Potential DAQuestion - Tube preamps and Buffers

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.

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.

I don't think your electronics are at fault. Magnepan speakers can often sound very bright. I my opinion, buying other components to use as an EQ is not a good idea. Its very difficult to do. Basically, You're just guessing what may work and hoping the new components will do what you want them to do.

Thanks, folks. I had already gotten the impression that the tube buffer would be a bit redundant in this setup. (Actually, I think Santa is bringing me one, but it is returnable if it doesn't work out.)

When we first got the Audio Horizons pre-amp, it sounded great with the stock tubes. But then I put in NOS Amperex PQ White Labels (x4), and it sounded fantastic. Been using them since.

So, perhaps a tube buffer should not be strongly considered.

BUT... I'm starting to serve up more computer-based music rather than flipping CDs. I'm now looking for a decent quality DAC. The Resolution Opus 21 will accept an S/PDIF signal up to 96KHz, but I think I'd like to upgrade, at least for the computer connection.

Could it be that a tubed DAC might be useful in this situation? Or, once again, is a tubed DAC in front of a tube pre-amp a likely redundancy?

Thanks. Love this place...

Rob

Definitely agree with tube rolling first.There's lots of info. at the Brent Jesse site and also a great thread called "Joe's tube lore"on audio asylum to read up a little before experiments ensue.All of the tube brands sound different and when you find the right combination you'll lose that harshness.Best of luck to you.