TT... but my FLAC collection will remain so the SB3 and a DAC is what I think is best to get the most of my FLAC.... if FLAC doesnt float your boat, that's fine by me. But in order for me to improve my listening experience as it stands at this moment in time, I think I need a DAC to even out the source/transport I have at the moment.

schwarcw wrote:

Joey,

Your obviously a bright guy with a significant amount of scientific training. I am truly am at a loss why you would you would be so objectionable try another variable in you sound analysis evluation (which has significant discussion counterpoints in the scientific lieterature). I've had PH D. engineers working for me with 15 or more years of experience who I would have spanked and sent them back to the lab for this blatant oversight in their objective and experimental technicique. Take a good look at your approach.

PS. I'm being critical as a friend. Step back from you plan and rethink you approach.

1. Fine, so let me know what I'm looking at wrong. If a buffer is not in order, that's fine because I've decided not to get the tube buffer for now. I look at my system and the DAC is lacking, so I figure, let's get a DAC.

2. How am I being objectionable? If I completely rewire the system, it's another $1500 or so if I go with Signal Cable Silver Reference for speaker wire, interconnects, and several power cords. This is NOT a cheap upgrade for me because if I move to upgrade the cables, I want to do it right... and the beauty is, who is to say that the Signal Silver Reference is the right combination for my system? What about the other brands? I dont have the money to be checking out 3 or 4 brands of high-end speaker wires/interconnects, thus, this has to wait. If I'm objecting to this, then I will simply say: No you guys are wrong, cables dont make a difference and I'm going to stick with what I got.

No, I'm saying cables DO make a difference, but let's focus on what I want to do first. I want to finish up the FLAC part of my system. If you guys dont think FLAC is a good way of audio reproduction, fine.. but help me improve the FLAC part of my system. The SB3 has decent DACs but it can be improved with a good outboard DAC. Now, when that's done.... I can concentrate on either:
- Another source, CDP or TT.
- Cables and wire.
- Moving up my preamp to the next level.

Halo wrote:

As I've pointed out the Signal Cable option is (to me) a no brainer. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If they don't float your boat then get the DAC.

Its up to you. Its your money. Its your rig.

1. Thanks for the discount information, Victor, much appreciated.

2. I agree, there is improvement to be made in the cable arena.... that will come in time. I am not the kind of guy who want to make slight movements here and there, if I want good cables, I will test 4 or 5 brands and let what I hear push me in that direction. Signal cable may be good, but what about Kimber, Nordost, Zu, Tara Labs, Evolution, Audioquest, Transparent, Revelation, Blue Jeans, etc....? How can it be so simple to suggest 1 interconnect/wire brand?

3. Though I'm sure cables make a difference... it has quite a bit to do with system synergy as the effects a cable can do for a system may be too much due to the components already in play within said system.

So, for once and for all...

Everybody,
Stop telling me to upgrade my interconnects and wires. They can be improved but not yet, not now.

This thread was whether the tube buffer is good or not, it apears people say it's not. So, that's the end of this thread. I want to get a DAC and I've opened up a new thread for that purpose. I appreciate that you're all looking out for me, but cables are NOT in the radar just yet. DAC first, then PowerPlant. Then after that, I can work on the cables.

The end. This thread is done. If you have anything else to say to me, pm me because this thread has served its purpose. No to the buffer, so let me move to the DAC. Cables are in a few months.

Thanks,
Joey

F1nut

Don't forget to breath, Joey.

Ferres

I once had the earlier version of the X10D with upgraded tubes. Yeah, it does add a little warmth and roundness to the sound but I feel that it took something away as well.

Do they still use those thin cable adapters?

If you have not upgraded to some quality IC/speaker cables then you are missing a lot.

TheReaper

My opinion probably doesn't count for much, as I don't play in this league. But I agree with Joey_V, his next logical step would be a DAC.

haimoc

Wow... What a long and hot discussion for a Christmas gift!!!