Unity gain with tube buffer?

Pubul57, we're working on one that will be offered through Ultra Violet Audio. Probably not a lot of help to you right now though...

Pubul57, the AudioKinesis speakers are designed and built by Duke of AudioKinesis.

Although I prefer an active linestage **designed and built properly**, I do not question for a moment that TVCs and even a properly set up passive can do better than most linestages out there. IMO its a statement about how bad most linestages actually are.

John Chapman has a remote system that allows you to put the passive control right by the amp which with passives is really the only way to do it. The remote solves the issue of having to get up and adjust the volume on both channels every time you want to change the volume.

FWIW we offer a passive control option in our amplifiers...

Clio09, I have a customer using Stormbringers with our MA-1s. He is delighted with them- gave up a set of Carver Silver Amazings. He thinks Duke's speakers are better in every way. In having heard his system, I agree.

We can install a volume control in the M-60 and MA-1. It is similar to the type that we put in the MP-1 preamp.

Pubul57, I am of the opinion that TVCs if done right can offer better performance than a passive, unless the passive is at the input of the amplifier. The best TVCs rival many good line sections, but the best line sections so far are still better IMO/IME and offer greater flexibility.

Clio09, only the newer Mk.IIIs can get the volume control option. The earlier units don't have the panel space.

In this case the tube is driving an output transformer and the step down of the output transformer is why there is little if any gain. The output side can drive 50-100 feet of cable, balanced or single-ended. Yes, it will sound better than a semiconductor system- that does not change. The advantage of this system is that the transformer can be properly terminated so there is no ringing or frequency response anomalies, and at the same time the position of the volume control will not act as a tone control since it is buffered.