Tube Buffers; Yaqin CD-1 & Musical Fidelity X-10v3

[inspiredsports]

## The Setup ##################################################

There has recently been a great deal of interest in tube gear here in Club Polk, and I'm experimenting with tube buffers placed between my Solid State NAD 1700 Preamp and Solid State NAD 2600A Power Amplifer.

Both NAD components were professionally rebuilt (power/caps/etc.) by NAD specialists "In House Stereo Repair" in Setauket, NY in March of 2009. I know I could have gone another direction, but I bought them brand new in 1987, they have sentimental value. These components have served me well.

First, my system is in my home office and I listen constantly (sometimes 60 and never fewer than 40 hours per week).

My desk is dead center in the SDA sweetspot between pairs of sonicap/mortite/dynamat extreme/RDO-198 modded SDA-2B's and SDA SRS 2's with custom made 12 Gauge 9-Strand Silver Coated Copper Wire SDA Interconnect Cables. Room dimensions and acoustics are absolutely ideal and speakers are optimally placed.

All Speaker Cables are 10' MIT Shotgun 2 and all Interconnects are 2 Meter MIT Shotgun 2 (with adjustable impedance matching boxes on input side). I also have 2 pairs of 1 Meter and 1 pair of 2 Meter BW Audio Silver Interconnects that I will experiment with if I feel the need to open up the highs, but don't anticipate using them.

All components above have a minimum of 500 hours of break-in


## The Buffers ##################################################

BUFFER A:
I purchased a very well cared for Musical Fidelity X-10v3 Tube Buffer from Club member that I have been auditioning for about a week now. The improvement provided is simply wonderful. It is in completely stock condition and came with a decent quality wall wort power brick, but not the list price $400 MF X-PSU-V3. I've researched and ordered a "Little Pinkie v3i Power Supply" from its maker in Scotland that is acclaimed to be better than the MF PSU. I will use a 6' Signal Cable MagicPower Cable to power the Little Pinkie.

Total Musical Fidelity system delivered price (Buffer/Upgraded Power Supply/Upgraded Power Cable) = $475USD

BUFFER B:
I received my brand new Yaqin CD-1 Tube Buffer in the mail today. I did not even take the stock 6N1 Chinese tube out of the box and instead inserted a recently acquired NOS JAN Phillips 6922 Green Label that is said to be an excellent match. I also did not take the 110V stock power cord out of the box and used a recently acquired Signal Cable MagicPower 6' Cable.

After break in, and when I'm confident I know its sonic signature, I will solder in a couple of high quality capacitors said to improve its power supply a cost of no more than $50 USD.

Total Yaqin system delivered price (Buffer/Phillips Tube/Upgraded Power Cable) = $200 USD (future caps will make it $250 and I also have plans to introduce a Telefunken 6922 Smooth Plate Diamond that will increase tube budget by $55 USD adder making the comparison grand total $305 USD)

## Initial Comments ##################################################

I've been listening to the Yaqin for about 2 hours now. If I didn't know any better, I could review it with high marks before breaking it in!

This thread will eventually become even more deeply evolved, but with the arrival of the Yaq, I wanted to get a start today. Analog and Digital source components will be described soon.

[ben62670]

I'll be fallowing this one.
Thanks.
Ben

[Keiko]

I'll be fallowing this one.
Thanks.
Ben

+1 and good to see you Ben.

[Ern Dog]

This should be fun. I'll get the popcorn.

[inspiredsports]

###############################################

Musical Fidelity X-10v3:

Simple, elegant, attractive.
Unit comes with Heavy, High-Quality "Wall Wort" Power brick (120 VAC 60Hz 16 Watt to 24 VAC 500mA Class 2 Transformer)

X-10v3 Specifications
* Input impedance: 470K Ohms
* Output impedance: < 33 Ohms
* Total harmonic distortion: < 0.004% 10Hz to 20kHz
* Frequency response: 20Hz to 65kHz +0, - 0.5dB
* Crosstalk: Better than 80dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
* Signal / noise ratio (reference full output): Better than 93dB unweighted
* Better than 106dB 'A'-weighted
* Valve (tube) type: 6112 twin triode (two)
* Power requirement: 12 - 0 - 12 Volts AC 500mA (via mains adaptor supplied)
* Dimensions (approximate): 180mm (7.1 inches) wide
88.2mm (3.5 inches) high including feet
218mm (8.6 inches) deep including rear terminals
* Weight: Unit, net 2.5kg (5 lbs 8oz) un-boxed, Adapter, net 0.45kg (1 lb)
Total packed 3.1kg (6lbs 13oz)

###############################################

I purchased the "Little Pinkie v3i Power Supply Unit" ($218 USD delivered) instead of the Musical Fidelity X-PSU-V3 Upgraded Power Supply ($250+ USD if you can find one and is said to need a better ($125 USD used) DIN cable.

(http://www.rock-grotto.co.uk/pinkiepsu.htm)
Little Pinkie v3i PSU
-- with Top quality DELTRON Pro 3 pin chassis mount DIN socket
-- with BLACK Evolution Pro OFC cable terminated at either end with 3 Pin Neutrik metal bodied DIN plugs
£110 for the Little Pinkie + £20 Shipping to USA Shipping Address: = £130 (exchanged to $218.71 USD on 09/06/09)

Producer Mike Grierson shared, "Unlike the MF X-PSU V3 the Little Pinkie has internal fusing, Class X2 EVOX across the line filtering and an MOV anti surge device which ensures the voltage to the transformer remains constant.... it's not just a "transformer in a box" like the X-PSU V3..... so cryogenic cables are really not required "

This will save me the purchase price ($179 USD new, approx $125 USD used) of the Revelation Audio Labs Cryo-Silver Reference Power Cable said to be a "Must Have" to make the Musical Fidelity X-PSU-V3 sing.

Musical Fidelity PSU specifications
* Large toroidal transformer.
* Excellent stable source of electrons for all X-Series.
* 4 separate secondary windings. A completely separate power supply for each of up to 4 X-Series.
* Excellent regulation. Better sound quality.
* Power outputs Four, each 12 - 0 - 12Volts AC 20VA
* Power requirement 100 / 115 / 230 Volts AC 50 / 60Hz (Factory pre-set)
* Power consumption 100 Watts
* Dimensions 180mm (7.1") wide
* 88.2mm (3.5") high including feet
* 208mm (8.2") deep
* Weights Unit, net : 3.1 kg (6 lbs 13 oz)
* Total packed : 3.65 kg (8 lbs 8 oz)
* Accessories IEC mains lead (10 Amp type),
* Four DIN - to - DIN type low-voltage leads

###############################################

I will be powering the Little Pinkie with a Signal Cable MagicPower 6' Cable

###############################################

[inspiredsports]

###############################################

Yaqin CD-1 Specifications
* Input Power: 110V 60Hz
* Tube: 6DJ8 / 6922
* Input signal: 0.55V
* Frequency: 5Hz- 500KHz(-1dB)
* Harmonic Distortion :0. 15%(1KHz)
* Signal to Noise Ratio 90dB (A)
* Input Jack: 1 group
* Output Jack: 1 group
* Weight: 3.5kg
* Dimension: Width 250mm*Height
* 185mm* Depth 210mm Color: Black Only

Details
* High input impedance - Does not offer anyloading to the source
* Low output impedance - Drives any amplifier easily and ensures virtually perfect linearity.
* Uses one 6DJ8 /6922 tube.
* Low noise, low distortion, huge overload margin and wide bandwidth
* Extremely clean sound with huge dynamic range.
* On/Off Switch - Power switch on side of unit.

###############################################

I will be powering the Yqqin CD-1 Tube Buffer with a Signal Cable MagicPower 6' Cable

###############################################

[inspiredsports]

First, let me start by writing that I've seen remarks posted here and there that assert placing a tub buffer in your signal path is "just adding another TONE CONTROL". The same comment has been posted about cables and interconnects. I strenuously object and am learning to depend upon my Tube Buffers, MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Interface Cables and Interconnects and BW Audio Silver IC's for so much more.

I've never found a tone control that can deepen and widen the soundstage, increase stereo separation, expose the focal pinpoint of voices and instruments, and just simply "immerse you in the music". There's more at work here than simple frequency attenuation.

I'm more convinced that it's a "timing" issue, but I don't have the technical and mathematical background to prove the point that way, so all I can to is offer a subjective approach based upon a few decades of listening and experimenting.

If you read on, you must understand that you are trusting MY ears to be your guide, and it is my sincere hope that this thread does not turn a pi**ing match.

I hope this will help those who are seeking to improve their listening experience and aren't afraid to try something new.

[Dawgfish]

I am very interested in your review as well. I ordered a Grant Fidelity B283 tube bufer this past Friday. I think I 've heard or read before that Grant Fidelity products are actually made by Yaqin? Anyways, I'm really looking forward to trying this in my system as well. I've been wanting to introduce tubes into the system for a long time.

[inspiredsports]

I am very interested in your review as well. I ordered a Grant Fidelity B283 tube bufer this past Friday. I think I 've heard or read before that Grant Fidelity products are actually made by Yaqin? Anyways, I'm really looking forward to trying this in my system as well. I've been wanting to introduce tubes into the system for a long time.

I believe this is true based upon what I've read online. "slbenz" is found in several forums when searching google.com for any of the 3 brands of tube buffer (MF, Yaqin,GF) and seems to write intelligently about them.

http://www.sound-thinking.org/index.php?showtopic=4002

The forum above is also contributed to by "Grant Fidelity" who is Ian Grant, the owner of GF.

I'm just 18 hours into the Yaqin's burn in right now and it's settling in nicely as I sit here listening to the RUSH; Chronicles 2 CD set.

[Dawgfish]

I couldn't think of anything better to break it in with! Rush is my favorite band.

[Keiko]

Dawg...Just a heads-up. The GF B283 is a Yaqin, it's just been re-badged. I'm sure your's will be shipped with the crappy Chinese 6J1 tubes. I've only rolled a couple with mine. Some Raytheon 6AK5W's and some Mullard M8100's. I had read the M8100 is one of the best sounding tubes for this buffer. I can highly recommend them, but they are a little difficult to find. The 6AK5, 5654 and CV4010 (NOS Sylvania Gold Brand, Raytheon, Mullard and Amperex) are good variants for this from what I've researched. Here's a link to an ebay seller where I got my Raytheons from. Not as good as the Mullard's, but a nice sounding tube nonetheless.

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-OF-MATCHED-JAN-6AK5W-TUBES_W0QQitemZ160117790359QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item2547c39697&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Have fun! :)

[Keiko]

I just did a quick search on ebay. Here's some Mullard CV4010's that are available. About 43.00 total for two with shipping included.

http://cgi.ebay.com/M8100-CV4010-6AK5W-MULLARD-NOS-MATCHED-PAIR_W0QQitemZ310087990809QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Co nsumer_VintageAudio_RL?hash=item4832af3e19&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

[Dawgfish]

Keiko,

Thanks for the great info and links. I'm definitely going to be doing some tube rolling and hopefully with those M8100s! Thanks again.

Update-Actually I just did pull the trigger on those! According to the link, the price was for a matched pair! With shipping it came out to $44 USD for two sets of matched pairs. It looks like I'll have an extra set for later. Thanks again Keiko!

[Keiko]

Forget those in post #12. These are what you want and at a better price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CV4010-EF95-6AK5-M8100-MULLARD-TUBE-VALVE-NEW-1PC_W0QQitemZ220314760608QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Con sumer_VintageAudio_RL?hash=item334bc875a0&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

And for 53.00 & change you can get 8 of these.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CV4010-VALVE-EF95-M8100-6AK5-NOS-MULLARD-x-8_W0QQitemZ290346747886QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Consu mer_VintageAudio_RL?hash=item439a03c7ee&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

[inspiredsports]

I'm running the Yaq 24/7 to get to the 100hr supposed "total unit" burn in threshold before commenting on sound quality, but that leaves me with several days of research time on my hands.

Being absolutely new to tubes I realized I know nothing about tube burn in times and thought the next few days

and found an article at . . . http://www.kk5dr.com/Tubes.html . . .

where the author answers, " . ."how long should I allow the tube to burn-in, prior to operation?" On a tube that has an unknown amount of shelf time, 10-12 hrs would do well. For a tube that has been in your closest for known amount of time, I have developed a rule; 2 hrs per year of shelf-time. When you "rotate" your tubes, allow them 2 hrs of burn-in time prior to applying RF drive. With a new tube fresh from the factory, 6-8 hrs for large glass envelope tubes, 2-6 hrs for metal/ceramic tubes, burn-in time. A little patience, and conservative use, your tubes should see full life."

I am most curious about "allow X HOURS of burn-in time prior to applying RF drive." and I would like to get some input from the group.

[Keiko]

I'm new and learning to Greg. I can tell you (IMO) that after at least one full day my tubes started to settle down a bit and sound better. After about 4-5 days the Siemens in my Dared really started to sparkle. When I rolled the CV4024's it was pretty much instantaneous, but over the course of a few days they sounded better also. I got in the habit of letting my preamps warm up at least half and hour before putting any signal through them.

[inspiredsports]

I'm new and learning to Greg. I can tell you (IMO) that after at least one full day my tubes started to settle down a bit and sound better. After about 4-5 days the Siemens in my Dared really started to sparkle. When I rolled the CV4024's it was pretty much instantaneous, but over the course of a few days they sounded better also. I got in the habit of letting my preamps warm up at least half and hour before putting any signal through them.

I hear what you are saying and agree bro, but the guy above says DO NOT APPLY SOURCE for X HOURS, meaning when you get a new tube, turn on the buffer, pre, amp, etc., but DO NOT TURN ON turntable, CD, FM/AM, etc. for many hours.

He's basically say to "cook" the tube at "idle" with ZERO dynamic signal passing through it for best results.

[Dawgfish]

Forget those in post #12. These are what you want and at a better price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CV4010-EF95-6AK5-M8100-MULLARD-TUBE-VALVE-NEW-1PC_W0QQitemZ220314760608QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Con sumer_VintageAudio_RL?hash=item334bc875a0&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

And for 53.00 & change you can get 8 of these.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CV4010-VALVE-EF95-M8100-6AK5-NOS-MULLARD-x-8_W0QQitemZ290346747886QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Consu mer_VintageAudio_RL?hash=item439a03c7ee&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177


Ooops! I already pulled the trigger on the first link you posted. It's all good. I appreciate all of the good info and links! I probably never would have found these without your help. Is there anything special I need to know about swapping out the stock tubes for the Mullard M8100s besides proper burn in?

[inspiredsports]

It just arrived in the mail and I realize I forgot to add the $20 Herbie's Ultrasonic 9 in the budget in Post #1 for the Yaqin CD-1, so the delivered price as I am using it now with upgraded JAN Phillips 6922 Tube, Herbie's Tube Damper and Signal MagicPower Cable for comparison purposes is $220.

I'm at 26 hours now and the sound has settled out very nicely. The highs that seemed a bit "raspy" and as if something was missing or "hollow"when I first powered it up yesterday now sound properly balanced.

[Keiko]

Ooops! I already pulled the trigger on the first link you posted. It's all good. I appreciate all of the good info and links! I probably never would have found these without your help. Is there anything special I need to know about swapping out the stock tubes for the Mullard M8100s besides proper burn in?

http://grantfidelity.com/site/Tube_Amp_Maintenance_setup

[inspiredsports]

The Yaqins break-in is only half complete so I should refrain from commenting, but I have been smiling from ear to ear all day.

Also, during the break-in period, I've been toying with the the Musical Fidelity also in the circuit (MF between CD player and preamp, Yaqin between preamp and amp)

Oh Shinny! Here's the rub, my intent was to determine which buffer best fit my needs over the course of the next 4 to 6 weeks and sell off the other.

The problem? The sound is BETTER with BOTH buffers in the circuit I can not detect a loss of signal, clarity, soundstage, decay, placement, etc. It just plain sounds better. (looks like I'm in the market for another 4 to 6' Signal Cable MagicPower cable)

I will pull the MF out to remove dual the variable and then listen to my system with and without the Yaqin Sunday evening when the 100 hour break-in is complete to begin the Yaqin review period.

[Dawgfish]

It just arrived in the mail and I realize I forgot to add the $20 Herbie's Ultrasonic 9 in the budget in Post #1 for the Yaqin CD-1, so the delivered price as I am using it now with upgraded JAN Phillips 6922 Tube, Herbie's Tube Damper and Signal MagicPower Cable for comparison purposes is $220.

I'm at 26 hours now and the sound has settled out very nicely. The highs that seemed a bit "raspy" and as if something was missing or "hollow"when I first powered it up yesterday now sound properly balanced.

I've been meaning to ask, what is a tube damper and what does it do? I know the obvious answer is it damps tubes, but I'm new to the tube world, so please explain what that means and what does it do for the sound. What is your personal experience with what the tube damper can add? Thanks in advance.

[Gaara]

I've been meaning to ask, what is a tube damper and what does it do? I know the obvious answer is it damps tubes, but I'm new to the tube world, so please explain what that means and what does it do for the sound. What is your personal experience with what the tube damper can add? Thanks in advance.

Tube dampers are used to remove microphonic vibrations. These vibrations can be caused by components inside the gear like a transformer, or external to the gear like bass. Either way the vibrations can alter the sound and you use tube dampers to eliminate the problem.

Personally I have found some gear to be more susceptible then others, for example my Modwright preamp was much more susceptible to micropohonics then other tubed gear I have tried. You could hear a light tap on the top of the unit being played back by the speakers. Tube dampers and dynamating the unit fixed the problem.

[inspiredsports]

I've been meaning to ask, what is a tube damper and what does it do? I know the obvious answer is it damps tubes, but I'm new to the tube world, so please explain what that means and what does it do for the sound. What is your personal experience with what the tube damper can add? Thanks in advance.

While placement in the room is a huge contributor in most cases, some tubes are just physically more "microphonic" than others. Their specific construction, for whatever reason, simply allows sound waves striking the tube and/or tube device to resonate and affect the output signal.

[Dawgfish]

Thanks for the replies! I decided to google the Herbies Tube Dampers and found the site. After reading the reviews and looking at some of the other products, I ordered 2 tube dampers and a turntable mat from them. If I like what I hear, I may order one of their cd mats next. Thanks again for the good info. When I first started in the audio world, I had no idea that there were so many "tweeks" out there. It's definitely been a learning experience and I'm enjoying the journey!

[kawizx9r]

Thanks for the replies! I decided to google the Herbies Tube Dampers and found the site. After reading the reviews and looking at some of the other products, I ordered 2 tube dampers and a turntable mat from them. If I like what I hear, I may order one of their cd mats next. Thanks again for the good info. When I first started in the audio world, I had no idea that there were so many "tweeks" out there. It's definitely been a learning experience and I'm enjoying the journey!

I too want to thank Gaara and Inspiredsports for answering that question. I remember my speakers reproducing some kind of weird sound, even after turning down the volume (with the subwoofer still on). I tapped on the amp and it produced some feedback, then after a friend of mine brought back my amp with a different pair of tubes the feedback was gone. However there were red rings around the tubes and I never knew what they were, I assume those are dampers as well?

Can't wait for the review, since $ will go to a pre my logical choice would be a DAC as opposed to a new source. Keep it coming!

[inspiredsports]

Thanks for the replies! I decided to google the Herbies Tube Dampers and found the site. After reading the reviews and looking at some of the other products, I ordered 2 tube dampers and a turntable mat from them. If I like what I hear, I may order one of their cd mats next. Thanks again for the good info. When I first started in the audio world, I had no idea that there were so many "tweeks" out there. It's definitely been a learning experience and I'm enjoying the journey!

It ends up being a very steep and slippery slope. Once you start there is no way back, but if you enjoy audio, it's not really a bad thing at all :)

Which Herbie's mat did you choose?

[inspiredsports]

I too want to thank Gaara and Inspiredsports for answering that question. I remember my speakers reproducing some kind of weird sound, even after turning down the volume (with the subwoofer still on). I tapped on the amp and it produced some feedback, then after a friend of mine brought back my amp with a different pair of tubes the feedback was gone. However there were red rings around the tubes and I never knew what they were, I assume those are dampers as well?

Can't wait for the review, since $ will go to a pre my logical choice would be a DAC as opposed to a new source. Keep it coming!

Probably what you see in this thread in post # 13: https://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=933206

Not sure about this type, but the Herbie's like to be dead center with the same amount of showing on top as on the bottom.

My Yaqin CD-1 is at now just at 100 hours of use so the fun will begin soon.

[kawizx9r]

Probably what you see in this thread in post # 13: https://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=933206
[/B]

Hmm, kind of like that but they're thinner. Although if they [I]are[/] the same tubes even though I recall he switched some out, then they really worked. There's 2 rings each on the outside pair and one ring each on the smaller ones in the middle.

[inspiredsports]

Source units that will be used to evaluate Tube Buffer characteristics:

CDP #1: NAD 5425
-- connected with 2 Meter MIT Shotgun 2 RCA Interconnect

CDP #2: NAD 5425
-- connected with 1 Meter BW Audio Silver Interconnet

TT #1: Thorens TD-160 BC Mk II
-- Pristine SME 3009 Series 3 Tonearm with Nitrogen hardened Titanium "S" curve Armtube
-- Stock SME 1 Meter grounded RCA phono cable
-- New Grado Reference Platinum Woodbody Moving Magnet with approx. 200 hours
-- Herbie's 3mm "Way Excellent" Turntable Mat
-- Legendary "The Clamp" (by Club Polk's hearingimpared)
-- Speed Keystrobes at precisely 33-1/3 rpm.

TT #2: Thorens TD-160 BC Mk II
-- Pristine Infinity Black Widow with carbon fiber armtube
-- Stock Infinity 1 Meter grounded RCA phono cable
-- NOS Shure V15 Series IV Cartridge / Era IV Stylus with approx 500 hours
-- Discwasher Felt Mat
-- Basis Silver Reflex Clamp
-- Speed Keystrobes at precisely 33-1/3 rpm.

TT #3: Thorens TD-160 BC MK II
-- Pristine Grace 707 Tonearm
-- "Ultimate" Silver Series C4 1.2 Meter grounded RCA phono cable
-- Stanton 681 EEE Mk III Cartridge with New Stanton 681 EEE Mk III Cartridge approx 250 hours
-- Discwasher Felt Mat
-- Basis Silver Reflex Clamp
-- Speed Keystrobes at precisely 33-1/3 rpm.

TT #4: Thorens TD-166 Mk II
-- Pristine Thorens TP-16 MK II Tonearm with Cardas rewired TP-63 armtube
-- Custom 2 Meter grounded RCA phono cable
-- Grado Z+ with brand new Silver stylus (2 hours)
-- Stock Thorens Rubber Mat
-- Basis Silver Reflex Clamp.
-- Speed Keystrobes at precisely 33-1/3 rpm.

FM #1: NAD 4300 Tuner Section
-- Featuring superlative image rejection exceeding 120 db
-- one of the "blackest" background noise tuners ever produced.

TT sources can be fed:
1) Through NAD 1700 preamp "phono" input
2) Thorens MM-001 RIAA preamp through auxillary input
3) Bellari hybrid Solid State / Tube VP130 RIAA preamp through auxillary input.

I prefer the sound of the Bellari about 100% of the time
-- Telefunken 12AX7 Smooth Plate Diamond tube
-- Herbies Ti-9 Tube Damper
-- Connected to auxillary input on the pre with 2 Meter BW Audio Silver RCA Interconnect Cable.

I prefer the sound of CDP #1 with the MIT Shotgun 2's by the slimmest of margins, rating the MIT's at 95/100 and the BW Audio Silver at 92/100.

[Dawgfish]

It ends up being a very steep and slippery slope. Once you start there is no way back, but if you enjoy audio, it's not really a bad thing at all :)

Which Herbie's mat did you choose?

I ended up going with the Way Excellent II 3.7 mm thick X 285mm diameter mat. That was what they recommended for my Technics SL-1200. I am really looking foreward to hereing all of these new additions to the system.

[inspiredsports]

I ended up going with the Way Excellent II 3.7 mm thick X 285mm diameter mat. That was what they recommended for my Technics SL-1200. I am really looking foreward to hereing all of these new additions to the system.

I've found that to be a superior mat and have the 3mm (recommended to keep the proper vertical tracking angle (VTA) on my Thorens gear).

The Herbie's Way Excellent mat has earned its way to the platter of my best rig, and seems to work equally well with or without a record clamp.

[Dawgfish]

That's good to here. I'm really excited to try it and everything else out. This is going to be an exciting week.

[Dawgfish]

I recieved my B-283 tube buffer yesterday. I went home, hooked everything up, and proceeded to play without turning the buffer on. I then turned on the buffer and wow, what a difference. You are right it's definitely louder with the tube buffer on, so I turned it down to a volume level similiar to what it was before turning on the buffer just so I could make sure the differences I was hereing was not simply a function of increased volume. Even at similiar volumes I noticed definite differences and improvements. Like Inspiredsports, I'm going to refrain from making an official review until after the unit is broken in, but I'll just say that I'm extremely pleased with what I'm hereing right now. I will also be replacing the stock 6J1 tubes with the Mullard 8100s when they come in and add a set of Herbie's tube dampers, so things could change some. If they sound any better than what I'm hereing now, I may just wet my pants!

[ben62670]

WOW thats a lot of work you have going on there! I just noticed the looooong list of gear you are testing:eek:

[Keiko]

The M8100's will definitely improve the audio quality dawg. I guarantee it. Break it in with the 6J1 tubes though. You wet your pants now? Well, be prepared to soil yourself with the Mullard's then. :D ;)

[ben62670]

Hey guys knock off all this tube talk. I am almost ready to go back to eating squirrels and tree bark to set some cash aside for some tubes. I know what they can do. I have a feeling that after the get together at Jerry's bathing in the bask of that tube glow I will no longer be able to control myself!

[Dawgfish]

It sounds like I better run down to the store and get some Depends! I'm really looking forward to hereing those 8100s, along with the tube dampers, and the Herbies tt mat. I also swapped out the front main speaker cable from Belkin 12 guage standard to Anticables last night. I currrently have a lot of things to break in! I defintely noticed an improvement with the Anticables. Music seems to be cleaner and crisper with better definition. It wasn't a huge improvement, but was definitely noticable. I listened to the system for a good 45 minutes or so before turning the B-283 on just so I could get a handle on what the Anticables sounded like and get a "before" basis of comparison before turning the tube bufer on. I am pleased with the Anticables so far.

Ben, I'll say this about the B-283, I know it probably doesn't sound as good as a straight up tube pre or amp, and I know I still have a ways to go to break this thing in, but this may be the best $150 I've spent. Again, I don't want to get carried away with this until everything is fully broken in, but so far this thing has made as big of a difference in sound as any of my amps, pres, or speakers that I have tried so far. For $150, you owe it to yourself to try this thing out.

[inspiredsports]

I was waylaid for a day or two sorting out a computer virus that invaded several of a client's computers, but was still able to listen daily. So finally, here it is . . .

I am basically reviewing the Yaqin tube buffer "in reverse". That is, I've listened to my system using ("TT2" from post #30 above), my Thorens TD-160 BC Mk II with Infinity Black Widow Tonearm and Shure V15 Type IV Era IV as the "source" for about 200 hours. I then REMOVED the Yaqin CD-1 (it was located between my NAD preamp and amp) and listened again.

First, the Yaqin came to me from eBay seller seiya.lee for $118.00 USD delivered. I paid by PayPal on Tuesday, September 1 very late in the day (11:30 PM EST). The unit arrived on the 9th (with the Labor Day Holiday in between) so it basically took 1 week to get here from Hong Kong. Pretty Amazing.

The unit came with one 6N1 Chinese tube, plus an extra 6H1 Russian tube ("H" is substituted for "N" in the Russian/Cyrillic alphabet that does not have the letter "N"), a brief owners manual, a decent 5' IEC grounded power cord (European male end) and a European to US 3 Prong male adapter.

Before applying power, I replaced the 6N1 tube with a new $20 JAN Phillips 6922 Green Label, and the supplied power cord with a 6' Signal Cable MagicPower.

The unit is 4-3/8" deep by 7" wide by 5-1/8" tall and weighs 5.75 pounds (the power cable outweighs it, and the 2 MIT 2 Meter Shotgun IC's outweigh it once again which made me work a bit to get the cable management right). The unit sits on 4 good quality small rubber feet. It is very well made.

The mostly black unit (top of approx 3" X 4" X 3" power transformer is tasteful brushed aluminum) features a convenient, decent quality on/off switch on the left side. The center of the 2-1/8" X 7" clear plexiglas-over-black faceplate lights up the Yaqin logo in bright blue. Cool, but a little overdone (too bright) for my taste; a small piece of black electrical tape gently applied over 90% of the logo made it more agreeable to my sensibilities.

IEC Power in on the back and gold plated RCA L&R Inputs and Outputs complete the offering.

RESULTS OF THE FIRST LISTENING TESTS USING a Turntable:

I did both long duration (day long) and short interval A/B testing. I can lift the needle mid song, shut down the output, and swap cables to take the Yaqin out of the loop in seconds and then power up and drop the needle right where I left off. Without the Yaqin, the sound is still very good, but . . .

1) There is distinctly less focus of the "phantom" center channel where the lead singer's voice on most rock LP's appears to originate. The pinpoint is no longer focused, but seems to originate from a larger area, perhaps 3 feet in diameter versus less than a foot in diameter.
2) The apparent location of the phantom center channel was about 3 to 4 (or even more) feet in front of the plane of the speakers and has "moved back" to where it appears to come from approximately the plane of the speakers.
3) The width of the soundstage diminished from perhaps 4 feet beyond the outside edges of the speakers to just over 2 feet beyond the outside edge of the speakers.
4) The depth of the soundstage extended from the plane of the speakers to more than 5 feet out from that plane with the Yaqin in place, and dropped back by to between 2 and 3 feet with the Yaqun removed.
5) The overall sound quality remained very consistent, but voices, snares, instruments, (especially snares, bells, cymbals, etc.) are much extremely focused and apparent with the Yaqin in place.

6) THE BOTTOM LINE: I found the music to be much more "in my head" with the tube buffer working its magic and when it had been removed, I ALWAYS wanted it back!

STOCK POWER CABLE TEST: The sound quality did not lose much using the supplied stock power cord and it made me think twice about the need for a $60+ power cable. The focus of the phantom center channel was diminished by a bit and dropped back toward the wall. The soundstage witdth just barely narrowed, but the overall depth and impact of the soundstage did not noticeably change.

To be complete, someday I should come back and review the stock 6N1 tube, but I doubt that I ever will. I am in the process of acquiring Telefunken, Mullard and Siemans 6922/6DJ8/ECC88 tubes.

################################################## #############

The LP's: (*LP's are "mint" or "near mint" and most of each LP was listened to with Buffer BOTH in and out of the circuit)

Bad Company; *Bad Company
Deep Purple; *Machinehead, Stormbringer
Dire Straits; *Brothers In Arms
Genesis; The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, * Trick Of The Tail
Jethro Tull; Best Of Tul - Vol. II, *Crest Of A Knave, *Heavy Horses, Songs From The Wood
Led Zeppelin; *Presence, Led Zeppelin I, II, III, IV
Metallica; *Metallica (1991)
Paul Simon; *Graceland
Pink Floyd; *Dark Side Of The Moon, The Wall
Roger Daltrey; Parting Should Be Painless, Ride A Rock Horse, Roger Daltrey, Under a Raging Moon
Roxy Music; Manifesto
Rush; All The World's A Stage
Steely Dan; Aja, *Gold
The Doobie Brothers; *Best of the Doobies, Livin' On The Fault Line, Minute By Minute
The B52's - The B52's
The Hollies; *Greatest Hits
The HoneyDrippers; *Volume 1
The Kings; *The Kings Are Here
The Kinks; State Of Confusion, Low Budget, Give The People What They Want - Dave Daies; *GlamourTraffic; Best of Traffic
Velvet Revolver; *Contraband
Yes; *Fragile

not my "cup of tea" but good critical listening
Al Stewart; *The Year Of The Cat
Bob James; *Obsession
Concertgebouw Orchestra Of Amsterdam - George Szell; *Dvorak Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88
Linda Rondstadt; Mad Love

[Dawgfish]

Great Review,

As I read your review I was basically here talking to myself saying stuff like "yep", "me too", "exactly", "yeah that's what I noticed too", etc. I still have a long ways to go to break everything in, but I too find myself wanting to turn it back on immediately after turning the unit off. Music is just well, more musical! My system has a much increased sense of realism now. I am noticing increased detail throughout the frequency range, much better imaging, and a wider and deeper soundstage. The only negative I am getting right now is I get a little bit of sibelence (sp?) on some vocal tracks. I am fairly certain that this is due to the fact that I am simultaneously breaking in new interconnects, new speaker wire, and new tubes. The overall tone has warmed an apreciable bit. I can't wait to here this thing with the Mullards, tube dampers, and after having everything properly broken in. Stay tuned, more reviews to follow!

[inspiredsports]

I should be able to critique the Yaqin with the CD sources over the next couple of days.

[inspiredsports]

As above, I've determined that I like the way my systems sounds when using a turntable with the Yaqin CD-1 tube buffer in place better than without. The overall sound quality is better, the soundstage both deeper and wider, the focus of the phantom center channel and specific instruments much more "pinpointed" and the apparent channel separation greater.

I've now been listening for over 40 hour with and without the Yaqin between my NAD 5425 CD Player and preamp.

The 5425 was rated by Hi-Fi World and others as one of the "most musical" CD players available when was introduced in early 1992. It's Frequency Response curve is dead flat to 14,000Hz, and it tails off just a fraction of a db from 14,000Hz to 25,000Hz. Distortion is less than .03% in the audible range. It's a 4X oversampled, 18 bit DAC unit with a 100db dynamic range, a signal to noise ration of 110db, channel separation of 90+db and boasts "unmeasurable" wow and flutter.I paid $295 for my first one in January of 1992, and bought a second in 2008 on eBay for $11 (they generally go for $85) because the 18 Volt axial lamp that illuminmates the control panel had burned out and the owner thought it was dead. $3 and a couple of dots of solder later I had 2 perfectly functioning units. Both are close in serial number and sound identical.

The story is basically the same as with a turntable as a source. The size of the soundstage is magnified with the Yaqin in place, although not quite as large as noted in my turntable review above. The quality of the sound is also better and the pinpoint placement of voices and specific instruments within the soundstage was the same as with a turntable source.

Short and sweet (and again as with a turntable source) when the tube buffer was out of the loop, I wanted it back in!

What is most impressive to me is how the tube buffer opens up the soundstage. Even at low volume the soundstage is projects forward and beyond the outside edges of the speakers and the point from which vocals and individual instruments eminate is more tightly focused. As a quick story, I listen to a lot of Jethro Tull music. When performaing or recording, front man Ian Anderson alternately sings and plays a flute in front of a dual microphone setup. A standard mic is located straight up on the stand at about his Adams Apple level, and second a foot lower and to the right to capture his flute. He's quite animated when playing the flute and at times and marches in place, changing the location of his flute in relation to the 2 mics. With the Yaqin in place I can better discern that movement of the sound source.


Tull Fans: Ian Anderson solo tour - Fall '09; http://www.jethrotull.com/tourdates/index.html#iausa)

[inspiredsports]

The numerous products in the Musical Fidelity "V3"product line in general are said to not come alive until you add the Musical Fidelity X-PSU-V3 Power Supply Unit. The trouble is, these power units are no longer in production, and they never seem to be available on the secondary market.

Well, a couple days of googling and it became evident that Mike G. at RockGrotto.com (in Scotland) knew that to be the case, and he set out to solve the problem with his custom made "Little Pinkie" power supply.

At less than half the original cost of a new Musical Fidelity V3 power supply, owner's of the Little Pinkie claim it to be an even better sounding solution, right out of the box.

My Little Pinkie arrived earlier today and has been in use for about 5 hours now. I've never listened to my Musical Fidelity X-10v3 Tube Buffer with anything but the original "wall wort" power supply (I almost aptly typoed "poser supply"), and it sounded excellent, but I've got to share that this thing takes the Musical Fidelity Tube Buffer to a whole new level.

This Musical Fidelity versus Yaqin shootout is about to get very interesting.

I'll reserve final comment until I've let the Little Pinkie simmer for a few days and do the formal listening, but the Yaqin that had been the better sounding of the two may be in trouble now.

I wish I was able to attend the upcoming PolkFest as this is one of those things you can demonstrate in a heartbeat.

[Dawgfish]

Thanks for the update. I'll be intersted to here the comparison. Just a quick question, can the "little pinky" be used on the Yaqin also? If so I might want to check it out (for my Grant B-283, made by Yaqin). Also it wouild be good to use on both of the units (if possible) just so you have an apples to apples comparison.

[ben62670]

Does the little pinky plug in where the wall wort plugs in? What is the voltage on the wal wort for the MF, and the little pinky?

[inspiredsports]

The Musical Fidelity buffer has a 3-pin female DIN connection to receive 24volt AC power from an external power source where the Yaquin has a 110V female IEC connector to power it's internal power supply. The Little Pinkie would not work with the Yaqin.

There is the opinion expressed in some forums that if you solder in a 33uF/400V electrolytic cap between the hot (+) and the ground wires within the CD-1, it will yield tighter bass and bottom end and accuracy and improve overall musicality. I will be experimenting with adding this cap to my Yaqin in the near future.

[inspiredsports]

Does the little pinky plug in where the wall wort plugs in? What is the voltage on the wal wort for the MF, and the little pinky?

The Musical Fidelity wall wort is 24 Volts AC, 500mA and the Little Pinkie is 30 Volts AC, 2500mA. I guess voltage regulation happens inside of the Musical Fidelity buffer. Both power supplies have a cord ending with a male 3-pin DIN connection that mates with the Musical Fidelity buffer's female 3-pin DIN receptacle.

[heiney9]

I'm curious how you came to substituite a 6922 for 6N1? I have a Dared MP5 integrated hybrid amp that uses (2) 6N1's for the input buffer. I was told that anything in the 6DJ8 family (which the 6922 is) could most likely do damage to the tranny or internal parts so I've avoided using those. Russians make a superb 6N1P-EV and 6AQ8/ECC85 can be subbed as well. I have several early 60's era 6AQ8/ECC85 from Heerlen, Blackburn, West Germany (Siemens) as well as Telefunken's that are simply amazing sounding tubes.

In the future you may want to try and hunt one of these down and try them(6AQ8/ECC85). Did the manufacturer suggest the 6922? I'm half tempted to try a 6DJ8 variant for ****s and grins.

H9

[inspiredsports]

Yaqin prints this near the tube socket on every model CD-1 they produce

V V V V V V

[inspiredsports]

I'm curious how you came to substituite a 6922 for 6N1? I have a Dared MP5 integrated hybrid amp that uses (2) 6N1's for the input buffer. I was told that anything in the 6DJ8 family (which the 6922 is) could most likely do damage to the tranny or internal parts so I've avoided using those. Russians make a superb 6N1P-EV and 6AQ8/ECC85 can be subbed as well. I have several early 60's era 6AQ8/ECC85 from Heerlen, Blackburn, West Germany (Siemens) as well as Telefunken's that are simply amazing sounding tubes.

In the future you may want to try and hunt one of these down and try them(6AQ8/ECC85). Did the manufacturer suggest the 6922? I'm half tempted to try a 6DJ8 variant for ****s and grins.

H9

I'd done hours of research and read the JAN Phillips 6922 Green Label was really inexpensive for what you get (and in the 6DJ8/6922/ECC88 family) so I thought I'd give it a try. It's been great so far, and I did plug in the Chinese 6N1 provided for about 5 hours. This particular 6N1 really sounds inferior, although I guess I should give it a few days to be totally fair.

I sure hope this class of tube doesn't cause a catastrophic shower of sparks because I just ordered a NOS Bugle Boy Amperex Holland 6DJ8/6922/E88CC to try out next.

I've heard great things about Dared, but don't know enough about how power supplies and tubes relate to one another. It sure seems there are a lot of high-line 6DJ8/6922/ECC88 options out there to make it worth researching.

[heiney9]

I have yet to hear a Chinese tube that sounds any good even compared to an el cheapo Russian/American/European variant. All Chinese tubes supplied as OEM with these types of units sound really inferior.

I don;t know enough either about the design of the Dared MP5 I have heard it's a very robust unit and some have been experimenting with 6DJ8 family of tubes. The "American" version of the MP5 strangely enough will allow for 6DJ8 family tube rolling.

I also have a Dared Sl2000A pre-amp with the Auricap upgrade. It is a simply stunning sounding tubed pre-amp. It takes (2) 12AT7/ECC81 along with a 5Z4 rectifier tube. I have been using all kinds of 12AT7 variants as well as a 5V4 and 5Y3 rectifier. The differences in tubes and rectifiers is fun to mess around with.

In the Sl2000A I've used

12AT7
ECC81
E81CC
5965
6414
7062
6201
6211
6829
7728
E180CC

From every possible manufacturing site. Germany, West Germany, Blackburn, Heerlen, Hamburg, France, Holland.

It's been great fun and I'm starting to narrow down my favorites, although I have a bunch of excess tubes to sell.

Sounds like you're having fun as well.

H9

[inspiredsports]

. . . sounds ike you're having fun as well.

H9

It's true! (and it guys like you into tubing that did this to me :D)

This morning is a classic example. I'm self-employed and work from home so I can shift my schedule, but I got into my home office at 7:30 this morning to catch up on some paperwork.

That was more than 3 hours ago and all I have done is listen to music and fart around on the Internet and here at Club Polk. :)

[inspiredsports]

And now the plot thickens once again. I just received and installed a NOS Bugle Boy Amperex (Holland) 6DJ8/E88CC in the Yaqin. I paid just a tiny fraction of what this sometimes $120 tube goes for in a no reserve auction when no one else bid!

This tube is pure heaven. I always KNOW when I've found gold when my wife peeks over my shoulder and says, "Is something new? That sounds good". Then she whispers stuff I'm not gonna share :D

BINGO!


###################

This soundstage is BESIDE ME, and I'm fourteen friggen feet back from the front of the speakers! You'll have to excuse me, but I'm having a hallucinogenic moment. My SDA's have NEVER done this before!:):):):):):):)

[Jetmaker737]

Hi, I've been lurking in this thread. It's a really interesting idea, these tube buffers. But does anybody besides me harbor doubts about these cheap Chinese Yaquin things? Is there a history on them to give you confidence?

[inspiredsports]

Hi, I've been lurking in this thread. It's a really interesting idea, these tube buffers. But does anybody besides me harbor doubts about these cheap Chinese Yaquin things? Is there a history on them to give you confidence?

Great question, and that is PRECISELY why I'm critiquing the Yaqin side by side against the benchmark Musical Fidelity X-10v3 with a proven track record.

I read one specific passage (albeit on the Internet where you can't be certain) that stated, "The Yaqin's power supply is the same as is used by at least one tube preamp manufacturer in a preamp that sells for over $2000."

So far the Yaqin's performance has been stellar.

[inspiredsports]

Forgot to write it above; Welcome Aboard Jetmaker737! :)

[Jetmaker737]

Forgot to write it above; Welcome Aboard Jetmaker737! :)

Thanks for blazing the trail, man!

[DaveMuell]

Great question, and that is PRECISELY why I'm critiquing the Yaqin side by side against the benchmark Musical Fidelity X-10v3 with a proven track record.

I read one specific passage (albeit on the Internet where you can't be certain) that stated, "The Yaqin's power supply is the same as is used by at least one tube preamp manufacturer in a preamp that sells for over $2000."

So far the Yaqin's performance has been stellar.

I've had a Yaqin for several years now (thanks RuSsMaN) and it has been solid. Once this review is complete, I think I will try some tubes that might kick it up a notch from the GE's that I am using now. The GE's were a step up from the stock tubes.

[heiney9]

Hi, I've been lurking in this thread. It's a really interesting idea, these tube buffers. But does anybody besides me harbor doubts about these cheap Chinese Yaquin things? Is there a history on them to give you confidence?

The thing with Chinese tube gear is really have to look at the parts selection and circuit design as well as what tubes they decided to use. There are some stunning sleepers that come from China. Always.....always replace the Chinese OEM tubes with something much better.

I have (2) Dared pieces an integrated tube/hybrid amp and pre-amp. The build quality and parts used are top notch, add the proper tubes and it will blow you away. I am amazed at how good the pre-amp sounds. (Sl2000A)

They use Nichicon caps, Allen Brady resistors and very expensive well regarded Auricaps for coupling caps. A very strong transformer and with the right vintage rectifier tube (1950's Sylvania black plate) and 12AT7/ECC81 tubes (I prefer 60's telefunken or 50's Valvo) this things sounds fantastic.

But.............not all Chinese gear is like that there are some real clunkers out there. I've read mixed reviews on the Yaqin both very positive and just average.

H9

[Jetmaker737]

The Musical FidelityX-10 is rated at <.004% THD 10 Hz - 20 kHz. The Yaqin is rated < .15% at 1 kHz. Is this a concern? And is there an advantage/disadvantage to the two-tube Yaqin CD2?

[Keiko]

I bought a Yaqin CD2 Jet and I'm pleased with it. I have Mullard M8100 pentodes in mine. I liked it enough to take it further and bought the Dared SL-2000A H9 mentions above. The Dared is one kicka55 preamp! :cool:

You may find some useful info here in this thread on tube buffers also.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88133

[ben62670]

I am confused. You linked back to the same thread?

[Keiko]

I am confused. You linked back to the same thread?

Sh*t! :p Must be the Vicoden. You're right Ben, my error. I apologize for the confusion. :o

[inspiredsports]

Resetting the stage:

Here's the test platform for as near a perfect A/B test between the Yaqin CD-1 Tube Buffer and Musical Fideity X-10v3 Tube Buffer as I could design with the equipment I own.

Symmetrical 20' X 26' Finished basement with padded carpet over concrete floor and 8' height ceiling with 2'X4' insulated drop ceiling panels.

20' painted block wall behind speakers. Insulated stud wall with wood paneling on other 3 walls. Typical furnishings with mix of leather sofa/chairs and wood tables, entertainment center, shelving placed approximately equally from center-line of speakers.

Speaker backs are 7" from rear wall. Speaker sides are 3' from paneled side walls. Speakers are 21" wide leaving 10'-6" between inside edges of speakers. This puts speaker center-lines approximately 12'-6" apart.

Listening position is dead center and 12'-6" back from front plane of speakers.

--- All components powered by APC H10 Blk
--- 5' Groneberg Quatro Reference Power Cable from ABC to wall outlet. Wall standard duplex outlet is 10' run of Romex from dedicated 20A breaker in adjacent breaker box.

--- Modded Polk SDA SRS "2.1 TL's" with Cardas Binding Posts
--- 10' MIT Shotgun S2 Speaker Interface Cables (bananas all ends) to pre-amp
--- NAD 1700 Pre-amp (Rebuilt Caps, Power Section, Cardas Binding Posts)
--- 2M MIT Shotgun S2's with Adjustable Impedance Boxes with Locking RCA's from pre-amp to Power Amp
--- NAD 2600A Power Amp (Rebuilt Caps, Power Section and Cardas Binding Posts)

--- Pre-amp "CD" input from CDP1
--- Pre-amp "Aux" input from CDP2
--- CD Players both similar vintage 1992 and serial numbers within a couple thousand of one another.

CDP1 --- NAD 5425 --- standard 110V power cord to APC H10
--- 2M MIT Shotgun S2's with Adjustable Impedance Boxes with Locking RCA's from CDP1 to tube buffer
--- Musical Fidelity X-10v3 Tube Buffer with 2M MIT Shotgun S2's with Adjustable Impedance Boxes with Locking RCA's to pre-amp
--- Musical Fidelity female DIN power reseptacle connected to "Little Pinkie" 30VAC 2500mA custom power supply
--- Little Pinkie connected to APC H10 with 5' Shunyata Diamondback Platinum Power Cable

CDP2 --- NAD 5425 --- standard 110V power cord to APC H10
--- 2M MIT Shotgun S2's with Adjustable Impedance Boxes with Locking RCA's from CDP1 to tube buffer
--- Yaqin CD-1 Tube Buffer with 2M MIT Shotgun S2's with Adjustable Impedance Boxes with Locking RCA's to pre-amp
--- Yaqin CD-1 previously tested with NOS JAN Phillips 6922 Green Label and NOS Amperex (Holland) 6922 and Amperex won and will be used.
--- Yaqin CD-1 connected to APC H10 with 5' Shunyata Diamondback Platinum Power Cable

All components and connecting wires have been connected and energized long enough that I deem any synergies possible have been established.

I've found this to be an exceptionally good test bed where I can make component substitutions and immediately hear the results.

I have a few duplicate CD's that can be placed in the CD players.
The CD players are remote control, and both will work from a single remote
Pressing "Play" starts both CD players within a few milliseconds or one another, and remarkably, they are still with a fraction of a second at the end of the last tracks on the CD's
The NAD pre-amp is remote control and switch from "CD" input to "Aux" input is quiet and nearly instantaneous.
I have pre-listened to both CD players, swapping them to both pre-amp inputs, and to my ear their respective sound qualities are indistinguishable from one another.

Duplicate CD's I own in no specific order that I used for testing
Paul Simon; Graceland
Genesis; We Can't Dance
Pink Floyd; The Dark Side Of The Moon
Eric Clapton; Timepiece: The Best Of Eric Clapton
David Bowie; The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars

################################################## ######################################

RESULTS OF THE LISTENING TESTS USING CD Players

I conducted both long duration and short interval A/B testing (by pressing the "CD" or "Aux" buttons on the NAD remote).

I listened tube buffers OUT OF THE LOOP for 2 DAYS, and then IN THE LOOP FOR 3 DAYS.

Without the tube buffers, the sound is still very good as you would expect from a decently powered and cabled SDA system.

WITH the tube buffers in place and listening to EITHER tube buffer ...
1) The focus of the "phantom" center channel becomes "laser-like" and I literally felt the sense of sound pressure emanating from an 8" high by 20" deep X 24" wide cubbyhole in my entertainment center located at the center-line of the speakers.
2) As in the LP testing, I found the apparent location of the phantom center channel to be 3 to 4 (or even more) feet in front of the plane of the front plane of the speakers.
3) The width of the soundstage is essentially the entire 20' width and most of the 8' height of the back wall.
4) The depth of the soundstage extended from the plane of the speakers to an astonishing 12 feet out the side walls from that front plane of the speakers.
5) The overall sound quality remained very consistent, but voices, snares, instruments, are more extremely focused with what I term more "air around them"

Using an overall scale consisting of 100 points, if I were to assign the Musical Fidelity X-10v3 a "95", I would assign the Yaqin CD-1 an "88" to a "90".

Listening to all of the various types of music I had available, in each case the dimension of the soundstage thrown out by the Musical Fidelity X-10 was slightly larger. And I mean only slightly, but using the A/B ability of the remote control switch from "CD" to "Aux", it was possible to pinpoint even tiny apparent location shifts for any voice or instrument.

The size and focus of the soundstage, however, was so small that it did not account for my 5 out of 100 point difference call. The sound quality of the Musical Fidelity buffer was as best as I can describe it in words, "clearer"/"airier"/"less veiled" by a small margin, but I preferred it. This is one of those incredibly subjective calls, but at this point if I could choose only one, The Musical Fidelity X-10v3 Tube Buffer would stay.

One extremely important observation I made was that the power output LED's on the APC (which are incremented 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%, 120%) ALWAYS stayed on 20% with the Yaqin. On just a few of the most POWERFUL MUSIC PASSAGES, the Musical Fidelity would move the power usage to the 40% LED. I have to believe the Musical Fidelity was able to allow more current to pass to the drivers. The sound volume was not specifically louder, but there was an overall perceived enhanced sound quality.

################################################## ###

Now, as far as cost, this is an incredibly unfair test.

First, lets' be blunt, I'm using TWO $800 each (list price) Interconnect Cables & ONE $250 each (list price) power cable PER buffer to insure their top abilities (or deficiencies) are revealed.

Netting OUT the $1,850 (at retail) cable value, the delivered value of the brand new in box Yaqin ($118) plus the $100+ value Amperex vacuum tube I snagged for $20 off of eBay and the $20 value of a Herbies Ti-9 Tube Damper put the net delivered total value of the Yaqin CD-1 as tested at $158.00 USD.

Netting OUT the $1,850 (at retail) cable value, the delivered value of the vintage Musical Fidelity X-10v3 ($200) plus $219 delivered price of the brand new Little Pinkie Power Supply put the net delivered total value of the Musical Fidelity X-10v3 at $418 USD.

At least three good questions could be asked:

1) Can Greg's subjective ears be trusted to determine the two units are about 5% or so apart?
2) If the answer to Question #1 is "yes"; Would the units compare in the same way if "free" or "almost free" power cables and interconnects were used?
3) If all comparisons remain the same with lesser cabling, is it worth spending $260 more ($418 - $158) to get a 5%-7% increase in sound quality?

IMPORTANT NOTES:
-- The Musical Fidelity's wall wort power brick could probably be sold for $30 USD to reduce the price differential.
-- The Yaqin's ($158) sound quality was BETTER than the Musical Fidelity's at $200 before the upgraded Little Pinkie power supply was added.
-- There is supposedly a power supply improvement that can be made to the Yaqin by soldering a high grade 33uF ($60 for 3 X 11uf 200VDC Sonicap) electrolytic cap from the positve side of the power rail to ground. I will be performing this mod within the next 4-5 weeks and will POST AN UPDATE AS TO A/B SOUND QUALITY IMPRESSIONS.

[inspiredsports]

The Musical FidelityX-10 is rated at <.004% THD 10 Hz - 20 kHz. The Yaqin is rated < .15% at 1 kHz. Is this a concern? And is there an advantage/disadvantage to the two-tube Yaqin CD2?

This noise difference might be what I am picking up in my overall impression of the Yaqin in Post # 64 above as the Yaqin overall sound quality sounds just a bit more "veiled".

I will report again when I complete the Yaqin power upgrade and listen, but If I use Sonicaps, it will take perhaps 150 hours of burn in.

[Keiko]

Whew! Brudduh Greg, you into it good and got it bad. :D Think if I send you my Yaq you could mod it for me? :p jk ;)

[hearingimpared]

Awesome work and very detailed write up Greg. I'm glad the tube buffers made such a dramatic difference in your rig. Much happy listening.

[inspiredsports]

Whew! Brudduh Greg, you into it good and got it bad. :D Think if I send you my Yaq you could mod it for me? :p jk ;)

Hey Mike, I owe you, so, . . . absolutely! :)

(I do want to get the first one under my belt)

I would certainly appreciate it if those with more experience than I could weigh as I am trusting just one post I read that a decent quality 33uf electrolytic is a good choice and if 3 X 11uf 200VDC Sonicaps would work as well as the 33uf/400VDC Epcos he used.

[inspiredsports]

Awesome work and very detailed write up Greg. I'm glad the tube buffers made such a dramatic difference in your rig. Much happy listening.

Joe, the day I snapped up your MF buffer turned out to be one of the best days of my audio related life. As you might have read, the power source is what unlocked its potential.

Now I'm afraid (well actually more like EXCITED :D) that my future will be laden with days of shopping for, the buying of, excitedly waiting for (like Christmas morning), installation of, and tube rolling of many, many pieces of tube pre-amps and ultimately amps.

[Keiko]

Nah...I owe you man for lettin' me slide it on with them MITs. ;)

I'm actually good with my Yaq stock. Most of my investment is into the Dared now. Last week I rolled the sweetest tubes into it yet. Amperex E180CC's from this thread.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1157421#post1157421

These tubes are off the hook, best sounding ever, so far. :cool:

[inspiredsports]

The Musical FidelityX-10 is rated at <.004% THD 10 Hz - 20 kHz. The Yaqin is rated < .15% at 1 kHz. Is this a concern? And is there an advantage/disadvantage to the two-tube Yaqin CD2?

I missed your CD-2 question when I answered the distortion question.

Keiko's had great results with his 2 tube unit. It uses a pair of a different tube model where the price of pairs are about on par with the price of singles that the CD-1 uses.

I'm new at this, but from what I've seen, I perceive there are more of the 2-tube pairs out there so you probably get a better selection of great tube pairs.

On the other hand, the sound quality of many 6922/6DJ8/ECC88's that the single tube CD-1 uses seem to be highly prized, and priced accordingly.

[Jetmaker737]

Awesome test and write-up Inspired! You've really laid out the pros/cons of the MF and Yaqin.

This thread introduced me to the existence of tube buffers right when I was shopping for a pre-amp and considering a tube pre. But I stumbled onto a good deal on a Parasound 2100 and couldn't pass it up. Now I'm really leaning towards a buffer to try out the tube sound in my system... appreciate all this great info!

[Jetmaker737]

FYI... Decided to go with the Yaqin for now and picked this up on the Gon... should be fun!

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1258579706&/Yaqin-CD2-Tube-Buffer-w/extras

Can anyone comment on the included tubes? (Mullard CV4010, Sylvania 6AK5, RCA Command 5654)

[inspiredsports]

FYI... Decided to go with the Yaqin for now and picked this up on the Gon... should be fun!

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1258579706&/Yaqin-CD2-Tube-Buffer-w/extras

Can anyone comment on the included tubes? (Mullard CV4010, Sylvania 6AK5, RCA Command 5654)

Someone else will know those specific tubes better, but that is a very good score with 3 extra pairs of tubes included for that price.

[heiney9]

The RCA Commands should be fantastic. They are in other variants.

[GV#27]

The RCA Commands should be fantastic. Your Mosfet's are going to be getting jealous.:D

[GV#27]

I am trusting just one post I read that a decent quality 33uf electrolytic is a good choice and if 3 X 11uf 200VDC Sonicaps would work as well as the 33uf/400VDC Epcos he used.IMO SoniCaps are overkill for use in what appears to be the PS filtering section.They will certainly work (assuming you can find room for them in the chassis)but would likely prove to be more benificial and cost effective if used for input/output coupling.

[inspiredsports]

IMO SoniCaps are overkill for use in what appears to be the PS filtering section.They will certainly work (assuming you can find room for them in the chassis)but would likely prove to be more beneficial and cost effective if used for input/output coupling.

Yep. I just today was able to get in touch with the guy who pioneered that tweak.

He ended up:
--- removing the electrolytic cap he installed tor PS filtering
--- bypassing the existing electrolytic caps with high grade polypropylene caps
--- replacing all of the existing polypropylene caps with a better grade poly caps

I don't have the cap values from him yet, but he said it made the 2 tube CD-2 he is using dramatically better.

[GV#27]

.

He ended up:
--- removing the electrolytic cap he installed tor PS filtering
--- bypassing the existing electrolytic caps with high grade polypropylene caps
--- replacing all of the existing polypropylene caps with a better grade poly capsYeah thats a more sensible approach to modding it.


I don't have the cap values from him yet, but he said it made the 2 tube CD-2 he is using dramatically better.You should be able to read the values printed on the body of the caps(the yellow ones in the pic).Those appear to be the coupling caps thus the ones you will want to replace with premium poly's.

[inspiredsports]

Yeah thats a more sensible approach to modding it.

You should be able to read the values printed on the body of the caps(the yellow ones in the pic).Those appear to be the coupling caps thus the ones you will want to replace with premium poly's.

The image above is the 2-tube CD-2 version.

My single tube CD-1 image is similar and below. I've been unable to get a schematic for it and the markings on the blue caps are not visible without de-soldering and removing for inspection so I'm trying to get the details from someone who had already done it.

I don't really want mine de-soldered and out of commission while I order and wait for parts.

[polkanddie]

Dawg...Just a heads-up. The GF B283 is a Yaqin, it's just been re-badged. I'm sure your's will be shipped with the crappy Chinese 6J1 tubes. I've only rolled a couple with mine. Some Raytheon 6AK5W's and some Mullard M8100's. I had read the M8100 is one of the best sounding tubes for this buffer. I can highly recommend them, but they are a little difficult to find. The 6AK5, 5654 and CV4010 (NOS Sylvania Gold Brand, Raytheon, Mullard and Amperex) are good variants for this from what I've researched. Here's a link to an ebay seller where I got my Raytheons from. Not as good as the Mullard's, but a nice sounding tube nonetheless.

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-OF-MATCHED-JAN-6AK5W-TUBES_W0QQitemZ160117790359QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item2547c39697&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Have fun! :)

I just bought the same b283 today, But my tubes say rk-d-sda. The guy told me they were british made and were much better than the 6j1's that came with it? should I just get different ones?

I love mine to death. it just brings my stereo to life.

[inspiredsports]

. . . my tubes say rk-d-sda . . .

Wow, "SDA" tubes! I wonder if Matt Polk designed them :D

You probably should give them a good listen, but trust Keiko's replacement list if you are interested in tube rolling.

[polkanddie]

Haha, yea Idk, That would be kindof cool. Im really looking into getting one for my center now. I was thinking of the yaqin cd2. saw one on ebay for $55. I shall be rollin soon.

[Dawgfish]

I just bought the same b283 today, But my tubes say rk-d-sda. The guy told me they were british made and were much better than the 6j1's that came with it? should I just get different ones?

I love mine to death. it just brings my stereo to life.

I would give them a listen like inspired sports has suggested. I am not familiar with the rk-d-sda tubes. I can say the Mullard 8100 sound great on this though. The stock 6J1s don't sound bad either. I'm still breaking in the 8100s, so I'll give a review when I'm done with the break-in process. So far so good though.

[reeltrouble1]

This is a very nice review, as known.................

Tubes Rule. Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate how a tube buffer can add to the enjoyment of a system.

RT1

[inspiredsports]

Thanks. Before trying for myself, I simply never would have believed the addition of one or two little tubes could make such an improvement in the overall listening experience. It's been enjoyable and I still have a couple of other listening ideas.

For one, I want to place the buffers between a turntable and the "phono in" on my preamp.

I've been holding off as I have some new power cables and a duplex outlet that need to season for a few more days before listening critically again.

[inspiredsports]

I've already done a lot of experimenting, but as still a relative newb to tube gear, I don't know much about placement and isolation.

My buffers are currently stacked on top of a CD player that sits on a very solid table on a carpeted below grade concrete floor between the speakers.

The Musical Fidelity tubes have no additional damping, and the single 6922 in the Yaquin sports a Herbie's damper that I have found to keep everything tighter at higher sound pressure levels (90 or more db at the center of the 22'W X 24'D X 8'H space).

My next acquisition is going to be VTI or similar rack that I can fill with lead shot, but I'm still curious if members have experimented with tips/ tricks/ placement of tube gear to minimize sonic disturbances.

[Jetmaker737]

A report on my experiences so far. Be warned... I'm a newb! My config is an Onkyo 805 as pre into an emo RPA-2 then into my Lsi-15's. This is the only config I've had since I've only been at this hobby for about a year. I added the Yaqin with the RCA Commands between my source, an Oppo 980H, and my Oinker.

With the 805 I had what was to me a pretty decent sound stage with instruments clearly separated and vocals fairly tightly centered. What I noticed after adding the Yaqin was that my old soundstage was flat and at the plane of the speakers, and now it was much more 3 dimensional with the vocals almost in my face.

However, I also noticed that the instrument locations, while remaining pretty much the same location, maybe more widely spaced, occupy a bigger area. I'm not sure yet if this is a good or bad thing. Need to listen to it for awhile.

On the plus side definitely is the more liquid mids and highs I get with the Yaqin. Smoother and richer as you tube guys have noted. So far I'm really happy with the Yaqin and look forward to rolling in some of the other tubes I got. Thanks Inspired for starting this thread and doing such a great review!

[reeltrouble1]

Inspired,

I personally do not think stacking the buffers on a transport is necessarily the best idea. It is spinning and vibrating and so on, the MF will benefit from some isolation, vibrapods or what have you, just depends on how much you want to spend and available rack space.

RT1

[inspiredsports]

Inspired,

I personally do not think stacking the buffers on a transport is necessarily the best idea. It is spinning and vibrating and so on, the MF will benefit from some isolation, vibrapods or what have you, just depends on how much you want to spend and available rack space.

RT1

Thanks! I think you are absolutely right and I'm going to figure out a way to better isolate the buffers.

I do use those 2" x 2" x 3/4" rubber/cork/rubber laminated pads between components whenever I stack them, but I doubt if they are 100% effective.

The thing I most wonder about is if sound waves don't come into play when listening at higher volumes. I'm curious where the best location for tubes in relation to the speakers might be.

[reeltrouble1]

many have had success in moving the rack to a wall perpendicular to the front speakers past the first reflection point, the SPL does effect the rack, the gear, you, your walls on to infinity, its just pretty much what you like, what you can do with the room and then trial and error.

those pads you using are pretty good I gave some to a member who's player was skipping at volume and they fixed things just fine, there is a whole special cooridor in the Rabbit Hole for isolation products, those pads you have and an audio rack are a good start then just knock yourself with everything else available, lots of guys here use dynamat inside the components to dampen vibration.

RT1

[inspiredsports]

I'm going to take your hint and study up on the perpendicular wall location. By sheer coincidence I'm doing that with one of my turntables as there just happened to be some heavy iron brackets cemented right into the brick basement wall when we moved here. They lent themselves to the building of a very sturdy shelf.

I think ultimately the majority of my gear will have to go between the speakers. The last tweak to complete my first cycle of upgrades will be a VTI (or similar) rack filled with lead shot. (I've already negotiated with my wife for that to be what she and the kids will be giving me at Christmas, and I may even be allowed to order for good before behavior before then :) )

[hearingimpared]

I've already done a lot of experimenting, but as still a relative newb to tube gear, I don't know much about placement and isolation.

My buffers are currently stacked on top of a CD player that sits on a very solid table on a carpeted below grade concrete floor between the speakers.

The Musical Fidelity tubes have no additional damping, and the single 6922 in the Yaquin sports a Herbie's damper that I have found to keep everything tighter at higher sound pressure levels (90 or more db at the center of the 22'W X 24'D X 8'H space).

My next acquisition is going to be VTI or similar rack that I can fill with lead shot, but I'm still curious if members have experimented with tips/ tricks/ placement of tube gear to minimize sonic disturbances.

Greg, I gave you four Isol-Pads to put under the MF tube buffer for isolation.

[inspiredsports]

Greg, I gave you four Isol-Pads to put under the MF tube buffer for isolation.


Absolutely! I don't remember where I found the source online, but I had 24 of them here before the 4 you sent arrived, and I use then on any component with moving parts or tubes inside :).

I'm not having any problems, just over-thinking it like I do everything else to make sure I've come up with the best solution I can afford with the parts on hand.

[inspiredsports]

I've upped the ante with a mod to the power supply of the Yaqin CD1 Tube Buffer after finding a thread at http://www.sound-thinking.org/index.php?showtopic=4002&st=60&#entry65864

The mod called for the addition of two bypass caps, and I chose to use Mundorf 800 VDC Dielectric Polypropylene 0.1UF M-Cap Supreme's.

I've got to say that after just a couple of CD sides I'm blown away by the improvement :), but will reserve a full critique until I get about 100 hours of use on the unit.

Updating the total Yaqin package price as currently outfitted, here's where we are:
--- Yaqin CD1 Tube Buffer @ $117.00 USD delivered
--- Upgrade: 2 Each 0.1uf 800VDC Mundorf M-Cap Supreme Dielectric Polypropylene Capacitors @ $30.30 USD delivered
--- NOS Amperex Holland 6DJ8/ECC88 Vacuum Tube @ $15.98 USD delivered (yes, I stole this $100+ tube)
--- Herbies Audio UltraSonic 9 Tube Damper @ $20.28 USD delivered
--- 5' 15A Shunyata Diamondback Platinum Power Cord @ $118.50 USD delivered (1/2 price musicdirect.com summer sale)
TOTAL: $302.06 USD delivered

The sound for this investment amount is absolutely stellar, and sure to improve as the mod burns in . . . more later. --- gw

[kcoc321]

What is a decent $$ for a Musical FidelityX-10v3, used?
(sorry I dont know what tubes)

[inspiredsports]

What is a decent $$ for a Musical Fidelity X-10v3, used? (sorry I dont know what tubes)

I've been watching these constantly on eBay since purchasing mine and they always seem to settle in the $190-$210 USD range delivered anywhere in the US. Just search eBay for "Musical Fidelity" and you will generally find a couple for sale at any given time.

Also, a concern was that the tubes used in the X-10v3 were in short supply in the rare event the originals failed. I've just just found "tubetoons" on eBay who has NOS JAN Phillips 6112 tubes (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120469491964&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT) for under $20 per pair delivered. You can't "roll" the tubes in the X-10v3 in the conventional sense as they are soldered in.

[kcoc321]

I've been watching these constantly on eBay since purchasing mine and they always seem to settle in the $190-$210 USD range delivered anywhere in the US. Just search eBay for "Musical Fidelity" and you will generally find a couple for sale at any given time.

Also, a concern was that the tubes used in the X-10v3 were in short supply in the rare event the originals failed. I've just just found "tubetoons" on eBay who has NOS JAN Phillips 6112 tubes (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120469491964&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT) for under $20 per pair delivered. You can't "roll" the tubes in the X-10v3 in the conventional sense as they are soldered in.

Thanks...I have a local here selling one for $150...we'll see if he calls me back...:)

[Conradicles]

Thank you Greg for your work on this thread. Just read most of it because I purchased a Yaqin from Notasuv that will arrive soon. Hope my small journey into tubes will be as rewarding as yours. Again, thanks!
Eric.

[inspiredsports]

My sickness increases.

I've just sent the Musical Fidelity X-10v3 off to Rock Grotto in Scotland (the inventor/manufacturer of the Little Pinkie Power Supply Unit) where a new set of NOS 6112 tubes that I picked up will be installed, and where the owner will perform the ultimate X10 upgrade by installing . . .

http://www.rock-grotto.co.uk/x10v3mods.htm

That will bring the X10 up to the ultimate state of it's existence.

Moving along, I just purchased my first full tube preamplifier, the old standby Dynaco PAS-3 that uses 4 12AX7's for $160 delivered. The unit has a strong matched quad of Telefunkens and the sound is amazingly good for an all stock component that is pushing 70 years old!

I figured this component was a good starting point to test my improving soldering skills before moving on to a "real" tube preamp, although some have called it a "giant killer" and I can see (hear :)) why.

I'm currently using the Yaqin between my CD player and the Dynaco PAS-3 where it still adds a nice enhancement even over and above the sweetness of the tube preamp.

I have been studying McIntosh tubed preamps and have a my eyes on the C-20 and C-22 models when funds allow. I'm also tempted by the more affordable Conrad Johnson CJ PV-7. I love the sound of 12AX7 tubes and have a matched quad of Mullard Blackburn's on the way that will work in any of these 4 preamps no matter what I land upon. :D

[Jetmaker737]

Yikes dude... you are sick! Where are you gonna stick the MF when it comes back?

I had a Yaqin in line with my CDP (thanks to this thread) and loved it! I loved it so much I picked up a Jolida JD-100 CDP which uses 12AX7's. I threw some Sovtek LPS's in there and it's awesome. I sold the yaqin on A-gon. It also went with some Mullards as well as some RCA commands.

Contradicles - If your experience is like mine you'll find more bang for your Yaqin buck by putting it in line with your CDP as opposed to your Pre and amp.

[inspiredsports]

Thank you Greg for your work on this thread. Just read most of it because I purchased a Yaqin from Notasuv that will arrive soon. Hope my small journey into tubes will be as rewarding as yours. Again, thanks!
Eric.

That was a great deal with the upgraded tubes!

[Keiko]

And I thought I had caught the bug bad. :D

[inspiredsports]

Yikes dude... you are sick! Where are you gonna stick the MF when it comes back?

I had a Yaqin in line with my CDP (thanks to this thread) and loved it! I loved it so much I picked up a Jolida JD-100 CDP which uses 12AX7's. I threw some Sovtek LPS's in there and it's awesome. I sold the yaqin on A-gon. It also went with some Mullards as well as some RCA commands.

Contradicles - If your experience is like mine you'll find more bang for your Yaqin buck by putting it in line with your CDP as opposed to your Pre and amp.

I have 2 complete rigs in my listening room so it will be incorporated in one or the other as follows:

My opinion so far with the components I own is that in an all solid state rig, it sounds best to place the tube buffer between the preamp and amplifier. With a tube preamp, I still like the buffer between the CD player and preamp.

[inspiredsports]

And I thought I had caught the bug bad. :D

I may have found the cure . . . .

Becky just found a listing (with pricing) of the components I'm following online and she told me she will K!LL me if I drop 2K on a preamp.

Dead me = sickness cured :D




P.S.: I didn't tell her I'm also watching the McIntosh MC-2000 Tube amp.

[hearingimpared]

My sickness increases.

I've just sent the Musical Fidelity X-10v3 off to Rock Grotto in Scotland (the inventor/manufacturer of the Little Pinkie Power Supply Unit) where a new set of NOS 6112 tubes that I picked up will be installed, and where the owner will perform the ultimate X10 upgrade by installing . . .

http://www.rock-grotto.co.uk/x10v3mods.htm

That will bring the X10 up to the ultimate state of it's existence.

Moving along, I just purchased my first full tube preamplifier, the old standby Dynaco PAS-3 that uses 4 12AX7's for $160 delivered. The unit has a strong matched quad of Telefunkens and the sound is amazingly good for an all stock component that is pushing 70 years old!

I figured this component was a good starting point to test my improving soldering skills before moving on to a "real" tube preamp, although some have called it a "giant killer" and I can see (hear :)) why.

I'm currently using the Yaqin between my CD player and the Dynaco PAS-3 where it still adds a nice enhancement even over and above the sweetness of the tube preamp.

I have been studying McIntosh tubed preamps and have a my eyes on the C-20 and C-22 models when funds allow. I'm also tempted by the more affordable Conrad Johnson CJ PV-7. I love the sound of 12AX7 tubes and have a matched quad of Mullard Blackburn's on the way that will work in any of these 4 preamps no matter what I land upon. :D

Hahaha, I've passed the neurosis onto a fellow Polkie. I think I did it to Keiko too. Muhoohaaaaaa!

Great stuff Bro!

[heiney9]

My sickness increases.

I've just sent the Musical Fidelity X-10v3 off to Rock Grotto in Scotland (the inventor/manufacturer of the Little Pinkie Power Supply Unit) where a new set of NOS 6112 tubes that I picked up will be installed, and where the owner will perform the ultimate X10 upgrade by installing . . .

http://www.rock-grotto.co.uk/x10v3mods.htm

That will bring the X10 up to the ultimate state of it's existence.

Moving along, I just purchased my first full tube preamplifier, the old standby Dynaco PAS-3 that uses 4 12AX7's for $160 delivered. The unit has a strong matched quad of Telefunkens and the sound is amazingly good for an all stock component that is pushing 70 years old!

I figured this component was a good starting point to test my improving soldering skills before moving on to a "real" tube preamp, although some have called it a "giant killer" and I can see (hear :)) why.

I'm currently using the Yaqin between my CD player and the Dynaco PAS-3 where it still adds a nice enhancement even over and above the sweetness of the tube preamp.

I have been studying McIntosh tubed preamps and have a my eyes on the C-20 and C-22 models when funds allow. I'm also tempted by the more affordable Conrad Johnson CJ PV-7. I love the sound of 12AX7 tubes and have a matched quad of Mullard Blackburn's on the way that will work in any of these 4 preamps no matter what I land upon. :D

Telefunken's are outstanding tubes.............one of my favorites and I prefer them personally over Mullards.

[concealer404]

Well, because of this thread, my Yaqin CD-2 is pending customs right now. ;)

[inspiredsports]

Joe, you are a menace, a menace I tell you !!!!! :D

I have it bad. I can't wait until the improved X10 returns after the holidays.

I've gotta say, I have not even gotten to vinyl (which I play 90% of the time) since I put this old-school Dynaco preamp into the system. I know you sold me the X10 after going tube pre or amp, but I have the Yaqin in front of the Dynaco and it sounds awesome.

The sound simply comes at me, grabs me, and PULLS ME IN . . . It's almost frightening how good it is. I've never done LSD, but I've gotta think it's something like this. I wonder what will happen when I get a really world class tube pre :D.

Back to the original point of this post, I do think my Yaqin CD-1 has been one of the best-bang-for-the-buck components I've ever scored. I'm guessing the rebuilt X10 will outshine it when it's all said and done, but I will have about 6-X as much money into it

[hearingimpared]

My sickness increases.

I've just sent the Musical Fidelity X-10v3 off to Rock Grotto in Scotland (the inventor/manufacturer of the Little Pinkie Power Supply Unit) where a new set of NOS 6112 tubes that I picked up will be installed, and where the owner will perform the ultimate X10 upgrade by installing . . .

http://www.rock-grotto.co.uk/x10v3mods.htm

That will bring the X10 up to the ultimate state of it's existence.



After you get the MF back I would like you to return it to me!:D I'll even pay you $10 more than you paid plus shipping!!!:D

Good luck you sick bastage.:eek:

[inspiredsports]

After you get the MF back I would like you to return it to me!:D I'll even pay you $10 more than you paid plus shipping!!!:D

Good luck you sick bastage.:eek:

For anyone else, No!

But Joe, for you I just might :D

[hearingimpared]

No but thanks for the gracious offer. I just joined the 12 step program AA (audiophools anonymous).;):D

[Keiko]

Hahaha, I've passed the neurosis onto a fellow Polkie. I think I did it to Keiko too. Muhoohaaaaaa!

Great stuff Bro!

You did, you A-hole! :mad: :p

Thanks to you and H9, I have a tube buffer and a tubed preamp. The VPI 16.5 RCM is on it's way as of today. Oh boy! Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!! :D

[hearingimpared]

You did, you A-hole! :mad: :p

Thanks to you and H9, I have a tube buffer and a tubed preamp. The VPI 16.5 RCM is on it's way as of today. Oh boy! Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!! :D

Just don't shart yourself!:D

[inspiredsports]

I just received my Musical Fidelity X-10 v3 tube buffer back from Mike Grierson of Rock Grotto in Northern Scotland.

I won't post photos here as he has huge detailed images in his own forum at http://rockgrotto.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=q&thread=1961&page=12 under "Re: Work in progress - Reply #168 on Dec 30, 2009, 10:09pm

The improvements are night and as would be expected with new tubes and caps, etc. chosen specifically to make this particular component shine at its highest potential. I am also certain it will only get better a these are caps take perhaps 200 hours to form up.

If you have been following my progression, I've just added a Conrad Johnson PV-7 tube pre to my system and one small problem was matching its higher impedance output to my lower impedance recently rebuilt NAD 2600A SS power amp.

The X-10 in between is what was missing, and all I can say at this point in time is that the improvement is simply stellar. Everything about the sound is better. I can't wait to get a week or so down the road to give it a serious critique when everything has seasoned.

[hearingimpared]

I just received my Musical Fidelity X-10 v3 tube buffer back from Mike Grierson of Rock Grotto in Northern Scotland.

I won't post photos here as he has huge detailed images in his own forum at http://rockgrotto.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=q&thread=1961&page=12 under "Re: Work in progress - Reply #168 on Dec 30, 2009, 10:09pm

The improvements are night and as would be expected with new tubes and caps, etc. chosen specifically to make this particular component shine at its highest potential. I am also certain it will only get better a these are caps take perhaps 200 hours to form up.

If you have been following my progression, I've just added a Conrad Johnson PV-7 tube pre to my system and one small problem was matching its higher impedance output to my lower impedance recently rebuilt NAD 2600A SS power amp.

The X-10 in between is what was missing, and all I can say at this point in time is that the improvement is simply stellar. Everything about the sound is better. I can't wait to get a week or so down the road to give it a serious critique when everything has seasoned.

I want it back!:eek:

[inspiredsports]

I want it back!:eek:

3rd day update . . .

In another thread a poster asked what a CJ tube pre sounds like. TroyD answered, " ... you will get a warm, GLORIOUS midrange. Lush, liquid.....the lows will be warm and a bit mushy and the high end will lack air and phenomenal extension."

A week ago I would have agreed 100% with Troy's fine description of bass, mids and highs, but . . . . you know my just tricked out Musical Fidelity X10 v3 tube buffer came back from the modder in Scotland.

Now in addition to that magnificently lush mid-range Troy described, the bass is quick and tight, and the highs are much more extended and detailed, but absolutely not fatiguing.

In my case I believe the CJ to NAD 2600A SS amp impedance match may not have been optimum. Now it is with the tube buffer making an incredible contribution. And it's probably still more than 100 hours from being settled in! :D

[PolkClyde]

## The Setup ##################################################

There has recently been a great deal of interest in tube gear here in Club Polk, and I'm experimenting with tube buffers placed between my Solid State NAD 1700 Preamp and Solid State NAD 2600A Power Amplifer.

Both NAD components were professionally rebuilt (power/caps/etc.) by NAD specialists "In House Stereo Repair" in Setauket, NY in March of 2009. I know I could have gone another direction, but I bought them brand new in 1987, they have sentimental value. These components have served me well.

First, my system is in my home office and I listen constantly (sometimes 60 and never fewer than 40 hours per week).

My desk is dead center in the SDA sweetspot between pairs of sonicap/mortite/dynamat extreme/RDO-198 modded SDA-2B's and SDA SRS 2's with custom made 12 Gauge 9-Strand Silver Coated Copper Wire SDA Interconnect Cables. Room dimensions and acoustics are absolutely ideal and speakers are optimally placed.

All Speaker Cables are 10' MIT Shotgun 2 and all Interconnects are 2 Meter MIT Shotgun 2 (with adjustable impedance matching boxes on input side). I also have 2 pairs of 1 Meter and 1 pair of 2 Meter BW Audio Silver Interconnects that I will experiment with if I feel the need to open up the highs, but don't anticipate using them.

All components above have a minimum of 500 hours of break-in


## The Buffers ##################################################

BUFFER A:
I purchased a very well cared for Musical Fidelity X-10v3 Tube Buffer from Club member that I have been auditioning for about a week now. The improvement provided is simply wonderful. It is in completely stock condition and came with a decent quality wall wort power brick, but not the list price $400 MF X-PSU-V3. I've researched and ordered a "Little Pinkie v3i Power Supply" from its maker in Scotland that is acclaimed to be better than the MF PSU. I will use a 6' Signal Cable MagicPower Cable to power the Little Pinkie.

Total Musical Fidelity system delivered price (Buffer/Upgraded Power Supply/Upgraded Power Cable) = $475USD

BUFFER B:
I received my brand new Yaqin CD-1 Tube Buffer in the mail today. I did not even take the stock 6N1 Chinese tube out of the box and instead inserted a recently acquired NOS JAN Phillips 6922 Green Label that is said to be an excellent match. I also did not take the 110V stock power cord out of the box and used a recently acquired Signal Cable MagicPower 6' Cable.

After break in, and when I'm confident I know its sonic signature, I will solder in a couple of high quality capacitors said to improve its power supply a cost of no more than $50 USD.

Total Yaqin system delivered price (Buffer/Phillips Tube/Upgraded Power Cable) = $200 USD (future caps will make it $250 and I also have plans to introduce a Telefunken 6922 Smooth Plate Diamond that will increase tube budget by $55 USD adder making the comparison grand total $305 USD)

## Initial Comments ##################################################

I've been listening to the Yaqin for about 2 hours now. If I didn't know any better, I could review it with high marks before breaking it in!

This thread will eventually become even more deeply evolved, but with the arrival of the Yaq, I wanted to get a start today. Analog and Digital source components will be described soon.

You guys are blessed by God,to be able to afford these expensive high end gear. I just went on ebay,in search for MIT speaker cables,Interconnect ect....way out of my price range,at the moment,but if I had the money,I would buy all of them,one day I will.

P.S By the way,i do have the Musical Fidelity X-10v3 ,the very well loved denon 2900,the out of sight, Polks 1.2's,Pro 400,two carver mono blocks Silver 7 T,just one pair of MIT Terminater 400....... I'm getting there guys.Can I say Audio Alchemy in here ''DAC" Plus jitter box DTI PRO.

[inspiredsports]

You guys are blessed by God,to be able to afford these expensive high end gear. I just went on ebay,in search for MIT speaker cables,Interconnect ect....way out of my price range,at the moment,but if I had the money,I would buy all of them,one day I will.

P.S By the way,i do have the Musical Fidelity X-10v3 ,the very well loved denon 2900,the out of sight, Polks 1.2's,Pro 400,two carver mono blocks Silver 7 T,just one pair of MIT Terminater 400....... I'm getting there guys.Can I say Audio Alchemy in here ''DAC" Plus jitter box DTI PRO.

Blessed, yes, but I have purchased very little (since 1987) that was new, And if I do buy new, it is always on sale with a coupon. Most has been eBay or CP Classifieds, and my first MIT cables were gifted, sold off, and traded up to S2's so I got a good helping hand.

Also, if I ever see a spot to enter a coupon code on an Internet buy form, I do internet searches for "XX coupon code" where XX = the vendors name, or I email the vendor and ask for a coupon code. You would be surprised how many codes you can get searching or asking. I almost always get an additional 10-15% off in this way.

I bought a special (brand new) 1/2 meter power cable in December that I had been watching for almost a year listed at $180 + shipping. The vendor then was offering free shipping. I emailed and explained I had been watching for a year and wondered if the item itself ever went on sale. The vendor emailed back an $89 PayPal invoice. Yes $89 is crazy for a half meter cable, but a lot better than the normal almost $200 price when shipping was involved.

I also try to avoid "pack ratting" what I don't need by selling here and on eBay, and sometimes even make a small profit that of course gets reinvested in gear. :D

Hang in there and be patient and it will get to where you want it, but don't forget to enjoy it every day along the way. :)


Shoot, I just re-read your post; you've got great gear!

[hearingimpared]

P.S By the way,i do have the Musical Fidelity X-10v3 ,the very well loved denon 2900,the out of sight, Polks 1.2's,Pro 400,two carver mono blocks Silver 7 T,just one pair of MIT Terminater 400....... I'm getting there guys.Can I say Audio Alchemy in here ''DAC" Plus jitter box DTI PRO.

That's the same configuration I was using the MF tube buffer in. However I found it to be overkill in that I have a tube preamp and the 2900 just sounded mushy using the tube buffer ahead of the TriVista.

You've got some nice gear there.