Yaqin tube buffer

Simple...not everybody's cup of tea. If not we won't have different tea flavors

haiya... she didn't fair in my setup either, though never did i condemn it note that impedance matching is of utmost importance...

tlkoo, care to explain a bit on impedance matching. Thanks.

very sorry to confess that i am not able to explain [shame shame]

anyone is able to help, please...

haiya.....

Never thought of that simple logic.... .....

Guess it would never match a Tube AMP.

cheers

Tube amp against tube buffer? What logic?

Arremei......

Its not against but more of a Tube Amp does not match a Tube buffer.... as both hardwares are similar. ( + and + does not equate to anything or it explodes or it jives )

I could be wrong but maybe...... ?

I have matched mine with a solid state Amp and its jives hand in hand.

How's your Yaqin coming along ?

Cheers

Yes that's what I read also. Adding a tube buffer to already a tube system will not do you good. Tube buffer meant for those with solid state stuff.

My Yaqin seems to reach it's limit for now. I like what I'm hearing now but I still want a little more weight in the vocal and music. Maybe I can get that from a different tube.

Anyway, can you recommend any shop if I want to take a look into more tube stuff (pre, amp, etc). Thanks.

Arremie.....

If you are looking at something from the emerging markets, Audio Synthesis at AmCorp Mall, 2nd Floor - see Simon. There are loads of new stuff coming soon. Check with Simon.

or Desa Home Theatre have "Dared" Tube Amp from China and they do carry some Tube AMP from Italy as well but the price is hmmmm jaw dropping...... at Kepong - see Chai - quite a friendly chap and informative. Just audition the DARED Tube Amp - not bad at all.

Even Asia Sound have Xindak ...... see Mike or Eddie.

So far these three are very friendly and accomodating to my many queries and there are "no airs" about them as well.

cheers

As promised,










I'm using a tube int amp. I have to admit using the tube buffer improves the sound of the system. More air and a lil bit more ummphh.

Its not necessary that the buffer only be use for solid state amps. Again it worked for me on my tube amp.

Good luck on the bidding

I bought my pair of NOS Western Electric from thetubestore.com

Line as below:

http://thetubestore.com/nos-403b.html

It is exectly what Brad posted, same printing on tube & box too. This tube is getting rare, buy bofore it is gone.

There's still some on ebay selling at USD20 a piece. Same pics as posted by br@d.

BrAvO how much is the shipping cost?

I bought a pair of 5U4G rectifier with the pair of WE403B and i pay slightly more than USD20++ for the shipment. It took about 3 weeks to reached me during the busy month of December and close to Christmas.

Brad....

Good to know that it jived with your intergrated Amp. What make / model is the Amp.

If i do go the "Tube" direction ! !

cheers

Is this good stuff? The power rating is pretty high at 85wpc.

http://cgi.ebay.com/YAQIN-VK-2100-Integrated-Valve-Tube-Power-Amplifier-amp_W0QQitemZ270541798648QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3efd8c3cf8

wingman,

My tube amp is Bewitch 6550 modified, also known in the UK as Puresound A30. Can run KT88 tubes as well.

http://www.lampizator.eu/AMPLIFIERS/CHINA/bewitch%206550/Bewitch.html
http://www.acoustic-dimension.com/puresound/pure-sound-A30-integrated-amplifier.htm

tq for sharing.

Cheers

Wingman,

Actually BraVo is also having bewitch 6550/KT88. Running on GoldLion KT88. Mine I have changed to a Tungsol Cyro 6550 tubes.

I'm exploring to replace my Yaqin Buffer with a Yaqin MS12B pre-amp and the bewitch 6550 act as a power amp. If all goes well, will sell the tube buffer =)

Hi Brad.....

What is holding me back to moving to a tube setup is the pricing and the sheer difficulty of getting tubes. Thought I would try the buffer to listen to the musicality aspect.

An example, Yaqin Buffer tubes, nothing available locally, ( the miniature series ) and without a doubt the price.

Eyeing the GE , Raytheon, WE series or the Russian makes.

cheers

These China makes are using obscure, obsolete and uncommon tubes. I'm pretty sure the manufacturer acquired a large quantity at a cheap price, manufacture the hifi component while stocks last and let the future decide what next. I'm sure Western manufacturers do not subscribe to this kind of philisophy and ensure quality parts and support to their customers. Having said all this, therefore, be prepared to face some consequences with China made gear.
There's always Ebay as a marketplace to buy or research what's available at your fingertips. Of course if price and not entirely willing to spend is nearly always a major concern, then it may be unwise to involve yourself seriously with tube gear. Tubes don't last forever and you have to buy and keep spares one time or other.
Sorry for being blunt but these are basic facts to ponder upon.

CM.....

No worries.

Homework is ongoing and not going to jump in without understanding the after effects.

One reason why i took a shorter route into purchasing the buffer.

cheers

hey wingman

"sheer difficulty of getting tubes" makes no valid claim when online channels have "demolished" the national borders and pricing makes no issue when western electric makes the cheapest 300b should you count the good hours each has to offer!

should your music tastes centre around vocals, i reckon tubes are just indispensible whilst in the absence of tubes, those in love with vocal-based music genre surely die with their eyes open and questing ha...





cheers
kooman

wingman wrote:Hi Brad.....

What is holding me back to moving to a tube setup is the pricing and the sheer difficulty of getting tubes. Thought I would try the buffer to listen to the musicality aspect.

An example, Yaqin Buffer tubes, nothing available locally, ( the miniature series ) and without a doubt the price.

Eyeing the GE , Raytheon, WE series or the Russian makes.

cheers

tlkoo wrote:hey wingman
"sheer difficulty of getting tubes" makes no valid claim when online channels have "demolished" the national borders and pricing makes no issue when western electric makes the cheapest 300b should you count the good hours each has to offer!

You sound so cryptic in getting the message through.

Guys,
what type of fuse u all hv changed and how much does it cost?

Hmmm......

Tl....agreed .... vocals via Tubes are in a different class......

Still on the 50 / 50 mode.......after much research / and if it weighs on the positive side then TUBE would be my choice....

Must also make the right choice of Tube AMP, as the Buffer is a permanent feature in my audio setup.

Opinion appreciated.

Cheers

Wingman, did I tell u that I use a tube buffer in synergy for vinyl playback but not for digital.

you don't need to be committed to her permanence!

i once thought that my grounded grid with western electric tubes and pinched waisted philips miniwatt driver tube were going to be permanent...


wait till your chances to audition setups without tube buffer which yet churn out sexily beguiling sound!!!





good luck

wingman wrote:Hmmm......

Tl....agreed .... vocals via Tubes are in a different class......

Still on the 50 / 50 mode.......after much research / and if it weighs on the positive side then TUBE would be my choice....

Must also make the right choice of Tube AMP, as the Buffer is a permanent feature in my audio setup.

Opinion appreciated.

Cheers

CM.....

Thats an option.

Tl....

Wooooo....you are really tempting ( )me to move ( ) to the "Tube Side" ...

Shaiful......

Fuse for the Yaqin ? Me i have not ventured into that area.

"Arremie" was exploring that option, any comments to assist shaiful ?????

cheers

Actually I do not explore any fuse replacement option. I was thinking of
not using fuse at all. Just direct solder thick gauge wire directly
onto the fuse holder. I do not know whether this will give any
difference but it's something I thought of doing later. Plus there's
another 2 fuses in my power chain so missing one should be safe.

Anyway, never believe I would say this but recently with Yaqin in place I
have found myself enjoying Jazz genre which is not my cup of tea before

arremie.......

The "YTB" is sure breathing live into the kind of music you listen too.

It's worth every penny spent.

cheers

After much exploring and reviews, have decided to go for the following tubes :

1. CV4010 / M8100 - on the way from over the sea ( NOS set )
2. GE 6AK5 /EF95 / 6AK5W
3. Western Electric 403B

Review of the Yaqin....

After the warm up session of 10 minutes and channeling "Dire Straits" via my CDP was with much controlled "Bass", the guitar has made to the middle section, and vocals are clear, level and not sharp.

As the "tube" got warmer the output was more cohesive and effort-less . As though you were in a live like environment. ( IMHO )

Guess changing the tubes will bring it up by a notch or two....maybe more....??? That's left to be verified ........


cheers

Hi, Anyone know what's the difference between CD1 and CD2. And now there's CD3. Want to use between pre and power for fronts in HT setup for stereo music. Thanks.
Setup - Pioneer DVD, Denon 2310, Hafler 9270, Aaron ATS5.

Physical difference and able to take on bigger tubes. Here is the link to the forum;

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/160450-yaqin-cd3-impressions-internals.html

cheers

That's the only review I can find for CD3 and it didn't tell much. That's why I settled down with CD2. A lot of good reviews not too mention half the price of CD3.

I prefer CD2 over CD1 because of the looks. CD1 single tube looks more like a headphone amp

I saw many ppl upgrade their CD2 tubes; so I thought CD1 with 1 tube will be cheaper to upgrade. Then I saw another 1 tube buffer by indeed hifi here , nice and small cause I am short of shelf space! May just decide based on looks, cause I don't think it will sound that 'bad' !

One more question... do u leave the tube buffer on all the time? If I turn it off, how long b4 the sound comes on after power on? This for my family members ... I will have the tube buffer connected to the switched AC at back of the Denon AVR, so that the tube buffer will come on when the Denon is powered on. Thx.

I only turn it on when I wanna listen. Sometimes maybe 10 minutes
earlier but playing the same CD a second round definitely sounded better
than the first. Geez this thing started slow but sure end up
brilliantly satisfying

arremie wrote:I only turn it on when I wanna listen. Sometimes maybe 10 minutes
earlier but playing the same CD a second round definitely sounded better
than the first. Geez this thing started slow but sure end up
brilliantly satisfying

That's probably just the start of a new journey.
Later, you might invest more and more... hahahahaha..

I wanna invest in tube preamp but I can't find the info on how to
connect it to my AVR. I don't think I can just connect preamp output
directly to AVR CD input like I do now with the CD2.

Really wanna see what improvement can a tube preamp has over a tube
buffer. If it is what I expected, that will be enough justification to
invest in a total dedicated stereo setup....tube preamp and solid state
stereo power amp

Really unsure how they can be connected together but is there any Pre-In at the AVR?
As far as I know, AVR can be a pre-amp but not power amp.
Correct me if I am wrong.

Yeah my AVR got preout to connect to power amp but I don't see any
pre-in to accept input from another preamp except those 7.1 channel
analog in. Maybe it's not possible. Just trying to use what I have for
the time being. Don't want to go all out and later didn't like it.

Just got my matched GE 5654W. First thing I notice is the vocal is less
forward sounding compared to stock 6J1. The vocal now blend nicely with
the music making this tube sounded more musical. This however makes it
feels as the overall depth has decrease a bit. Anyway too early to tell
if this is the signature of 5654W. Need more cooking hours

The built quality looks better than the stock. The tube lit at same
brightness and seated firmly in the slot. Where as the stock tube, one
is a bit brighter than the other even after I swapped position and not
that firmly seated.

Next incoming tube is a Russian 6J1p from the 60's. Still can't find
Mullard CV4010 from a "decent" seller. Lost the bid on WE 403B. Also
searching for Raytheon 6AK5W. There's a nice looking Philips 5654W on
ebay but no point getting that now since I already have GE 5654W. Better
to compare different codes first than comparing different brand.
Pheeew...

Hi guys ..
After going through this thread .. i found myself attracted with the Tube Buffer :-) Seems like its able to improve the "warmness" of the sound played by the solid state amp :-p

However i still some guides and tips from you all ... do you think if i connect my DVD player's to this Yaqin Tube Buffer and connect the Yaqin to my Onkyo AVR through the CD-In port will be able to help to improve the sound quality especially for the vocal playback?

PFB for my current audio listening setup:
1. Onkyo TX-SR706
2. B&W DM602 (bi-amp with QED Classics)
3. Panasonic BD-60

The sound produced from the above setup seems quite bright and when i play those vocal CDs, its not very pleasing. Do you think the tube buffer will help in this case?

Thanks ..

Regards,
JS

jsng, I also have BD-60 and yes it is very bright for stereo music. Yaqin will definitely makes the sound warmer, tune down the brightness without losing the details and makes vocal more pleasant. I have no regret getting the Yaqin. The best impulse buying I've made so far. In fact now I'm looking for a separate tube integrated amplifier for a dedicated stereo setup.

The connection you describe is correct. Just make sure you have 2 pairs of analog RCA interconnect ready

Hi Arremie ..
Thats great to know that :-)
Mind to advise on where u get this Yaqin tube buffer? Any shop in KL that is selling this? and off course how much :-p

Thanks ..

Regards,
JS

jsng, you've got PM

Jsng

Add on to Arremie's PM, have a look in the for sale section !

Compare the pricing and you decide.

cheers

ok thanks mate :-)

Well it's been a while. I've sold my CD2 and move on to MS-12B which is way better than CD2.

Now that I've sold my MS-12B and got a tube integrated amp but my SS setup still need a touch of tube magic so I'm thinking of getting the new CD3 tube buffer for them to put in between pre and power amp.

Any users of CD3 here? Some thought perhaps?

bro armi, you re so fast with tubes while im still loyal with ms 12b. why dont you have a go with cd3 & give out some reviews.. cheers