Do you own a hi-fi setup based entirely on solid-state electronics? Then you might be able to add a touch of tube sound with the new Schiit Audio Buf.
It’s an interesting concept—but in the world of audio, that’s hardly unusual. Imagine wanting to experience the much-praised “tube sound” every now and then, or even permanently, without investing in a complete tube-based integrated or power amplifier. That’s exactly where the Schiit Buf comes in.
The device is essentially a tube-based buffer. In practice, this means placing it somewhere in the signal path between your source and preamp or integrated amplifier, allowing the audio signal to pass through a vacuum tube. Yes, that technically ruins the perfect measurements and pristine figures of carefully engineered hi-fi gear—but in return, you get that characteristic tube sound many enthusiasts appreciate.
The advantage of this approach? First of all, it’s very affordable: the little unit costs just $99. That accessibility makes it a fun product to experiment with. You can leave the Schiit Buf permanently connected in the signal chain, and when switched off it simply passes the audio signal through unchanged.