Sugarmaple Black Buff User Manual

Black Buff Amplifier

Users' Manual

Rev May 12/14

Mapletree Audio Design

Al Freundorfer

R. R. 1, Seeley's Bay, Ontario, Canada, K0H 2N0

[phone]
www.mapletreeaudio.com
[e-mail]

© Copyright Al Freundorfer 2014

0

Introduction

The Black Buff is designed as a stand-alone tube-output-buffer for CD players, DAC or any line level
device. The result is an improved tonal quality, relaxed open musical detail and imaging, reduced
listener's fatigue and enhanced 3D effect of better recordings.

The Mapletree Audio Design Black Buff Amplifier represents a high performance development of an
octal-based buffer amplifier that uses the 6SN7/5692 or 12SN7 and is based on the cathode follower
from the Mapletree Audio Line 2 and Ultra 4 pre-amplifiers. Premium components include metal film
resistors and polypropylene film capacitors.

Many people would like to have the tube sound in their home theater without buying and building an
expensive all tube system. This can be solved by adding three Black Buffs to the outputs of a
DVD/Home Theater player to bring its performance up to a tube level quality. Placing one Black Buff
on the front channel, one on the rear channels and a final unit on the center channel and sub output
(three Black Buffs total), turns your DVD/Home Theater player into a respectable sounding 6 channel
tube output with excellent sound.

Input/Output Connections

There are a single pair of inputs and a single pair of outputs. The input level can be adjusted with the
front mounted gain control (optional). In cases where no preamp is used, this can be used as a volume
control. The RCA jacks allow connection to a line-level stereo source while maintaining the connection
to the regular amplification system. The input impedance is 100 k which is compatible with all sourceΩ
output circuits. The RCA output jacks are also at the rear of the Black Buff and can handle loads as low
as 5K ohms.

The standard IEC line cord is attached to the receptacle on the rear panel of the Black Buff power
supply. It is compatible with a 115/230/240 volts for world wide compatibility. A 0.1A/250 V fuse
provides primary protection for the power supply. It is located under the IEC line inlet. Under normal
conditions, it should not be necessary to replace the fuse. If power fails to come on, you can check the
fuse and replace with a spare if necessary. If the fuse blows a second time, you should not try to operate
the unit. Contact Mapletree Audio Design for information regarding servicing. The power switches are
located on the front panel. The LED pilot light indicates the power on.

1

Left Channel
Output

Right Channel
Output

Left Channel
Input

Right Channel
Input

AC Power
Input

Fuse Tray

Heater Voltage Switch
(6.3 VDC down and 12.6VDC up)

Volume Control
Min. Volume:
Full Counter-Clockwise
Max. Volume:
Full Clockwise

Power Switch

Power Indicator LED

2