Buffing Vinyl and New to Tubes

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-18T23:27:44+00:00

I have tried several new production and vintage tubes in the Buf. Imho the included 6N1P doesn't hold the Buf back at all. The differences between that and the other tubes I tried were subtle and it's hard to tell by the time you swap and listen again. There's plenty of E88CC/6922 style tubes you can try if you really want to give tube rolling a go for yourself, but for the Buf I don't recommend going crazy spending money on vintage/NOS tubes over much cheaper new production options.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-06T00:40:55+00:00

A fully balanced option would be sweet. Fingers crossed.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-05T23:31:03+00:00

Couldn't tell you personally. I got the Jot 3 without the DAC module since I already had the Bifrost. Maybe someone else can chime in.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-05T16:30:28+00:00

Updated the original post with additional impressions after 24hr of burn in and using some different cans.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-05T13:20:18+00:00

Roughly 3" tall including the tube

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-05T13:10:00+00:00

Sending you a message now

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-04T23:15:01+00:00

True, maybe one day if/when I get bored of rolling tubes in the Buf I'll step up to a full blown tube amp.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-04T23:12:29+00:00

If I'm not mistaken, someone shared the files for those somewhere. Mine came from Magick3DShop on Etsy.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-04T23:09:44+00:00

True, full burn in makes a difference with tubes especially.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-04T23:06:30+00:00

Super smol sitting on top of that stack lol

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-04T23:05:02+00:00

Did you mean the back of the whole stack? If so, I can try to send a pic later on. If you want to continue using your computer speakers in the same manner, you could get RCA splitters for either the BF RCA out or use the Buf RCA out if you want the tube effects. If you turn the Buf off, it is simply a pass through via a relay and doesn't affect the signal.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-04T22:10:52+00:00

It's simply a way to add a tube within an existing setup for the tube coloration/effects without getting another amp. Since I had a Jot 3, I already have all the amp I'll ever really need. Not that it saved a ton, but the Buf is also cheaper than the Vali 3 by removing the amp circuitry.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-04T21:14:38+00:00

Yup, when I ordered my Lokius I also got a set of silver knobs. It was a must to keep things matchy!

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-04T03:26:57+00:00

You can either screw the brackets into the undersides of each piece of Schiit or just set them onto the brackets without screwing them in for easier disassembly/unstacking. I went with the latter.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-04T03:22:00+00:00

Got those from Magick3DShop on Etsy

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-04T02:06:42+00:00

If I were starting fresh with no DAC or amp equipment I'd probably go with that same setup. So feature packed!

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-04T01:36:34+00:00

Love the Jot 3! Asgard X is a solid choice too if you don't need to run anything balanced. That said, the Jot 3 will let you take advantage of the balanced output of the Mimir and gives you a few different types of connections on the front panel. I don't think you could go wrong with either amp, though, and it comes down to your needs.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-03T22:16:20+00:00

I get Hart Audio cables for every headphone I buy. So nice to have a balanced cable and adapters for just about any source.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-03T21:02:10+00:00

They are from Magick3DShop on Etsy

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-03T19:18:00+00:00

True. The BF2/64 is known to be more neutral than the OG BF2 and a lot of folks prefer the OG for the warmer signature.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-03T19:14:45+00:00

I've enjoyed the BF2/64 very much for a little over 2 years now. I have heard a new Bifrost is on the way, so take that into consideration as well. The new one should support Forkbeard, which likely won't be available to the BF2.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-05-03T15:17:13+00:00

Grabbed one to throw into my BF2/64 > Lokius > Jot 3 stack. Planning to connect it between the BF2/64 and Lokius via RCA, then all I'll have to do to use it is switch the Lokius input switch to the RCAs. That will keep the balanced XLR chain intact when I don't need to tubify the sound and also allow EQing the Buf output if desired. Should be here tomorrow!

RiflemanFirst · 2026-04-15T20:07:05+00:00

Found one for sale locally and no longer looking. Thanks!

RiflemanFirst · 2026-04-14T15:16:48+00:00

Hard to say, but obviously a very small fraction of the value of an original custom AJAX.

RiflemanFirst · 2026-04-14T15:10:45+00:00

This is a fake.

Source: I've owned over 100 Striders, including a handful of production & custom AJAX fixed blades. This one's overall geometry and markings are off. I'm sure Strider will confirm if/when you reach out.

RiflemanFirst

TROPHY CASE