Impressed with Yaqin Tube Buffer

Stew

Over the last two years, I performed the following upgrades to my system:
- Upgraded the crossovers in my SDA-2B’s (Sonicap high pass, Solen low pass, Mills resistors)
- TL’d my SDA-2B’s (RD0198-1 tweeters and added 5.8 uF capacitor in parallel with the 2.7 ohm resistor)
- Modified my Yamaha CD-745 CD player with better opamps (AD843 and AD8620)
- Upgraded my integrated amplifier to a NAD C370

The improvements were dramatic from where I started but the sound was a little sterile and mechanical sounding. After reading some of the discussions on this forum and others, I started wondering if tubes were the answer. I had always assumed that “tube sound” was warm but mushy. Some of the posts I read convinced me that “tube sound” was probably not what I thought. I decided to order a Yaqin Tube Buffer with a JJ/Tesla 6922 tube and installed it in the pre-amp out/main-amp in loop of my NAD C370.

Wow – “Tube sound” is wonderful! The difference is subtle yet profound. It’s a subtle difference if you A/B the system by turning the tube buffer on and off. When you sit back and listen for a few minutes, the difference is profound.

Bass is a little smoother but, much to my surprise, no less punchy. Mids and highs are more liquid but not soft at all. Vocals sound more realistic and cymbals actually sound like cymbals. It sounds only a little warmer but much sweeter and richer. Details used to sound somewhat disconnected from the music. Now the details are part of the instruments, vocals, etc. The details don’t hit you in the face like they did before but separation between instruments and vocalists is much more distinct and airy.

I think I finally understand what the magazine writers mean when they talk about a system conveying “emotion.” Instead of getting bored after a while, it keeps me smiling. The music is much more alive. I’m finally listening to the music instead of analyzing the sound.

The Yaqin Tube Buffer was $175 and the upgraded tube was $11 from Pacific Valve and Electric. With shipping, it came to $216. This one has a good $ to smile ratio for my system!

Early B.

Great! Glad you like it.

engtaz

Good for you Congrats

george daniel

tubes can be fun,, enjoy

dudeinaroom

rock on. I'd like to do some experimenting with tubes, but that's aways out for me right now. The route you took seems like a safe way to get a taste of tubes without breaking the bank. If you ever decide to go to a tube pre, or amp drop me a pm and I just might snatch that up from you so I can get a taste myself. Sorry for hijacking the thread.

ben62670

Way to go Stew. I am impressed with your op amp upgrade. I get too scared to go that direction with electronics.

dudeinaroom

Send it here ben, I'll mangle..er..do it for ya.:D

danger boy

can you post a pic of the unit or a link?
thanks

Stew

Thanks for all the replies. I bought mine from Pacific Valve and Electric Company:

http://www.pacificvalve.us/YaqinTB.html

Lots of other reasonably priced tube gear on their site too.

venomclan

Stew wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. I bought mine from Pacific Valve and Electric Company:

http://www.pacificvalve.us/YaqinTB.html

Lots of other reasonably priced tube gear on their site too.

Stew, you Bast$%^! I was all set to get the Musical Fidelity tube buffer, now you throw this at me! Back to the drawing board.

:Runs out of the room in a stupor:

V

Stew

LOL - I haven't heard the Musical Fidelity tube buffer but I know someone that recently bought one and he seems quite happy with it. I did find one review that compares the two:

http://www.epinions.com/content_312424107652

One thing I do like better about the Yaqin is the ability to roll tubes until you find just the sound you're looking for. Also kinda cool to watch the tube glow!

tonyb

Nice grab Stewy...sounds like a winner,enjoy!