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B-283 MKII Tube Processor

 
$185.00
Size:
7" W x 5.5" H x 8" D
Worldwide Shipping:
Dual Voltage - 110/220V+/-10%
Upgrade Tube Package:



 
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Description:  

 

This MKII version of the best-selling Grant Fidelity B-283 tube processor uses 6SN7 tubes which are commonly used on high end tube audio only.


The Grant Fidelity Tube Processor is designed to transform your solid state audio signals into the much more pleasing musical sound offered by tubes. The B-283 MKII is earning a reputation as low-cost 'Magic Box' among musicians, audiophiles and people who simply love to listen to great music. The B-283 MKII is simple to operate, can install in your system in many configurations and has many uses such as:

 

  • Solid State CD Player Processing. Simply patch your CD Player thru the B-283 MKII and into your amplifier/receiver for warming up and correcting what some call the digital harshness of CD's.
  •  Home Theatre / DVD Player Processing. Initially installing on the 'front L&R' outputs of your DVD Player will improve the sound of your main speakers, especially with music DVD's. Another B-283 MKII can be added for the Centre and Sub channels for a clearer Centre channel and a warmer solid bass for your Sub-woofer.
  •  Pre-Amp Processing. Simply patch your pre-amp output thru the B-283 MKII to your amplifier and all of your sources (CD Player, DVD Player, Turntable, Tuner etc) will enjoy the musical benefits of tube processing. This can also be achieved on most good stereo / home theatre receivers / amplifiers by patching the B-283 MKII thru their pre-ins and pre-outs. Note that when running the B-283 MKII between a pre amd power amp you need to have properly grounded home wiring. Improper gorunding will cause the B-283 MKII to introduce hum into your system. When using the B-283 MKII after a pre-amp you need to have sufficient gain from the pre to drive the B-283, suggested you have volume control on your amp.
  • MP3 / iPod Players which compress the musical information, especially harmonics to achieve small file size. The B-283 MKII can recreate the missing important even order harmonic information from MP3 files, enchancing the musicality of the files and again adding the general benefits of Tube Processing to the overall sound.
  • Guitar, Bass and Keyboard Players. Adding the B-283 MKII to your rig is bringing big smiles to everyones' ears. Many of us have gone solid state 'digital' setups for the convenience of access to great presets and reduced weight/price. The B-283 MKII gives you most of the benefits of a tube amplifier in a simple solution. A common comment has been reduced on-stage volume wars. For keyboard players emulating real instruments be prepared to have your emulations actually sound real with the B-283 MKII. Guitarists with tube amps, get your tone at a much reduced volume, everyone will love you again. 
  • Pro-Audio/Recording. A true 'Magic Box' that can become in important part of almost ever step of your music production process. We have all had a tool we always reach for and can't live without in the studio. The B-283 is such a tool you should definitely have.
  • Computer Musicians. One obvious way to use is to connect the B-283 MKII to your Soundcard's main outputs for adding instant musicality to your digital work. Another is in your in/out loops for individual track(s) processing. My softsynth Reality is even better sounding with the B-283  MKII and Reality scored a perfect 5 out of 5 for sound quality in every review!

 

If you've read this far you are probably asking so whats the benefit of adding the B-283 MKII to my system. Here are some:

 

  • While the jury will always be out on which is better in the audiophile world, it is always agreed that tube audio is warmer and usually more musical. Solid state was cheaper for more power for many years, but now with Grant Fidelity, tube power is much more affordable and solid state that compares to Grant Fidelity tube audio now costs much more. The cycle has reversed. But hey, we have spent good money on our solid state gear and just want to add tube warmth, natural presence and soundstage (the illusion of your speakers disappearing from your room). This is where the B-283 MKII benefits us, with solid state 'digital' equipment.
  • The B-283 MKII adds/restores natural harmonics that livens up your music.
  • The B-283 MKII adds tube warmth to digital audio.
  • The B-283 MKII reduces the work load of your amplifiers and allows them to breathe, creating the perception of more power as tube processed music's distortion at high levels is much easier on the ears.
  • The B-283 MKII makes your speakers sound much more detailed as the tube processing gives the speakers more of the music information they expect.
  • Soundstage. An audiophile term about the 'space of the music'. Width, depth and height are all increased with the B-283 MKII . 

 

Who the B-283 MKII isn't for:

Audiophiles with a $20k plus audio system. You have already paid good money for what the B-283 MKII will do for lesser systems. Our tests have indicated that on true audiophile systems the results are very subtle to be noticeable, which is actually a good indication of how good the B-283 MKII is. If you are an audiophile and want great tube sound, check out our Grant Fidelity tube amps.

 

Impedance Matching:

The B-283 acts as an impedance matching device, it will run between almost anything at line level and again between most pre and amps. 100k input, 100 output typical, < 500 spec. This also really helps some gear mate up up properly. Input sensitivity in minimum 500 mv, but will handle 5v output CD players fine.

 

Specifications: 

  • Input Sensitivity: -0.68dB (1kHz)
  • Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-100kHz (-0.1dB)
  • THD: <=0.03% (1kHz)
  • Input Impedance: 100k ohm
  • S/N Ratio: >= 60dB (A)
  • Tubes: (2) Shuguang 6N8P (equivalent 6SN7)
  • Measurement: 7" width x 6" height (including feet) x 7.5" depth
  • Weight: 3kg 
  • Fuse: for using with 220V - 0.25A/250V; for using with 110V - 0.5A/250V 

 

Caution:

The B-283 MKII is designed to be used Grounded, do not lift the Ground on the B-283 MKII or any of our products without running the ground to a proper ground point. Running any electrical device with the ground lifted is dangerous to both your health and equipment.

If you are planning on running the B-283 between your pre-amp and amp, when you receive your B-283, we suggest you run it first on your CD Player or another source before your pre-amp to make sure it works properly. 

Dual voltage available (110V / 220V +/- 10% ) for use in both North America and Europe. Please check the voltage before you power it on.   

 

 

FAQ: 

 1. The difference between the B283 and B283 MKII? 

Compared to the 6J1 version (Grant Fidelity B283), the MKII version offers you more refined sound and works better with mid or high price range solid state system, plus you have endless list of 6SN7 current production and NOS tubes to roll for different sound.  If you have a budget sub $2,500 or vintage style system (equivalent values, speakers, amp, source CD player) , the original B283 would be sufficient. If you would like to explore more about tube hi-fi and tube rolling, the B283 MKII is a perfect small investment for you to venture into tube audio and learn all about tube sound. 

2. I want to upgrade to the Shuguang Treasure CV181-Z or Psvane CV181-T, which quality grade should I get? 

For this particular device, since it is not an amplifier and do not amplify sound signal, the factory matched grade CV181 (6SN7) should do just fine. Save some money to get some other audio goodies :) 

Psvane 181-T offers more extension on top end but you do need revealing good quality speakers to show it through. 

 

 

Value Package
+
Buy PC-1.5 Performance Power Cord and get B-283 MKII Tube Processor at an additional 13% off our everyday low price.
Total Price: $310.00
Price for the Bundle: $285.95
This Item: B-283 MKII Tube Processor
PC-1.5 Performance Power Cord
Customer Reviews
Overall:
Name:
Dean S.
Date:
12/26/2011
Review:
Simply put the B283II performs as advertised. I have had in a modest system for a couple of days now and blown away by the increased depth and vertical imaging. A wide measure of "digital hardness" has been removed without softening bass slam. The best word I can use to describe the enhancement is "bloom". This product has added more value for the dollar to my system than I could have imagined. I'm going to wait for a few months and upgrade the tubes, however for now I have to get through my CD collection..........
Rating:
Name:
R.T.
Date:
09/08/2011
Review:
I received my B-283 MKII very quickly and have it hooked up and running and am, quite frankly, at a loss for words. The difference is astounding. I am amazed that such an affordable piece of equipment can make this much difference. I hesitate to call myself an audiophile, largely due to the amount of bias and snobbery that goes along with that title, but I certainly am a music enthusiast.
I can absolutely say that with my system, in my listening environment, it has made an amazing difference.If this is an example of the products and service that you provide, then I am a believer. Thanks.
Rating:
Name:
Derek N.
Date:
07/15/2011
Review:
Hi Rachel and Ian..Ive been listening to my music through your Psvane CV181-T in your Tube Buffer...Yahooo..again.. Can t wait till they break in..lol.

I have the Raysonic CD228, Bryston BP-25 preamp, Torus RM15, My never get rid of, B&W 801 Matrix 11"s lol. Amps get rolled between the Krell FPB350MCX monos, Xindac XA8800MNE monos and a D-Sonic Maqgnum 1000S. One thing is, they all sound better through the Psvane. I switch from balanced with no tubes in the circuit to RCA with the tubes in from CD to preamp at the flick of a switch for an A-B and its the "great speaker disapearing act" with the tubes...lol.. Great product...another satisfied customer..

Derrick.N.
Rating:
Name:
Darren J.
Date:
03/05/2011
Review:
I've had my B-283 MkII running for about a week now, and the best thing I can say about it is I can't hear it. I can hear when its not there, much like the sub in my AV setup, but its not intrusive and doesn't impart its own colouration on the sound.

I've had Strangers In The Night by UFO driving hard through my Tannoy 638's earlier in the day (owned for about 12 years) and it was good hard rock. Switched to Picture Book by Simply Red and the sound was quite sublime. Sad Old Red was followed down to the bottom note on the bass with cymbals still perfect and a midrange good enough to make me want to stay up for the rest of the night.

I've read some people dimissing buffer stages as only capable of adding distortion. I'd correct that by saying that whilst any active device will add noise a good buffer stage can reduce distortion by providing a kinder load to the devices it is connected inbetween. The B-283 MkII has certainly done so between my DAC and amp.
Rating:
Name:
Derrick N.
Date:
03/05/2011
Review:
My, what an improvement. The best tweek per dollar. You have to try it for yourself to believe it.

My system is a pair of Bryston 7BSST's,Bryston BP-25 pre-amp, Krell KAV300CD, B&W 801"s and a monster filter.

This system was clean and loud but not satisfying..Too bright top end, very fatiguing and almost not enjoyable..seriously.

The B283MKII between pre and amps smoothed up the top end, the vocals are now being SUNG rather than screamed...lol..Bass is tighter, more authorative.soundstage was improved .. and this from using some not to bad gear.....Just finnished a 4 hour listening session...ear to ear smile...lol. Thanks Ian..
Rating:
Name:
Hal B.
Date:
03/05/2011
Review:
This unit has breathed new life into an old system, consisting of Polk compact SDA speakers, driven by a Carver receiver. The source is a Pioneer 7400 DVD player. The MKII is between the DVD player and the receiver.

I am a big fan of Joni Mitchell's Miles of Aisles live album, but her voice does not sound very pleasing when she goes up high without the buffer. With the buffer, it is lovely. I have heard a noticeable improvement on the Leonard Cohen Live DVD too, and on several other recordings.

I only have about 30 hours on the unit, and although I purchased the Treasure tubes that go with it, haven't tried them yet. Probably, will do that in the future with a higher end system, consisting of PS Audio DAC III (Cullen Level III Mods), into Classe CAP 101 integrated SS amp, into B&W CDM9NT floorstanding speaker. The MKI is in that system now, and it helps tame the B&W titanium tweeter, which can be harsh, and improves the overall sound appreciably to my ears (with Mullard tubes).

Overall, I'd say the Grant Fidelity tube buffers are very helpful and amazing value.
Rating:
Name:
Hal B. - continued
Date:
03/05/2011
Review:
I have now had an adequate opportunity to assess the 283 MKII buffer, with the Treasure Tubes, in a system that retailed new for about $8K. As noted before, this system has a Cullen Level III modified PS Audio Digital Link III DAC as the source, into a Classe CAP 101 Integrated amp, driving B&W CDM9NT floor standing speakers. Undoubtedly, the buffer has made a substantial improvement in the sound stage, and the digital harshness that can be so annoying is gone. I don't possess an adequate audiophile vocabulary to describe the change, but can say that the music sounds simply more like the real thing. I particularly enjoy classical music on this system. The strings and other instruments simply sound more natural and sweet. There is no fatigue and no downside to using this unit that I can discern. Based on my experience, the unit definitely meets the goal of improving higher end systems, with no drawback. Before using the MKII I had the MKI on this system, and that helped. However, the MKII with the stock tubes took it up a notch, and the Treasure Tubes made it better. But, I should add that I probably did not adequately burn in the stock tubes before trying the Treasure Tubes, due to impatience, so the ones that come with the unit didn't really get a fair shake. Overall, I think this unit is one of the best values in hi fi audio equipment, and a complete no brainer for systems lacking tubes.
Rating:
Name:
Stan R.
Date:
03/05/2011
Review:
from customer Stan R. in Canada by email:

"I received the Shuguang Treasure 'Black Bottle' CV181-Z tubes (Premium
Grade B) for my B283 MKII Tube Processor and must say what an amazing
combination! Placed in-between my preamp and amp everything sounds
fantastic. New to the audiophool scene I can't imagine a more
economical way of improving the sound quality of all my music sources.
From vinyl to digital I've experienced a cataclysmic improvement to my
ears. Thank you for your service in providing quality products AND
service in the audiophile quest.

Cheers,
Stan"
Rating:
Name:
Beau
Date:
03/05/2011
Review:
Setup:
YBA Design YA-201
Cambridge Audio azur 640c
Dali Ikon 6
PS Audio Duet Power Center
Shunyata Research Venom Power Cables
Analysis Plus Oval One Interconnects
Analysis Plus Black Oval 12 Speaker Cables

I was very pleased with the cost to sound ratio that I had achieved with this configuration. But as always, I wanted more if the possibility exist. The YA-201 already sets a very pleasing sound stage... The azur is a bargain transport... The Dali's are just great all around, even compared to B&W 805S and other well praised speakers. They are just musical!

I placed the Grant Fidelity B283 Mk II Tube processor in between the azur 640c and the YA-201. It was magnificent from the start. With only about 5 hours of time, the sound already reveals a deeper, wider sound stage. Harmonicas, vocals, strings, brass, everything seems to come alive with more detail. This sense of liveliness is astounding for the price. I feel like the concert is taking place in my listening room, or that I am sitting present in a recording studio. My setup has now jumped several notches on the audio chain with this one inexpensive addition. I am still looking forward to adding a tube power amplifier(Manley or McIntosh) at some point, but until then I am content. Thanks Grant Fidelity!

Thanks,

Beau
Rating:
Name:
Keith O.
Date:
03/05/2011
Review:
My system, whilst dynamic and exciting to listen to, had a touch of the harshness that solid state systems are labelled with. I was in need of some sort of fix.

I asked the guys at Grant Fidelity about the possibility of buying a hybrid amp as I liked the dynamics and bass slam of solid state but also wanted the sweetness of tubes. They recommended a couple of choices to me but also suggested that I might find a fix by inserting a tube processor into my system. I had no idea about this tweak but for the measly sum of $190, how far wrong could I go.

I received my unit in 3 days ( I don`t know how they process and ship stuff so quickly ) and inserted it in between the CD player and pre-amp. I noticed a difference, though it was more subtle than I expected. I was a little disappointed but thought that since I had already invested in it, perhaps upgrading the stock shuguang tubes would not be a bad idea.

I researched the Shuguang Treasure tubes and purchased two CV 181 Z`s. Wow. What a mind blowing difference. The bass had slam, the top end was sweeter and the soundstage just opened up. I cannot speak more highly of the Treasure tubes and in the tube processor, it did the job for me and saved me a ton of money. Now all I need is to add a PC 1.5 power cord ( I had purchased one about a year ago for my CD player and it was phenomenal ) and see what that does.

Sincere thanks go out to Grant Fidelity.

Keith O.
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