Tube buffer or tube preamp

I definitely agree that adding another piece of equipment to mask the problem makes no sense, as it would be better to just eliminate the source of harshness, although it may be a more difficult task. Also, changing to a tube preamp will definitely sound different, however, if the preamp is not the problem, it may just mask the harshness like a tube buffer. I have to ask at what point did this harshness begin? Can you recall an equipment change when it started, or has it always been there? If it resulted from a change, then focus your efforts there. If it’s always been there, then I would start with the source components. Have you tried a CD player only, rather than transport and DAC? Is your digital cable extremely short or at least 1.5 meters in length to help minimize jitter? I helped a friend audition many digital cables in varying lengths and types. Results ranged from very smooth and laid back to bright, harsh, and forward. I have also tried different CD players (SS and tube) in my system, and found that some tubes can even sound harsh.

Spend a few tens-of thousands to fix it. Then discover it still sucks.

Anyone that throws expensive components and cables at a system to solve a problem is foolish, and should just get out of the hobby. Also, solving the problem correctly allows for greater benefit in future upgrades.

Thenis, to your question: "Why people use a tube buffer when he can replace a ss preamp for a tube preamp."

I did it to maintain functionality of my pre/pro for HT/surround application, while enhancing 2-channel experience. I had Joseph Chow of Audio Horizons custom build a combination tube buffer and phono preamp into one box. It's in front of Class D mono's and as Elizabeth said, it works for me. At some point if/when I go to straight 2-channel, then a tube preamp with phono stage might be the way to go.

BTW, I believe Audio Horizons still offers in-home audition. So why not find out how it sounds in your home and with your system? FWIW, I started out with the Yaqin small buffer, then upgraded to Musical Fidelity X10v3. In my humble opinion, compared to the AH TB series, they're not in the same class. Good luck and Happy Listening!

Without pregidous, buffers are usfull if there's an impedence mismatch.

It may appear your pre is outclassed by the rest of your system, you could beg or borrow other species of preamps perhaps Pass or even Moon which may give you synergy or ARC or Vac on the other side to find the forgiveness with resolution you seek.

Adding more components like a buffer is oportunity to introduce more colouration and distotion not to mention the added cost of another cable.

Shorest signal paths, quality parts well implemented . The devil is in the detail.

I'm sure there are other valid opinions, but I would prefer to weed out the offensive component than to upholster over it.

All The Best.

@elizabeth, how did you have the VAC tube preamp wired up in your system?  Did you use the tube preamp in the solid state preamp's tape loop or between the two solid state components?  If you used it between the two solid state components, did you use the fixed outputs (tape or fixed out) or variable (preamp outs) set to unity gain?

Sent you a PM about this also...

Lucky I was browsing ’threads I have posted to’...
Currently I just turned off the VAC Standard and now just play the DAC to the Bryston. Did this about two weeks ago.

The VAC had DAC in to the bypass of the VAC selector switch, then out was the main out to a input on the Bryston pre.
This was judged to be pretty good before I bought my current IC (Kimber KS1016/1116)
Now, after recently fooling around to see how it stacks up... I do not need the VAC. The sound is cleaner without the VAC. Where before the new IC, the VAC in the circuit sounded about the same, and the sound was a little mellower.

I previously had my Bryston main preamp as the connection to the amp via XLR 7 meter. Still is.
I have also had my SCD777ES Sony CD SACD player straight to the Bryston pre.
And the output of my other preamp an Audio Research SP-15 which I use just for the tubed phono stage.. via XLR to the Bryston pre.

My Bryston BP1.5 phono is not getting much use. As the cartridge is sounding lean on the Rega. (my guess is the suspension dried up on the Benz?)
So I just use my Kuzma Stabi/Sogi S TT with a Dynavector 17D3 to the ARC preamp (which again goes to the Bryston)
The Kuzma Dynavector ARC sound is really good.

As to the future.. I may add in a Onkyo Intergra P308 preamp I have sitting around and use it just to add tone controls.
(I have to see how the Magnean 20.7 sound first with all sorts of music. The main reason for a tone control would be to turn down the bass on some Rock music.. in my apartment.)
LOL