Are Tube Buffers for real or even worth it ?

@flasd

I had the Zpre3 as my preamp in my main system for quite some time (a great little preamp). I also ran an iFi Micro iTube2 between the Zpre and my amp. The iFi iTube is highly recommended. It’s a bit pricey, but does so much more than most all ‘tube buffers’. It added quite a lot, and has a variety of settings you can use to dial in to taste, or even change on the fly. Check it out. Great piece of equipment.

The ZPre and iFi is now in my bedroom system, and still in use.

@twoleftears

Looking at it, the iFi does more. And at less cost.

@stereo_gen 

👍🏼 Folks shouldn’t ‘poo poo’ tube buffers until they actually hear the iFi Micro Tube2 and understand it’s capabilities. It’s an incredible little piece of equipment that can transform your rig, if that is what you are looking for. It’s also very well engineered and does not integrate distortion, it’s really quiet actually. But again, it isn’t cheap vs the crappy ones out there. 

It did it’s job for me quite well until upgrading my preamp by a significant amount. Could I still have it in the chain? Sure, but isn’t really necessary now, for me.

@bumpy48

Does that iFi have gain?

it’s up to you, you have the option of 0 gain, or 9db of gain in either buffer or preamp set-up

@pedroeb 

Wow, I had no idea that they discontinued the iTube2. What a shame, but it sure seems to be the case searching around. Incredible little piece of equipment. If you can snag one used, I would still recommend that.