There is an earlier thread addressing this question, but I can't find it just now. Others besides me gave positive reviews to the buffer in that thread. I've run very happily for about two years with the X-10v3 Tube Buffer between my MF XRay CD player and the X-150 Integrated Amp. The buffer produced what my ears saw as obvious improvements in CD playback. When I added the outboard power supply, things got incrementally better. Then problems with the CD Player, which I wasn't able to remedy, resulted in my replacing it with a Marantz SA11S1. CD playback on the new player is far superior to that of the X-Ray which it replaced (It should be, based on their relative costs). Having tried the new player with and without the tube buffer, I've taken the buffer out of my system. In short, the question of what you might get from the X-10v3 depends on your CD player. What CD player do you plan to use it with? It will improve the sound of all but the very good ones and it will perform best if used with the outboard power supply. Though I'm not using it presently, I consider it to have been a great investment.

Tube buffer did Nothing positive in my rather humble system ( Denon 2900 + Prina Luna Prologue-2 + Sonus faber Extremas )

The bass lost a bit of res, and the music lost some of its rythym.

I would suggest - don't buy without a try in Your system.

Cheapskate and ampnut have nailed this one. I had a similar positive experience inserting it between a $500 Sony SACD multi-disk player and tubed pre-amp. Did nothing or actually hurt the sound when used with higher priced electronics.

Home audition would be beneficial and the outboard power supply while doubling the price is really worth it.

I'm using the buffer with the Marantz SA11 and a Creek 5350SE. I think I hear some added body, but it's very subtle. Great SACD/CD player, though.

I have been using the MF X10 v3 with my Rotel 1072 CD player for about 5-6 yrs. and have enjoyed it.  I recently picked up a Denon 955 Universal player, for its ability to play SACD's, and CD's.  I will be trying to a-b the MF with the Denon, but given the Denon is newer, and sold for $1200 (I just got it for $200!), it seems like the Denon would be better without it, and I should keep the MF with the Rotel, for the bedroom, with my Totem Dreamcatchers (GREAT bedroom speakers!).  Any ideas?

Also, in my main listening room, I have the Totem Forests, powered by a Musical Fidelity A 3.2 integated.  The room is huge: 21X19 with a 15' sloping ceiling.  The Totems seem strained at higher volumes in this space, and I am considering the B&W CM-9's (around $3000), for a better speaker for my space.  Any thoughts?

alanpod@shaw.ca