Tube Buffer or Tube CD Player

[Early B.]

I'm considering adding a tube buffer to my Oppo DVD player. I'd like to use the DVD player as a good CD player; otherwise, I'd buy another tube CDP. However, if I can get essentially the same type of sound through a tube buffer on the DVD player, I'd rather go that route.

Anyone ever use a tube buffer? Is it worth it?

Thanks.

[amulford]

Never used one, but I could see the merits. If it (the oppo) does a good job with CD's then I say go for it.

[zombie boy 2000]

Early... not necessarily from personal experience, but from reading on other forums...

A tube buffer (like the one offered by Musical Fidelity) will have more of an impact than a tube CDP. But I'm just the messenger here.

[Emlyn]

If you're only interested in the CD capability, I'd suggest a separate tube CD player. The MF tube buffer works best with its dedicated power supply, and you'd need an additional pair of interconnects, so getting a separate CD player turns out to be cost effective in comparison. If you're interested in using the Oppo as a universal (CD, SACD, DVD-A) two-channel player, I'd suggest the tube buffer. Modified tubed universal players start around $3K and up.

[Early B.]

If you're interested in using the Oppo as a universal (CD, SACD, DVD-A) two-channel player, I'd suggest the tube buffer.

Thanks.

Yeah, this is what I'm trying to do -- use my DVD player as a CD player. Right now the DVD player sounds OK with CDs, but I'd like to get an improved sopund for not a lot of cash or extra components.

[ND13]

Also consider a tube DAC. I know that I like my tube cdp a lot. With that said, I've heard nothing but good things about the MF tube buffer. The cool thing about it, is that it can be put between any of your components, with between the source and pre and between the pre and amp as the most popular places for it.

[Early B.]

Just ordered a MF tube buffer. Will let you know how it sounds.

[halo]

[jm1]

Thanks.

Yeah, this is what I'm trying to do -- use my DVD player as a CD player. Right now the DVD player sounds OK with CDs, but I'd like to get an improved sopund for not a lot of cash or extra components.

I have seen the MF tube buffer in retail locations, but have never heard it in use. How would a tube buffer improve the line level output from the player? Did you consider the addition of an external DAC for your CD sources?

[Early B.]

Did you consider the addition of an external DAC for your CD sources?

Yeah, but since a decent tube DAC and tube CDP cost about the same, I'd go for the CDP. A tube buffer is a lot less expensive and will hopefully give me what I'm looking for.

[ohskigod]

can you put a link to that tube buffer? I aslo have an Oppo and have been quite impressed with it's CD playback quality. not refeence, but surprisingly good. Hooked to my Outlaw in the theater with Nordost interconnects yielded great results for 2 channel listening through the LSi's.

[zombie boy 2000]

I was rather impressed with my Oppo player's CD playback as well....

HDCD is icing on the cake

[pearsall001]

Just ordered a MF tube buffer. Will let you know how it sounds.

I tried the MF tube buffer in line with my OPPO player & NAD receiver. I gave it a good workout for about 3 weeks & to me it really didn't do anything. I wound up sending it back. But your doing the right thing by giving it a shot in your system. You might just love what it does for you. The OPPO now is just for HT duty. And I also agree that the OPPO does do a very good job on CD playback. I've since moved on & added a few more pieces to my 2 channel system. I should be getting my Ultra DAC any day now from AVA. Hopefully that will put an end to my 2 channel quest. Just like you with not buying anymore speakers!!!! LOL By the way they are some fine speakers you picked up Early!! Enjoy!!

[Midnite Mick]

Hopefully that will put an end to my 2 channel quest.

HAHAHAHAHA......good one Phil :D

Mike

[Early B.]

I tried the MF tube buffer in line with my OPPO player & NAD receiver. I gave it a good workout for about 3 weeks & to me it really didn't do anything. I wound up sending it back.

I think I know why the MF tube buffer didn't work very well for you -- the signal is still running through the receiver, so the sonic signature is not going to change dramatically. I'm expecting to get the same results you did.

[W WALDECKER]

I'm considering adding a tube buffer to my Oppo DVD player. I'd like to use the DVD player as a good CD player; otherwise, I'd buy another tube CDP. However, if I can get essentially the same type of sound through a tube buffer on the DVD player, I'd rather go that route.

Anyone ever use a tube buffer? Is it worth it?

Thanks.

I own a Musical Fidelity X-10 v3, i bought it before i had owned any tube preamplifiers to see what tubes would sound like in my audio chain. i tried it both between the cd and the preamplifier and between the SS preamplifier and the power amplifiers. to my ears it sounded better between the preamplifier and power amplifiers but i am sure this is subjective and a matter of preference and it would be totally system dependant. thanks....WCW III :)