Unity gain with tube buffer?

Clio09, I have a customer using Stormbringers with our MA-1s. He is delighted with them- gave up a set of Carver Silver Amazings. He thinks Duke's speakers are better in every way. In having heard his system, I agree.

We can install a volume control in the M-60 and MA-1. It is similar to the type that we put in the MP-1 preamp.

Pubul57, I am of the opinion that TVCs if done right can offer better performance than a passive, unless the passive is at the input of the amplifier. The best TVCs rival many good line sections, but the best line sections so far are still better IMO/IME and offer greater flexibility.

Ralph,

Thanks for the response. The volume control in the M-60 is an interesting option. Does this have to be done with a new unit or can used one be upgraded?

You comments on TVCs are also interesting. I had been leaning towards getting the new Bent TAP AVC (balanced version) but that will now depend on if I decide to move to the M-60s.

Clio09, only the newer Mk.IIIs can get the volume control option. The earlier units don't have the panel space.

If you desing a unity gain buffered preamp, what difference might there be between a tube buffer versus a SS buffer - are they both equally effective, does a tube buffer create a tube like preamp sound? What is the difference between the buffered approach and TVC/AVCs?

In this case the tube is driving an output transformer and the step down of the output transformer is why there is little if any gain. The output side can drive 50-100 feet of cable, balanced or single-ended. Yes, it will sound better than a semiconductor system- that does not change. The advantage of this system is that the transformer can be properly terminated so there is no ringing or frequency response anomalies, and at the same time the position of the volume control will not act as a tone control since it is buffered.