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Tube buffer in tape loop@

Hi,I recently bought an Esoteric K03XD, which sounds absolutely amazing with most albums. I find some 90’s rock sounds a bit harsh, and I was considering adding a valve device. I use a Bryston MP26 pre-amp, and I was wondering if inserting a valve buffer (Icon Audio BA3) in the tape loop might be an idea.

Icon Audio suggests that the buffer is best placed between two components. As I really like the sound as it is for most albums, I am reluctant to do this. I was hoping that placing it in the tape loop might enable me to listen to the CD player, or any source, and hear the source as per normal when the switch on the Bryston in the "source" position, and hear the processed sound with that switch in the "tape" position.

Is that correct?
I came across a rather alarming post in a forum saying that this works, but that it is possible to seriously damage components or speakers if you put the switch in the "source" position. That seems odd to me, but there is so much I know I don’t know that I tend to be a bit cautious. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
paleo12
paleo12 OP
39 posts
 
Thanks, useful stuff.
As far as I can see now, the path would be CD player > pre-amp CD input (as per usual) > tape out to buffer > buffer to tape in.
I had a chat with a UK supplier who takes returns for a full refund within a 14-day period.  I am considering an experimental tweaklet, not knowing the first thing about valves.  No idea how it will sound.
I don't know what impedance mismatches are, but my aim is to see if I can get a softer, warmer tone with some recordings which at the moment I'm finding uncomfortably bright.  According to Icon Audio, that's what their device does.
raysmtb1's avatar
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raysmtb1
793 posts
 
Go for it. 
invalid
1,118 posts
 
If the buffer makes listening more enjoyable then why not.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I find some 90’s rock sounds a bit harsh and I was considering adding a valve device.


I ask you this, why color/soften everything else because of a few bad recordings from the 90’s?
Go here and find better releases of the same ones, they all sound different like this Stevie Nicks one (all green blocks are the best if possible) click on them to find the cat no. and go search for it used on ebay.
Original earliest CD’s are the best usually and streamed/downloads are usually compressed junk
https://dr.loudness-war.info/album/list?artist=&album=Bella+Donna


Cheers George
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Yup I agree with that on all the way.. George is right..

If you like the tube sound get a tube amp. ADD another 1500.00 or so and you can swap, biamp or just go SS. That would be the better rout.
More "tinker-ability", YES IT IS A WORD.. I just made it up.. :-)

You got some bad recordings, AY?

Regards
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