Audio Horizons TB 5.0n Tube Buffer ???

I currently own the TB5.0 Tube Buffer and while it is true that it does not transform a solid state preamp into a reference qualilty tube preamp, it does provide a significant improvement in the the areas of tonal quality, harmonics, decay and general smoothness. As for the extra interconnects and circuitry, there is slight loss in detail and information but if you use good quality interconnects this loss is hard to hear. It has significantly improved every solid state preamp (X-1, ML380s, AVP-2, Krell, etc.) I have owned. It has made these preamps much more musical and enjoyable while still maintaining each of their strengths. Furthermore, with only two relatively inexpensive tubes to replace it is much less expensive to use over a long period than many highend tube preamps with multiple high cost tubes. In addition, this tube buffer sounds pretty good after only about 30 mins warm up time, while most tube preamps need hours if not days warm up to sound decent. I love the convience of my ML380s with remote control of volume, source switching and programing, etc. but wanted more tube warmth and naturalness and this Tube Buffer really delivered.

"Tube pre amps need hours if not days to warm up" Not so.Ex wife,maybe.

That's a lot money for just a tube buffer, I'm wondering if the much cheaper Yaqin or Grant Fidelity tube buffers are just as good as the Audio Horizons...the Grant Fidelity b283 is getting a lot of raves lately

If you are bent on a tube buffer have a look at Musical Fidelitys version,I believe the tube life is 10,000 hours and they are well stocked with replacements.They are retailing for about $275 on the used market.

I own and use both the original Musical Fidelity and the V3 versions along with a Yaquin single tube version that I picked up in Hong Kong for cheap. I honestly think that they work wonders when used with most inexpensive CD/DVD players adding the depth and harmonics of a tube amp while at the same time eliminating any impedance mismatches between the units connected. It also works quite well with my Precision Fidelity C7a preamp which is essentially a tube phono preamp with a passive line stage so the buffer eliminates any cable length issues. Incidentally the Yaquin/Grant (basically the same unit) is the equal of the 1st generation Musical Fidelity performance wise.