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

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).

All volume controls are passive.If its not passive, its probably a gain control. Gain and volume are very different.

Stupid tone control!

Seems like a great way to see what a tube buffer can do.  Its only 99 dollars and they have a 15 day return policy.  I know it's not " the pure " thing to do, but in reality our ears did not evolve to hear the vast array of micro- detail being sent our way in this high resolution audio world.  I just ordered one... will let you know how it sounds when it arrives.  And, yet another tube to roll !

I have a Douk T8 Pro I  paid about 120 bucks.  I love it. I A/B with the straight signals from my WIIM Ultra and I much prefer the T8 in the signal. It makes the s ound juicy like a fine hamburger with truffles. 😋