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Potential DAQuestion - Tube preamps and Buffers

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I'm looking to smooth out the sound a bit, and have a potentially DAQ (Dumb a$$ question):

I run a CDP DAC and transport (Resolution Opus 21) into a tubed pre-amp (Audio Horizons TP2.0), then from there out to a digital Class D switching amp (Spectron MII Hybrid.) When I put the tube pre-amp into the system, it really helped to mellow out and improve the sound, as compared to a solid-state pre-amp I had tried and tested A/B.

So far, so good... I've been enjoying, but it can still be a bit brash. The Magnapan speakers only call out the brash detail.

Would a Tube Buffer help further, or is it a redundancy in the system? Do I need to consider the tech specs of each piece to determine that, e.g., output impedance*? Would it be a total waste of time and money?

Thanks,
Rob

* Just because I can spell 'output impedance' should not suggest that I know much about specs. :)

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rhanson739
mik971
153 posts
 
I owned and enjoyed a tube buffer, they work great for less expensive solid state amps in my opinion. Your current set-up is very, very nice, my guess is it would not work in your situation. (especially cosidering you have a tubed pre-amp already)
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I have a decent system, but relatively cheap digital gear.
I added a used VAC Standard preamp as a 'glorified' tube buffer and find it did exactly what i needed to 'fix' my digital glare.
(I also have 3,6 Magnepans from Bryston 4B-SST2
I had tried a small cheap two tube buffer, but it did nothing worth having it added in.
So i would say the idea of a tube buffer is great, and can do wonders for digital glare. but the implimentation matters.
So you may need to look around for the right buffer.
Min cost me $1,400 here used... But i am certain others are around for less which will do the job. Alos it may be the tube in the buffer. need to try a few different ones.
Just if the first one does not, do not give up.
Buy used so you can sell it off with no loss...

The other option for the OP, is tube rolling. You may find just using different tube in your preamp may solve the issue.
Search for tubes with smooth performance, rather than hf extension.
mik971
153 posts
 
Forgot to mention what Elizabeth did, "tube rolling" I use a Conrad Johnson pre-amp so the circuit is different from yours but I have definately fine tuned the sound of my system by changing tubes. NOS Telefunkens worked beautifully to take the edge off my digital system... I would maybe contact BJesse or other reputable tube dealers for suggestions.
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