ModWright Tube Buffer

dan’s unit is full featured

otoh deckert’s zstage is absolutely minimalist (in terms of very small case, ultra simple internal wiring/configuration, and the use of single dual triode 12au7, so its easy and fun to tube roll as well)

https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1288548883

correct, z-stage has no switch to allow in/out of circuit though (minimalist ethos here)

but each in their own way does what it does excellently

i enjoy my zstage, and use it sometimes with DACs that are clear and spacious but a touch lean in tone, or low in output voltage

Impedance matching is a common reason for using a buffer.  The Modwright unit, with its output impedance of <20 ohms, is likely to be more effective in that regard than the Zstage that is spec’ed at an output impedance of <1,000 ohms.

I purchased the balanced version of the ModWright Analog Bridge about 6 weeks ago and am extremely happy that I did.  It brings tube beauty to my solid state system. 

I like the versatility of having  three modes you can choose from.  Rock and fast paced music sound fantastic to me on the 6922 tubes.  Jazz and vocals sound great to me on the 6SN7 tubes. Or you can flip the bybass switch on the back of the unit (I rarely do this) and listen with no tubes in the signal path.

To me, this was a good choice as I was already happy with my solid state system, and just wanted to add tubes without losing that solid state detail.

That’s what I want to hear @markcpa1 
message me if you are anywhere near Maryland.