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Sovereign
07-09-2012, 22:37
I am wanting a wee nibble at valves, I thought here would be a good place to start
Thanks
walpurgis
07-09-2012, 22:55
Just my opinion, but the best valve buffer I've used is the older Musical Fidelity X-10D. It works!
Spectral Morn
07-09-2012, 23:08
Check out a new Eco Fan 'buffer zone' best I have heard and it destroys an MF D10 big time.

Details here http://www.ecofansound.com/bufferzone/ and you can contact Adam and Murray directly as they are members of the forum. Jack Williams http://theartofsound.net/forum/member.php?u=1131 or Adam http://theartofsound.net/forum/member.php?u=914
Rare Bird
08-09-2012, 00:02
Can i ask what these buffurs do?
The Black Adder
08-09-2012, 07:14
I've had a few X-10D's but had to upgrade them with better diodes, resisters, caps and valves. At that point I was happy with them.

I'd get Nick Gorham to make you one to be honest. You will have the best then and upgradable too.

A buffer just runs the signal through some signal valves, prolly some EC88's or simular. There are no output valves as it's a line output.
wiicrackpot
08-09-2012, 08:04
A buffer just runs the signal through some signal valves, prolly some EC88's or simular. There are no output valves as it's a line output.
Thanks Joe, like RB i never understood what a buffer actually does or why the need for it, so going by your explaination,
it just adds colouration to the signal then, weird when we try to take it away with careful choice of kit and speakers, i'm still none the wiser. :scratch:
NRG
08-09-2012, 08:15
A buffer should present a high input impedance to the source device and a low output impedance to the downstream device. It should also provide some current drive to the signal....its not just a case of running the signal via a valve. :eyebrows:

That unit linked to above doesn't seem to provide what I would call a low output impedance at 2.2K Ohm...600 Ohm or lower I would consider to be 'low'....
Ali Tait
08-09-2012, 09:43
I have this, designed and built by Nick Gorham, which I no longer use -

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9785&highlight=Valve+buffer

It's a cracking bit of kit. £250 including all valves.
The Black Adder
08-09-2012, 10:56
Thanks Joe, like RB i never understood what a buffer actually does or why the need for it, so going by your explaination,
it just adds colouration to the signal then, weird when we try to take it away with careful choice of kit and speakers, i'm still none the wiser. :scratch:

To me it beefed up the bass and improved channel seperation. It was cool but instead of getting another one I just went for a valve pre and amp. Saying that, I would love to try the one Ali has.
wiicrackpot
08-09-2012, 11:30
To me it beefed up the bass and improved channel seperation. It was cool but instead of getting another one I just went for a valve pre and amp. Saying that, I would love to try the one Ali has.
Thanks Neal for a more indepth explaination. :)

My thoughts too Joe.