Shammi Dang
Active Member
A review after more than a month of usage - This is my first Acoustic portrait product. I purchased this on total risk as there were no reviews (video or written) available anywhere. I am very satisfied with this tube buffer. It adds warmth to the vocals and music. Very nice to hear such depth and wide soundstage. No listening fatigue. Very appropriate for listening to classical (Indian, western), pop, vocals, hindi songs & gazals. The slight harness that we feel sometimes while using our regular transistor based amplifier is not there any more. Excellent built quality, Good fit & finish, Solid chassis, subtle & simple looks. One more point to mention is the excellent packaging done by the company and there was no problem with the deliveries. I have purchased this from Hifi mart but the deliveries were initiated directly from the company based in Bangalore. I have attached this in between the DAC (Schiit modi 3) and integrated amplifier (Norge Concerto Gold 1000 class AB) and most of my music sources are routed through this Dac.
Some nick picking - Very heavy in weight and big size for a tube buffer, The embossed logo on the front can be little brighter, it looks dull and not properly visible. The bypass is not there, in case connected between two lines then it must be "ON" to pass the signal. Heats up a little, I think that's the characteristic of tubes so it requires good ventilation. The dynamism of the amplifier is mellowed down slightly because of warm tonal signature so we have to open little more volume to arrive at a comfortable listening level.
Overall it is a recommended product for anyone who wants to add the warmth and signature of tube sound to their solid state set up at a reasonable cost. There are some cheaper options available on amazon by some chinese brands (branded & generic) but I really doubt those will be able to match the quality of this tube buffer.
Some nick picking - Very heavy in weight and big size for a tube buffer, The embossed logo on the front can be little brighter, it looks dull and not properly visible. The bypass is not there, in case connected between two lines then it must be "ON" to pass the signal. Heats up a little, I think that's the characteristic of tubes so it requires good ventilation. The dynamism of the amplifier is mellowed down slightly because of warm tonal signature so we have to open little more volume to arrive at a comfortable listening level.
Overall it is a recommended product for anyone who wants to add the warmth and signature of tube sound to their solid state set up at a reasonable cost. There are some cheaper options available on amazon by some chinese brands (branded & generic) but I really doubt those will be able to match the quality of this tube buffer.