tube buffers


tube buffers ,do they work,is the soundstage deeper,a smoother sound, or just wasting money and adding more cable, I have all solid state equipment? PS AUDIO PWD&PWT ,EMOTIVA PRE. XSP-1 AND WYRED4-SX1000 MON"S
smokenjo
Or you could just buy a power amp like the Rogue Audio Medusa that couples a high-quality tube input stage to a Hypex output stage and get great smooth musical sound with low noise and high power while not having another box and more cables to deal with... The Medusa replaced the Wyred 4 Sound STI-500 in my system. I'm listening to it right now as I write this (Hugh Laurie's 2nd jazz album) and it's better than fantastic. Happy Holidays!
BACK AGAIN, has anyone heard or has the AUDIO HORIZONS 5.0 or their new 5.1 tube buffers ? cost between $900. to $1600. THATS ALOT OF CASH FOR SOMETHING THAT MIGHT NOT WORK????
The problem with a tube buffer is that it can only alter the sound. Essentially, its an EQ with 1 setting. It can't add anything. It just covers up problems areas in the music/playback system that some people find pleasing. If you use one and like it, that's fine. That's what really matters. For me, however, I prefer matching my components in such a way that I don't have to resort to using such devices. Its more work, but I think its worth it.

In most systems, some, if not all problems, can usually be traced back to the preamp. Instead of getting a line level device like a tube buffer to "enhance" the sound of the preamp, I say just get a better preamp. Elizabeth's example is interesting. She attributes her VAC preamp to acting as a tube buffer and thereby giving her digital that she can listen to. Looking at it that way does makes sense. To me, though, it looks like she's describing the sound of a good preamp. Either way you look at it, the preamp is definitely the piece that's making it all work. (And maybe the brownies.)

Absolutely agree with Zd542, it makes better sense to spend $900 to $1600 on upgrades instead of just adding something to alter the sound.
If you are only listening to 2 channel, switch to a tube preamp. Then roll some tubes to find the flavor you like for your system. No need to add an extra component and cables.