I have a Grant Fidelity B-283 Tube Processor/Yaqin Tube Buffer and while the stock Chinese tubes are OK, I would really like to get more "tubiness" out of it. The main purpose of this buffer is to add some much needed tube warmth to my sterile digital music. Any suggestions as to tube types (originals are 6J1's)? I was looking at a NOS Mullard EF95 @ $20/pr. Anything else? Not looking to spend more than $30-$40/pr.
Tube Rolling a Tube Buffer
- Thread starter don.r
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Telepathic
New Member
Maybe some Mullard 811's. Hey how does that tube buffer work for you anyway? Do you have it wedged between your pre and pro? Are these tube buffers "magic boxs" or "snake oil."
I can't comment on the tube rolling aspect.I can tell you that after debating the purchase of a Tube Buffer for quite a while,I finally bought the Yaqin unit offered on Ebay.Without hesitation I can say that it has been the best investment that I have made in audio equipment in a long time.I am by no means a golden eared audiophile.
The improvements in soundstage,detail and overall sound quailty have been quite dramatic.In use for 2 weeks now,and not yet broken in(manufacturer recommends 100 hrs)I have been listening to more music than I have in months.I'm not sure if a buffer will make a dramatic difference in a big buck setup.But I can vouch for it's ability to
improve my low buck system.
The improvements in soundstage,detail and overall sound quailty have been quite dramatic.In use for 2 weeks now,and not yet broken in(manufacturer recommends 100 hrs)I have been listening to more music than I have in months.I'm not sure if a buffer will make a dramatic difference in a big buck setup.But I can vouch for it's ability to
improve my low buck system.
Telepathic
New Member
That's good to hear Irwin. I have been thinking of trying one myself to help warm up the sound. Interesting how folks have both good & bad things to say about buffers. I have a common mans "mid fi" system. A Pioneer Elite VSX-56TXi receiver and a Adcom GFA 5400 driving my front main Altec speakers. I'm looking for something to take the digital edge off.
I've used the buffer with a NAD integrated,Adcom 535 II power amp and B&K CS115 pre
with both NAD and Phillips DVD players and have had very similar positive results.
Speakers are Klipsch Forte II's.I think the biggest plus has been the improvement in sound quality of alot of first generation CD's that were until now,difficult to listen to.
with both NAD and Phillips DVD players and have had very similar positive results.
Speakers are Klipsch Forte II's.I think the biggest plus has been the improvement in sound quality of alot of first generation CD's that were until now,difficult to listen to.
Thanks for the replies. I found some Mullard mil-spec M8100's so I think I'll give them a go first. As for experiences, I have it installed in a zone loop in my AVR and it makes a difference, no doubt :yes:. Its not, yet, a huge difference as I haven't really had a chance to break in the tubes yet. I also have a Little Dot Mk III headphone amp and I find it much more "tubee" than the buffer so maybe the Mullard's will even things out (although I also ordered a pair for the can amp 
). Overall very satisfied with it. If the Mullards can open things up a bit more I won't go down the separate tube pre-amp/amp road (just yet).
). Overall very satisfied with it. If the Mullards can open things up a bit more I won't go down the separate tube pre-amp/amp road (just yet).
Telepathic
New Member
I just ordered a Core Audio Tube Buffer with a pair of 6BC4 tubes that come stock with the buffer. Has anyone had a chance to hear these tubes yet?
Telepathic
New Member
Nice pics! I order some m8100's to have on hand for variety. Perhaps more of a warmer sound than the stock 6BC4 tubes.
Rolled in the M8100's and things have improved nicely. Makes my AVR sound like a fully fledged tube amp. 
Well, almost. One thing I noticed is that the M8100's are more sensitive to RF than the stock Chinese tubes. I have to turn off my Mac mini's Airport when using the buffer or I get a slight crackle. Noticed the same thing in the Little Dot only more so. It sounds like someone constantly crumpling paper. :thumbsdn: My base station is only 2 feet away so I will have to rearrange things.
Well, almost. One thing I noticed is that the M8100's are more sensitive to RF than the stock Chinese tubes. I have to turn off my Mac mini's Airport when using the buffer or I get a slight crackle. Noticed the same thing in the Little Dot only more so. It sounds like someone constantly crumpling paper. :thumbsdn: My base station is only 2 feet away so I will have to rearrange things.