Any thoughts on the new Schiit Buf tube buffer ($99)?

I have no real interest in a tube buffer but, for $99, it might be fun to play with on a secondary system.

qjm10105-02-2026 11:14pm

jayctoy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,640 posts 05-03-2026 at 01:44pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Maybe it will help the yagdrassil sound a bit tube or my gungnir? $99 is worth it if you like it. Schiit should just make tube dac?
quincy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 475 posts 05-03-2026 at 04:41pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Haven't looked at this device as of yet.... what's it supposed to do??
mitch2 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,752 posts 05-03-2026 at 05:13pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete My only interest in buffers was to improve impedance matching, and add tonal density and dynamics when driving amplifiers directly from a DAC with volume control, or following a passive volume control. The best I found was solid state, and I wouldn’t think of adding one to mimic “the sound of tubes”. A couple of DAC makers designed their own to go between their DACs with volume control and the power amps - like TotalDAC (link).
xmbw4 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 38 posts 05-03-2026 at 09:04pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete All volume controls are passive.If its not passive, its probably a gain control. Gain and volume are very different.
faustuss Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 846 posts 05-04-2026 at 08:56am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Stupid tone control!