I am not familiar with tube buffers? Anyone recommend a tube preamp in conjunction with the NAD or just go all tube. I do like the NAD so maybe a separate tube Pre? And any recommendations remembering price is a large concern. Remember I'm new to this and the learning and gradual step ups and knowing why are important to me. Is an integrated DAC w/ phono something I should keep an eye out for in the future? I know I can't compare a recording with a live performance but the emotion I'm talking about is the tones and inflection in many of the artists I've known to record that way, but while my set up seems to be exacting, also seems to be missing much of that. With the tube I'm just afraid I'd just be creating that rather than reproducing it (letting the recording come through). Sorry for the long winded posts. All your replies are appreciated.