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My problem with Musical Fidelity's "Tube Buffer"

Posted by nightdoggy on March 16, 2007 at 17:27:21

Music Direct says it is their all-time best selling accessory. First off, I admit I do not follow the design wisdom of this product. Buying a unity gain tube device to fix and sweeten up the sound? Why not just get a tube pre or power amp? You can get a good used tube pre for $399 I'm sure. The MFTB is also a cathode follower design which is not a favorite of many sonic purists.
If in fact it emulates a true buffer by having a very high input impedance (>1 Megohm) with a very low output impedance (<10 ohms) and can be used to drive 600 ohm loads or multiple, typical amplifiers, then it makes sense. I don't think it can do either.
A good redesign by MF would include this capability with multiple outputs to drive amp arrays. Also the tube choice should be one which allows experimentation (rolling), such as a 12XX7 (probably a 12AT7 for a buffer app.) or 6922. MF's soldered in mini triode while a good performer is convemient only for them!
Also the wall wart and low voltage power supply is inexcusable at this price point. Running a tube off of 24 volts (starved plate) does not yield true tube character either.

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