Amp/Preamp Asylum

MF X-10v3 between tube preamp and ss power amp

24.94.26.45

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Thread: Display Email Next ] [ Amp/Preamp Asylum ]

SoCalAl

(A)

Has anybody tried one of the Musical Fidelity tube buffers between a tube preamp and a ss power amp? I'm using an ARC SP-6/B and a Threshold SA/3. No problem; the input impedance of the SA/3 is 47K. I have a pair of Bedini Vintage 100 monoblocks; the input impedance is 18K. Just curious what the X-10v3 does in this kind of situation where there's a potential mismatch. Are they effective?

Follow Ups:

Re: MF X-10v3 between tube preamp and ss power amp - nvinyl66 11:11:06 04/22/07 (0)
In short, the answer is NO.
Why?
I used to be an owner of this thing, but had to return to where I bought it from after it blew several fuses of my main SS amp. As some have already said, it is not the safest thing to have in this position.
In your case, I believe it will do a wonderful job at degrading the sound quality - even with the upgrade power supply (for a hefty 300us...).
Scam? I don't know about that, but I promised myself that it was the last time I ever paid any attention to any of ST's (the person) recommendations. I also think this product has done MF a disservice- a lot of $$ but I'm not sure about long term effects.
Re: MF X-10v3 between tube preamp and ss power amp - mattcecil1@yahoo.com 17:10:37 04/18/07 (7)
Why would you use it with a tube preamp? that crazy buffer is for people who want tube sound..not for those who have it.
be very careful with turning that thing on in-line with other components, read the warnings in the instructions.
matt
- Re: MF X-10v3 between tube preamp and ss power amp - SoCalAl 18:39:43 04/18/07 (6)
  It was my understanding that the main "benefit" using this thing was to "eliminate or reduce" impedance mis-matches between various components, not in trying to "get a tube sound". Hey, it wouldn't be the 1st time I be wrong!
  - Does MF even publish the input and output impedances? - nightdoggy 17:27:34 04/19/07 (0)
    Even so I think the product is ridiculous.
  - Re: MF X-10v3 between tube preamp and ss power amp - mattcecil1@yahoo.com 06:45:42 04/19/07 (4)
    I bought it to get the tube sound, based on the ad at Music Direct.
    If you need impedence matching, get a TVC preamp. that's a big part of what they do...
    
    regardless, be careful with the x-10. a buddy fried his monoblocks when he blew a fuse on that circuit and his girl, not knowing about the X-10, flipped the breaker. Lots of smoke and fury later I end up being the bad friend for recomending it in the 1st place!
    it is a fun box for a few days, nothing more than a toy in the big picture of this hobby though...
    - You won't get tube sound from that - nightdoggy 17:30:25 04/19/07 (2)
      It runs off of a 24v wall wart.
      Using such a low voltage is called a "starved plate" condition.
      Try 200 vdc on for starters.
      That product is a scam and a joke in my opinion.
      - A agree... - Yashu 08:21:14 04/20/07 (1)
        
        In Reply to: You won't get tube sound from that posted by nightdoggy on April 19, 2007 at 17:30:25:
        
        I looked into this, but then I started to read more on the forums about it and when I sat down and thought that here is something that supposidly only 4800 were ever made, yet I see them for sale ALL THE TIME on audiogon... that says something.
        I think the best way to get tube sound into SS is to use a tubed pre, or if you are into digital, a DAC with a tubed output buffer.
        You can't even do tube rolling with this thing, the tube is some weird type that you aren't going to find many of.
        
        Exactly - nightdoggy 13:14:16 04/20/07 (0)
        
        In Reply to: A agree... posted by Yashu on April 20, 2007 at 08:21:14:
        
        I'm not one to criticize a product I do not own, but that one deserves it.
        It does not qualify as a true buffer.
        The cathode follower operation is not noted for good sonics.
        It's all a moot point anyway because of the voltage used to drive the tubes.
        Not being able to roll makes it a non starter for me anyway.
    - Re: MF X-10v3 between tube preamp and ss power amp - saltyflies 07:59:26 04/19/07 (0)
      I agree, my understanding is an active preamp contains circuits to lower the output impedance and should do what an external buffer is supposed to do. The general rule about impedance matching is maintain (atleast) a 10:1 ratio of the amplifiers� input impedance to the source output impedance (for example, if the source output impedance is 500ohms, then the input impedance of your amp should be at least 5k ohms). Supposedly, the greater the ratio between the source Zout and amp Zin allows the output stages to drive the input stages with less signal loss and degradation.
      But, it seems the concern is�if the preamp zout is not low enough, would daisy chaining buffers further lower the Zout?
      
      Believe what your ears say - not hearsay.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Signature Sound

[ Signature Sound Lounge ]

You can not post to an archived thread.