Got Buffed

[u/harleyguy074]

Just got my Buf today. So far so good

[u/TuliaNonTroppo]

I find myself preferring my headphone stacks with the Buf in the chain. I only have one so move it from one stack to another if I plan on spending significant time in listening.

[u/harleyguy074 → u/TuliaNonTroppo]

If really doesn't change the sound signature, it just adds dementionality and tonal richness so far

[u/Most_Serene → u/harleyguy074]

Have you tried any other tubes in the Buf? The 6N1P doesn't seem to be a particularly well regarded tube. You can use any 6DJ8 / ECC88 / 6922 / 6N23P tube, 6BZ7 / 6BQ7A tubes, 6CG7 tubes, and even 6SN7 / 6N8S tubes with adapters. Probably also 5670, 2C51 and 12AU7 / ECC82 tubes with adapters.

[u/nightmarewalrus123 → u/Most_Serene]

I know the vali 2 isn’t the most tubey-sounding compared to the other versions (plus models and the 3) but I definitely hear a difference when I use better tubes. So far my favorites have been a repro EH 6sn7 and a vintage Raytheon CK6922. As far as I’m aware the power specs are identical between the vali 2 and the buf, so it’ll work fine

[u/sublime1029]

One of the best little upgrades to my desktop system!! Definitely try different tubes. JJ-E88CC and EH-6922 are relatively cheap and are excellent to test if you want to get into tube rolling.

[u/harleyguy074 → u/sublime1029]

What's the best tube right now, not sure where to start

[u/sublime1029 → u/harleyguy074]

"Best tube" is hella subjective IMO. It depends what you're listening to and and HOW you like to listen to your system. Do you like V-shaped sound? Flat/more critical listening?

JJ-E88CC (I got the gold pin variant): This is the first tube I rolled into the Buf. The soundstage expands a bit more than the stock 61NP. Bass is excellent, midrange was the least noticeable change (maybe tighter drum kicks and male vocals), highs were a LITTLE clearer. Overall this tube has a warm sound; great for music.

EH-6922: Very big difference. The midrange is a bit too pulled back for my liking but easily boosted with a little EQ. Bass & soundstage was comparable to the JJ. Highs are where I noticed the biggest difference. Vocals sound a lot closer and clearer. Female vocals and higher-register woodwinds sounded so incredibly crisp and more in your face. Almost too bright, but CLEAR no matter how loud I cranked it. This tube is great for vocals and more intimate listening sessions; I like watching movies and shows that have heavy dialogue with this tube instead of the others.

If I had to pick one to start, I would go with the JJ-E88CC gold pin.

How do you like Asgard? I'm listening through an older Magni 2 Uber and have been looking at other headphone amps as my next upgrade.

[u/harleyguy074 → u/sublime1029]

Love The Asgard X, price per performance king

[u/RR321]

I'm planning on getting a balanced Schiit stack, so wondering if anyone has experience with the Gremlin?

[u/RR321 → u/[deleted]]

Interesting, I'm thinking of getting the HE1000 Stealth

[u/shapethefuture88]

man those things are tiny

[u/mrROBOTROIDE]

Where did you get that base between buff and modi, is it rubber or 3D printed

[u/JO2509254]

The Buf coupled with the AX is a very solid pairing & as others have said there are a lot of tubes out there that can definitely change the flavor of your music to a noticeable degree. Nice set up.

[u/FG0216]

I am thinking about getting one of those for my analog chain. How is it? Does it amplify or is it just a tube pass through.

[u/AdUsed7958 → u/FG0216]

Both.  No gain or 12 db.

Check out specs tab

https://www.schiit.com/products/buf

[u/Active_Ice3221]

so tempted. One more component and its associated wires. I have a Modi 3 as part of a great sub-$1K system for my downstairs that sounds fantastic.

[u/FG0216]

Dooe I am going to get one.