Any suggestions on Tube Buffers?

I've been curious about and researching the same thing. I believe from what I've read that the GF M-283 is the same unit, but priced higher than the Yaqin CD2 buffer. You might want to try the CD1 which is the high end version of the CD2. It can be found brand new on ebay for about $125.

Give us the update if you decide to try one out!

Ryan

You should aslo check out the Decware Zbox tube output buffer from Decware.

I saw the 283 on their site for $125. Honestly though, all you are doing is "messing" with an already clean signal. Personally, I'd consider a tube pre instead to get a better taste of tubes. I don't think a buffer will give a real taste. It's simply going to softenwarm up the sound a little.

Save for a pre

I agree with above post. I owned an EE minimax BBA, arguably one of the better buffers out there. Inevitably you will be adding another component to the chain and purposely coloring the signal (or compensate for it, depending on how you want to look at it). In the end, I found the resulting sound was more veiled and bloated in the midrange. Removing the unit was akin to hearing what sounded like a 'purer' signal. If you want to wet your feet the right way, I suggest a reasonably priced tube preamp.

I'll sell you my Musical fidelity 3 for $200 + shipping...

Viridian makes an excellent point! that is the primary reason for a 'buffer' - tubed or otherwise. In fact the BBA I alluded to stood for Buffer Booster Amplifier, and was made specifically for impedance compatibility. a common use for this is between a device of high output impedance to one of low input impedance, like a SS amp. You'll need to know specs to determine if this is the case for you.

The sound benefits in theory are fuller sound and non-rolled off extremes (characteristics of impedance mistmatch) but beyond that, there is an alteration in sound from the unit itself, impedance matching notwithstanding.

I must agree with the growing consensus on this thread. I would save for a tube preamp. I owned a Musical Fidelity X10v3 tube buffer, with the external power supply, and although I liked it for a period of time, I ultimately removed it from the system. It never wowed me like many tube preamps have.

I've been searching a little on Agon and found this thread with some people that have real experience with a buffer. It's all pretty positive.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1202443614&openfrom&1&4#1

I've tried earlier tube buffers and they don't reflect true tube audio.These products just seem to dampen harsh or hard digital characteristics.A true tube preamp will give you a start of what tube audio is.Going with a tube power amp will really put you in tube heaven that tube purist mostly seek.