Is a Stereo Tube Upgrade Worth It?

[TwangerMan]

I currently own a Yamaha RX-V2400 receiver. If I purchase a YAQIN CD3 6N8P stereo tube upgrade buffer processor, would there be a noticeable improvement in the sound generated from my CD player through my receiver? Since I'm retired and don't have a lot of money to play with, I want to feel good about spending a couple a hundred dollars on this tube processor. After all, I still love my rock and roll.

 

[TLS Guy]

I currently own a Yamaha RX-V2400 receiver. If I purchase a YAQIN CD3 6N8P stereo tube upgrade buffer processor, would there be a noticeable improvement in the sound generated from my CD player through my receiver? Since I'm retired and don't have a lot of money to play with, I want to feel good about spending a couple a hundred dollars on this tube processor. After all, I still love my rock and roll.

A total and complete waste of money and a downgrade, not an upgrade.

 

[markw]

There may be a changes in the sound but whether it'll be an improvement is highly debatable.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

To me, any kind of "tubes" are a total waste as well.

If you want EQ, get something like Audyssey XT32 Dynamic EQ that can EQ the bass from 200Hz down, but pretty much leave anything above 200Hz alone.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I currently own a Yamaha RX-V2400 receiver. If I purchase a YAQIN CD3 6N8P stereo tube upgrade buffer processor, would there be a noticeable improvement in the sound generated from my CD player through my receiver? Since I'm retired and don't have a lot of money to play with, I want to feel good about spending a couple a hundred dollars on this tube processor. After all, I still love my rock and roll.

If you have this upgrade bug, upgrade your speakers, room acoustics, and better recordings, period.

 

[3db]

That depends entirely on you. If you like the sound of tunes, then fine. However, if you are looking for faithful reproduction, I would look elsewhere.

 

[highfigh]

I have listened to several Audio Research systems and the last time, about 6 months ago, sounded exceptional. The source was an Apple MiniMac, it had an Audio Research pre and tube output power amp with Sonus Faber speakers. I suspect they used AudioQuest cables, because I know they like that flavor of Kool Aid, but I don't know which ones. I didn't get the model numbers, but it sounded great- IIRC, it was Sibelius' 2nd and the horns were crisp & dynamic, the sense of the space was very good and it didn't seem to be taxed hard on the loudest passages.

However, that system will never be in my house. The preamp, power amp were about $13,995 each, the speakers were similarly priced. If the cables were the ones with 72VDC of dielectric biasing goodness, I suspect they were about the same price, in total.

It's a great sounding tube power amp, but you can buy a very nice system for the price of that one piece.

 

[Poultrygeist]

I'd suggest this inexpensive 6n3 preamp but instead of pairing it with your receiver spring for a $10 TPA3116 class D amp with an $8 lap top power supply. Seriously good sound which can change one's concept of price/performance.

http://www.amazon.com/stereo-audio-amplifier-PRE-AMP-Buffer/dp/B008ICH0KA