[oris98]

Hi all,

I have a Consonance pre-amp which has only RCA out.  I am wondering if I should get a  tube buffer stage to convert the RCA to balance output to my Bryston 3BST to take advantage of the Bal. input for my Bryston ?  
My setup is CAL audio lab Icon MKII digital out -> Mensa DIO -> pre-amp-> Bryston.  I heard that balanced input will give additional 20%-30% performance gain in depth, sound stage and dynamic .  

Any comment would be appreciated...  Many thanks.

[silverr1]

Here ya go:


http://www.space-tech-lab.com/BufferPage.html

[oris98]

I want to know the comment if there are many of you would consider this upgrade ?  have done it ?  any pros and cons ?  

Many thanks.

[ak645]

I can think of a few situations where such a device might be useful.

 1.If the output stage of a component (in your case preamp) is incapable of driving a specific load (your amp).In my case I use a Zman Audio Signal Enhancer (a small inexpensive single-ended tube buffer stage) between Sony tv and VTL preamp.

 2.If you have a noise problem,such as emi,rfi,or any cable induced hum.

 3.If there is an impedance mismatch between source and load.

 Those are really the only three instances I can think of where buffer stage or balanced conversion would be needed.Don't know how it would increase dynamics by 20 or 30 percent UNLESS one of the three conditions mentioned above applied to your situation.One thing I can say for sure is that adding an un-needed component in the signal chain WILL introduce additional coloration into your system.The additonal coloration might make your system sound better or worse to your ears,no way to tell without trying it.Let us know how it turns out.

 Best Regards,
 Andy

[vpolineni]

will a tube buffer stage give an all solid state system some tube sound?  My source and amplifier are both solid state, but i'd like to add some tubes in somewhere to give a sweeter sound.. would this work?
http://www.space-tech-lab.com/SP-BUF-104.html

[doug s.]

will a tube buffer stage give an all solid state system some tube sound?  My source and amplifier are both solid state, but i'd like to add some tubes in somewhere to give a sweeter sound.. would this work?
http://www.space-tech-lab.com/SP-BUF-104.html

ya, it will.  i use a modded z-man in an all solid-state system, & another one in a tube system, between s/s tuna & preamp.  highly recommended.  but, for the cost of the tube buffer in your link, i'd yust invest in a new (used) toob preamp...

doug s.

[vpolineni]

Doug, I own an integrated amp... so no need for a tube preamp.. those prices are a tad high.. i'm going to call gary dodd and see if he can do something. thanks for the input.

[JoshK]

Vasu,

You can just add Gary Dodd's preamp with the volume control all the way up between your pre and your amp.  This would add the additional gain provided by the Dodd preamp, I don't know how much that is, or you could ask Gary for a zero gain, no attenuator version, which would be a buffer essentially.