The BA3 is a valve audio buffer — the simplest way to add „valve magic” to a solid-state system, without replacing the whole setup. It does not amplify the signal’s voltage but boosts its „strength” (current), and passing through a triode introduces a subtle warmth and fluidity to the sound.
The buffer can be inserted between a CD player and an amplifier, or between a preamplifier and a power amplifier. A low output impedance (150 Ω) effectively reduces losses on long interconnect cables. The SRPP circuit operates in pure Class A, fully triode, with no feedback loop.
The design is entirely hand-assembled, point-to-point, with no printed circuit boards, on 6N6 valves (compatible with ECC88/6922) and a 0A2 regulator valve. Solen capacitors (optional Copper Foil „Paper in Oil”), gold-plated sockets and a bypass switch complete this unassuming but effective design.
| Valves | 2× 6N6 (compatible with ECC88/6922) + 0A2 (regulator) |
| Circuit | SRPP, Class A, triode, no feedback |
| Gain | 0.96 (buffer) |
| Max. output | 30 V |
| Input impedance | 100 kΩ |
| Output impedance | 150 Ω |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | below −90 dB |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 100 kHz (−0.1 dB) |
| THD distortion | typically <0.05% (1 kHz) |
| Inputs / outputs | 1× line + bypass |
| Power supply | 220 / 240 V, 50 W |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 310 × 145 × 125 mm |
| Weight | 2.5 kg |
A valve audio buffer — adds the warmth and fluidity of a valve to a solid-state system. Class A SRPP circuit, low output impedance, hand-wired assembly. A simple route to valve sound.
