[jtwrace]

Why would you want to use a preamp and the buffer?

You don't.  Dave (dbe) nor myself use the buffer with a pre. 

[satfrat]

Why would you want to use a preamp and the buffer?

I have no idea actually, guess that's why I'm asking questions. My system is multichannel that uses a processor, maybe even less of a reason for a buffer? But lately I've been listening to a lot of stereo thru my processor and I've been thinking of a workaround using a standalone DAC and bypassing the processor all together for 2 channel listening. The thought of a Buffer from the DAC to 2 channels of my Butler amp has my mind working OT.  Chalk it up to them grains of salt,,, 
 
Cheers,
Robin

[motosapien]

I think there is some confusion on how the buffer differs from a preamp.  I've thought of replacing my SS preamp (NAD) with a tube pre but I'd definitely need a phono stage.  Be great to go off grid but I'd pretty much need to start over.  Since i would not get even fifty cents on the dollar for my NAD stuff I'm kind of stuck.  Been looking at some tube pre's on Agon though.  I just wonder if my NAD amp with it's famously low distortion would scrub most of the good tube vibes out.

[jtwrace]

I think there is some confusion on how the buffer differs from a preamp.  I've thought of replacing my SS preamp (NAD) with a tube pre but I'd definitely need a phono stage.  Be great to go off grid but I'd pretty much need to start over.  Since i would not get even fifty cents on the dollar for my NAD stuff I'm kind of stuck.  Been looking at some tube pre's on Agon though.  I just wonder if my NAD amp with it's famously low distortion would scrub most of the good tube vibes out.

 

Buy this:  http://doddaudio.com/BatteryPoweredTubeBufferPreamp.aspx

and this: http://doddaudio.com/batt_pwred_tube_phono_amp.aspx

Now you're really OFF the grid.   

[motosapien]

Time to edumacate me about gain.  The Dodd buffer has no gain.  Am I right that one does not need gain for a cd player or a tuner but does need it for phono ?

There is no price listed for the phono stage.  Do you know what it costs?

[satfrat]

You don't.  Dave (dbe) nor myself use the buffer with a pre.

Jason, if the Buffer has no gain and you have no preamp, what do you use for a volume control?
 
edit, I just went to the Dodd website and see that the Buffer does indeed have a volume control.

[HAL]

Most power amps have an input sensitivity that a normal CD player's output of 2Vrms will either drive it to full output or overdrive it to distortion.  Depends on the amp.  In this case no gain, only attenuation is needed.

A phonostage will need alot of gain on the order of 40dB or more to get to a level getting close to a CD player. This depends on the phono cartridge output.  In this case it depends on the phonostage gain whether more gain is needed after that stage to drive a power amp. 

[jtwrace]

Jason, if the Buffer has no gain and you have no preamp, what do you use for a volume control?
 
edit, I just went to the Dodd website and see that the Buffer does indeed have a volume control.

You got it!  IF the buffer didn't have a volume control I could still use Amarra.  It has one. 

[motosapien]

I decided to order the new Grant Fidelity tube processor.  Also ordered a Pangea 9 awg power cable and PS Audio Quintet power conditioner.  I couldn't justify the expense for the Dodd buffer.  All three of the items I ordered should combine to make a noticeable improvement in my system.  Have to pick up another pair of inter connects for the B283 MKII, they are cheaper at my local hifi dealer than on line.

Of course the biggest change will come after Danny ships the hardware for my NX2 kit.  I've really got the jones to get those finished and plugged in.

I really like the idea of battery powered audio.  Too bad that an inverter is by nature "noisy" or I would try that with a quad of deep cycle marine batteries. 

[jtwrace]

Good Luck!

[motosapien]

Good Luck!

People tend to be enthusiastic about what they spent their hard earned money on, particularly in the audio hobby.
I've no doubt that the Dodd gear is fine stuff.  Just not for me at this time.  Maybe I'll make it out to the RMAF next year and hear it for my self in person!

[jtwrace]

People tend to be enthusiastic about what they spent their hard earned money on, particularly in the audio hobby.
I've no doubt that the Dodd gear is fine stuff.  Just not for me at this time.  Maybe I'll make it out to the RMAF next year and hear it for my self in person!

Yes, they are...that's fine that you didn't get the Dodd.  I'm sure you'll be happy with what you purchased.  As I said, Good Luck and enjoy!!! 

[corndog71]

I decided to order the new Grant Fidelity tube processor.  Also ordered a Pangea 9 awg power cable and PS Audio Quintet power conditioner.  I couldn't justify the expense for the Dodd buffer.  All three of the items I ordered should combine to make a noticeable improvement in my system.  Have to pick up another pair of inter connects for the B283 MKII, they are cheaper at my local hifi dealer than on line.

Of course the biggest change will come after Danny ships the hardware for my NX2 kit.  I've really got the jones to get those finished and plugged in.

I really like the idea of battery powered audio.  Too bad that an inverter is by nature "noisy" or I would try that with a quad of deep cycle marine batteries.

If you can handle a soldering iron and are still interested in battery powered audio check out Bottlehead.com.  I just built their $99 battery powered tube preamp and it's not bad.  And the Bottlehead forum is one of the nicest and informative forums out there with regards to tube gear.

[dvenardos]

What you probably want is a two channel preamp/buffer with HT bypass. When listening to two channel you go from source to preamp/buffer and use that for volume control. When listening to multi-channel you select HT bypass (which is a straight pass thru) and use the volume control of your preprocessor. Gary has a HT bypass on his Powered Preamp, don't know if he would be willing to put one in the buffer. You could turn up the volume all the way, but the purpose of an HT bypass is that your two-channel preamp gets totally out of the way.
http://doddaudio.com/batt_pwred_preamp.aspx

I have no idea actually, guess that's why I'm asking questions. My system is multichannel that uses a processor, maybe even less of a reason for a buffer? But lately I've been listening to a lot of stereo thru my processor and I've been thinking of a workaround using a standalone DAC and bypassing the processor all together for 2 channel listening. The thought of a Buffer from the DAC to 2 channels of my Butler amp has my mind working OT.  Chalk it up to them grains of salt,,, 
 
Cheers,
Robin

[motosapien]

If you can handle a soldering iron and are still interested in battery powered audio check out Bottlehead.com.  I just built their $99 battery powered tube preamp and it's not bad.  And the Bottlehead forum is one of the nicest and informative forums out there with regards to tube gear.

Thanks CD, their stuff looks cool.  I'd like to build a SET integrated and some full range speakers and dedicate it to vinyl.  But that is just dreaming for now.  I need to get my NX2's finished and see how that spices up my NAD SS system.

[corndog71]

Thanks CD, their stuff looks cool.  I'd like to build a SET integrated and some full range speakers and dedicate it to vinyl.  But that is just dreaming for now.  I need to get my NX2's finished and see how that spices up my NAD SS system.

That's a good plan.   And don't forget the servo sub to fill in the bottom.

[NeilT]

I Just talked to Gary, he is doing well  , about buying a kit.
Is everyone out there still happy with their buffers?
 
All thoughts and or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Neil

[usp1]

It is a wonderful tube buffer. I really enjoy mine.

[S Clark]

I just got mine playing for the first time today.  I an stunned at how it bested my $3000 reference pre.

[jtwrace]

I an stunned at how it bested my $3000 reference pre.

Brand / model?