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More than 'just' a Tube Buffer ?
- Thread starter Frank Sol
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Missing schematics, without that one cannot differentiate it as snake oil or a usable buffer.
looks like one twin triode per channel, switchable between the two. Unity gain, and very low output impedance. That implies at least one of those triodes is run as a buffer. Could be parallel sections, or it could have a gain stage that throws away most of that signal before hitting the buffer section. Easier to parallel the sections.
Ask them for schematics. If they refuse - look elsewhere.
With that many components- why would they not just adjust for more gain, add a volume control and a selector switch, and make it a preamp? Seems like the extra cost would be pretty minimal.
Adding complexity to a signal chain, is almost never the way to gain clarity. OTOH- Having this REPLACE the preamp, could serve to simplify the signal chain (you'd potentially remove a solid-state preamp from the signal chain)...
Regards,
Gordon.
Adding complexity to a signal chain, is almost never the way to gain clarity. OTOH- Having this REPLACE the preamp, could serve to simplify the signal chain (you'd potentially remove a solid-state preamp from the signal chain)...
Regards,
Gordon.
For years Modwright has provided mods for well-known equipment, usually adding a tube buffer to SACD players and things like that. Their Marantz SACD and Oppo Blu-Ray mods were very popular with high-dollar audiophiles. These mods weren't cheap, either. I know audiophiles who swear by them. Now they've just created an outboard buffer to suit a wide-range of applications. They're just filling a market that already exists for adding "tube flavor" to (mostly) SS sources.
I'm with Gordon in that I don't see the need for adding more stuff to the audio chain than you need. I also think there's a difference between revamping the output stage of a SS device, on the one hand, and just "adding tubes" on the other. But as a friend of mine, an inveterate purchaser of similar tweaks, likes to remind me, "You can change your system any time you like by building or modifying your own stuff. I can't." And that's likely true of most of us who frequent this board.
They don't need to send anyone a schematic or otherwise prove that their products are well-made and popular with well-heeled audiophiles. I also don't think it's worth wasting any skepticism or concern about what this thing is or what's it's value is. It's made and priced for Modwright's target audience. You're either in the market for some "portable Modwright magic" or you're not. ;-)
I'm with Gordon in that I don't see the need for adding more stuff to the audio chain than you need. I also think there's a difference between revamping the output stage of a SS device, on the one hand, and just "adding tubes" on the other. But as a friend of mine, an inveterate purchaser of similar tweaks, likes to remind me, "You can change your system any time you like by building or modifying your own stuff. I can't." And that's likely true of most of us who frequent this board.
They don't need to send anyone a schematic or otherwise prove that their products are well-made and popular with well-heeled audiophiles. I also don't think it's worth wasting any skepticism or concern about what this thing is or what's it's value is. It's made and priced for Modwright's target audience. You're either in the market for some "portable Modwright magic" or you're not. ;-)
Bob@FM
Well-Known Member
I think the idea is to add tube "warmth" to a system, as they say, "Any system deemed resolving but bright and lacking in soundstage depth or width". If your DAC has a digital volume control, you would use this in a minimal system to drive a basic amp directly. It also has the capability (optional) to convert between balanced and single ended both in and out, which is important in many applications, especially if you need that (pro audio gear i/o, like Scarlett 2i2 for recording vinyl)
OTOH, you can build a really nice 6SN7 based unity gain buffer using a board kit from John Broskie. The whole kit with a transformer is under well under $200. And insert your own attenuator and switches in front if needed. Not a finished product, but within reach of many here. And way better than anything from Asia, which also supplies unity gain 6sn7 buffer products complete fairly cheap.
Bob
I had a Modwright modified CD player for a year, the Oppo BDP-95 Tube Modification. It was well made with a professional appearance including a separate power supply and cable for the 6SN7 tubes that buffered the DAC at the output. It was not really an upgrade from the previous CD player, the Arcam CD23T, but I had bought it so I felt obligated to use it for as long as I could stand it.
After almost a year, I finally converted my system to a PC based system with an external DAC, the Qutest by Chord. The difference in sound quality was truly astonishing and revealed that I had been listening to an electronic "haze" that had been riding on the music signal and making listening tiresome after an hour or so. I can't express how happy I was eliminate the Modwright from my system that was now completely transformed into a very listenable and fatigue free music machine.
As an afterthought, I should point out that Modwright offers a different cable for the external supply that provides a few hundred volts and less than 25mA to the 6SN7s. They sell this "Truth" cable for an additional $250 if purchased with the modded CD player and $400 if bought separately! Yes, a $400 cable to provide less than 25mA of current to a couple of 6SN7 buffers.
The differences are NOT subtle! Increased resolution, separation and clarity jump right out. It initially seemed as though the volume were increased with the new umbilical, but in actual fact, it is simply greater separation between notes and less smearing. Bass is tighter and more authoritative with greater separation between and around notes. The sound with the new umbilical is fresh, authoritative and visceral.
Refusing to show schematics is typical of snakeoil sellers.
If this is a pure buffer ( pure cathode follower ) then documemtimg this is easy.
Refusal to document is usually motivated by "preventing clone copies" But that is a very bad
argument, anyone that would like to clone a tubeamp can buy one and reverse engeneer it.
The reason for customers to demand a schematic is twofold ; before purchase to be sure
of what they buy, after purchase to be enable to service the product in the future.
It's up to the seller proving it's a serious product and not a scam. Honesty and open information is
a good way .
( edit for spelling error)
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True, a cathode follower will not add any "flavor" it will act as a buffer and be quite unaffected of tube conditions.
This a a feature !!
sKiZo
Hates received: 92644 43.20°N 85.50°W
Depends on how it's implemented I suppose. My TubeMagic Maverick D1+ is marketed as a DAC/headphone amp, but makes for a killer buffer stage as well. I'm currently running a tube set in my main amp that's a bit dark, and can tone it down using a brighter tube in the D1+.
And no, I have no technical specs to support this, but I like the sound, and at $200, it's certainly a lot less than the Modwright.
And yes, you can find schematics for the unit if you want to check it out yourself. ;-}
Lavane
Lunatic Member
It probably does depend on how it's implemented I guess.
