Musical Fidelity X-Tube - Class A Tube Output Buffer

Musical Fidelity is proud to introduce the X-Tube, a revolutionary pure Class A triode output buffer, constructed in our newly developed X-profile die-cast aluminum chassis. The X-Tube is the first in a series of new products in the X line.

How to use the X-Tube?

The X-Tube is literally the missing link between the source and the amplifier. It connects between the source and the amplifier.

Why is the X-Tube important?

Modern source devices, like streamers or A/V receivers, focus primarily on software and struggle to manage development costs. What's the sacrifice? Hardware! Their cheap output stages struggle to properly drive an amplifier's input stage.

What advantages does it offer?

Tube buffer: between source and amplifier

Dramatically improves any digital and analog source
Adds tube-like tonal characteristics, depth and richness to any digital or line source
Ideal impedance characteristics
Easy to drive for any output stage, including cheaper stages in modern digital streamers
Impedance-matched amplifier: between preamplifier or home theater A/V receiver and power amplifier

Maximize signal transfer
Reduces distortion due to improper impedance matching
Protects the amplifier from reactive loads
Home theater: Enhances the front L/R stereo channels for high-fidelity stereo music listening

From X10D to X-Tube

The X10D, designed by Musical Fidelity founder Antony Michaelson, is an acronym – or a pun if you prefer – for eX-(10)ten-(D) ded. Extended. The internal circuit design closely follows the original, and just like it, the new X-Tube extends the signal chain and connects between the input source and the amplifier. It acts as an intermediate stage and is designed to improve audio signal quality and add tube-like sonic characteristics to line-level sources. Connectivity is simple, with 1 x RCA input and 1 x RCA output, plus an RCA bypass. The old external power supply has been reworked and moved inside the chassis, allowing for a cleaner setup than before.
Advantages of a tube output buffer and its impact on the sound

Tube preamplifiers or tube output buffers hold a special place in the hearts of many audiophiles, offering a distinctive sonic signature that many audio enthusiasts appreciate. The warmer, more natural sound, improved dynamics, and potential reduction in listening fatigue contribute to a unique and immersive listening experience.
The X-Tube in today's audio world

What role does the X-Tube play in today's audio world? We're currently seeing a surge in a new generation of affordable streaming devices and DACs. CD players are also enjoying growing interest as people continue to preserve their old collections.

These modern digital audio devices command high prices, but they do so at the expense of hardware. Software accounts for the bulk of their cost, and there's no budget earmarked for, among other things, adequate output stages. Instead, cheaper integrated IC solutions are used that lack the power to properly drive the line inputs of many amplifiers.

The X-Tube has a clean, high-impedance tube input, meaning it won't tax the output driving capabilities of your connected source devices. Regular line inputs on most amplifiers are typically more demanding, and cheaper output stages will struggle.

On the output side, the X-Tube's clean, low-impedance tube output buffer offers excellent drive and has no problems with low or high-impedance amplifier inputs.

The X-Tube is designed to be the beating heart of your system, powering modern streamers and keeping pace with rapidly evolving digital technology.

While streamers excel in software and offer excellent digital-to-analog conversion with the latest DAC technology, they often fall short when it comes to analog output potential. And when their analog punch is lacking, the X-Tube complements them perfectly.