Tube buffer or tube preamp

I have an expensive system except forthe digital which i have not upgraded in awhile.
I tried a small Chinese tube buffer and it did nothing of any value for me.
So i went and bought a VAC Standard four tube preamp to use as a glorified tube buffer and that made a positive difference.
I still use my main preamp a Bryston Bp-26 and have the digital sources to the VAc then from VAc to Bryston.
Works for me.
I would be very hard to say in advance what would work for the op.
All I can say is a cheap sub$200 buffer did nothing for my setup. The used VAC is wonderful and solved any and all issues I have with digital. So i paid $1,400 to solve my digital issues.

Elizabeth,

Have you ever tried using just your VAC without going through the Bryston preamp? It should sound better.

Thenis, it might be helpful if you would list the equipment in your system, speakers, amp, source, and cables.

My experience was with a Yaquin CD-SD3 tube buffer with Jan Phillips WGTA tubes. In my system, it did make a difference, although I can't say that it was all for the better.

I originally got it for the reasons that you stated. To take the edge off of the highs in my solid state system. I was running an NAD C162 pre amp, Aragon 2004 amp and Paradigm Studio 10 speakers. The buffer did take the edge off of the highs, but it also made them sound rolled off. The bass got less tight and, sometimes, downright sloppy.

After getting the buffer, I got into a pair of Silverline Minuet speakers. No more edginess or glare, so I sold the tube buffer.

Many have referred to a tube buffer as being a bandaid. I think that in your case, this could be true, in the sense that you want to use one to "fix" a problem and is likely not the best way to go about it.

What's your setup, anyway? I have recently altered my system to consist of a Marsh P2000 pre, Aragon 2004 amp, Emotiva XDA DAC and the Silverline Minuet Supreme Pluses and I don't get even a hint of glare or edginess.

Oh, I also meant to ask, are you thinking of a tube pre amp because you want the tubey sound or because you just want to get rid of the harshness?