Topic: Tube buffer vs DAC

[gutierrez]

Tube buffer and DAC
What's the difference?

[Stagea]

Tube buffers don't do digital to analogue conversion, DACs do.

DACs generally don't have analogue inputs, Tube buffers do.

DACs may or may not have vacuum tubes, tube buffers always do (otherwise they won't be tube buffers).

Tube buffers act as a buffer between two devices, DACs are sometimes buffered and are sometimes not.

In short, magkaiba talaga sila ng gamit. It's like the difference between an accelerator pedal and a window crank.

[accastil]

DAC does the digital to analog conversion or improves it if youll have an outboard one.
buffers offloads the source device from its load for maximum efficiency.

both can improve the sound depending on the devices youll be using with them. to know which one has more effect, you really need to try it out.

in my case, id say the DAC improved clarity, detail, openess. the buffer improved the highs, mids, and the depth.

[gutierrez]

Do I still need a tube buffer if I'm already using a tube amp and tube cd player?

[oweidah]

Do I still need a tube buffer if I'm already using a tube amp and tube cd player?

need? imho, kung bitin pa ang tube amp/tube cd combo, baka may "mismatch" o hindi match sa speakers mo? ano po ba ang speakers mo? at ano ang hanap mo na tunog? na-try mo na magpalit ng speaker cables?

[accastil]

Do I still need a tube buffer if I'm already using a tube amp and tube cd player?

using a tube buffer doesnt mean the sound will improve. but definitely the sound will change.
the change can be an improvement or a degradation, depending on your standard and preference.
the only way to answer your ? is to test it yourself.

[gutierrez]

how about this.  which will you recommend cd buffer or DAC?

[accastil]

try both. then upon hearing the results, draw the prioritization.
i started with the buffer then the DAC..both had great results.

[yetiasr]

As for me, the tube buffer is great if you want to "warm" up your sound as amplified by your SS amp. Since you're using a tube cd player and a tube amp, chances are you won't need the buffer anymore.

The DAC would be nice if you're using an earlier generation cd player or (gasp!) a dvd player for your cd's. The DAC will essentially reduce the player into a transport, with the DAC responsible for re-assembling the 1's and 0's of your digital music together.

I'd recommend the CA Dacmagic as this is what I'm using and I'm quite happy with it. The Musical Fidelity V-Dac is definitely more reasonably priced though, and could make you happy-- especially if looks don't matter much to you.

Still getting to know my MF X-10D tube buffer, so the jury's still out on that one. :-)

[rascal101]

I believe that the tube buffer provides current amplification to help the audio source drive higher loads. In the typical amplification scenario there are several gain stages and on each successive stage there is a "bigger" device that demands higher current. A buffer enables the prior device to be able to drive this next gain stage properly.

DACs on the other hand, provide Digital to Analog conversion wherein digital data represented by "1"s and "0"s are converted to analog signals. As the DAC uses a D/A (digital to analog) chip where its drive capability is minimal it may require a current gain stage for it to be able to drive the successive device properly.

As a distinction, the tube buffer input signal is analog whereas the DAC input signal is digital.

[romymartinez]

how about this.  which will you recommend cd buffer or DAC?

Hi Sir,

For us to  make better comments, it would be helpful if you can describe your system on which you intend to add the buffer/dac and how much you're willing to spend for these. I beleive buffer/DAC quality would vary considerably from price point to price point.

[gutierrez]

I'll be using an Ipod or pc setup to amp (solid state)

[ATJr.]

Do I still need a tube buffer if I'm already using a tube amp and tube cd player?

Depends on your listening habits, do you play loud? otherwise i say no......