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Smack;Bottlehead WOT

post #1 of 30
7/29/11 at 5:08pm
Thread Starter 

Keeping the title in line with the Crack OTL's thread.

 

Bottlehead is releasing a new headphone amplifier, "With Output Transformer". It's not as low-cost as the Crack, but since it has output transformers, it will make it far easier to drive all headphones.

 

Here's the link: http://www.bottlehead.com/store.php?crn=224&rn=455&action=show_detail

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones
post #2 of 30
7/30/11 at 6:22am
I've always wanted to build a Bottlehead amp. This could be the one.
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post #3 of 30
7/31/11 at 8:24am

And it will also have Balanced output with a single TRS.  Very interesting. I'm debating on selling my Mappletree MAD Ear+ HD Purist to build one of these??? The MAD also  has an Output Transformer but having the option for Balancing my HD-650 and Grado would be nice. confused.gif

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post #4 of 30
7/31/11 at 9:20am

I can't wait to see impressions.

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post #5 of 30
7/31/11 at 2:17pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Twinster View Post

And it will also have Balanced output with a single TRS.  Very interesting. I'm debating on selling my Mappletree MAD Ear+ HD Purist to build one of these??? The MAD also  has an Output Transformer but having the option for Balancing my HD-650 and Grado would be nice. confused.gif


If you want a MAD order NOW! Mapletree Audio is raising prices by 5-10% tomorrow!

 

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post #6 of 30
7/31/11 at 5:20pm


Hey WyldRage. I already own a MAD and loving it but would have to sell it to get the Bottlehead.

Quote:
Originally Posted by WyldRage View Post




If you want a MAD order NOW! Mapletree Audio is raising prices by 5-10% tomorrow!

 



 

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post #7 of 30
7/31/11 at 7:17pm
Thread Starter 

My bad: I was jumping words and read "I am considering a MAD Ear+".

 

I would keep it a while longer: you will be able to read some impressions and reviews, and your current amplifier will be worth more due to the rising prices.


Edited by WyldRage - 7/31/11 at 7:19pm
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post #8 of 30
8/4/11 at 3:35pm

Hey guys,

The Smack is getting really close to being ready for prime time.

The output configurations and the switching is pretty amazing.

If you're interested, here's a link to the development thread over on the Bottlehead forum.

You'll notice that there's a "preproduction" pricing offer too.

 

http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/board,29.0.html

 

 

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post #9 of 30
8/5/11 at 6:52am

I wonder if this will also be an improvement over the crack for high impedance cans

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post #10 of 30
8/5/11 at 9:06pm

Doc says that for the high impedance cans the Crack still edges out. 

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post #11 of 30
8/5/11 at 9:30pm

Man, I want to get me some Crack!

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post #12 of 30
8/16/11 at 3:37am

Wanna see my white Crack?

 

I like this a lot, it's about my favorite for Sennheiser HD800's (300 ohms,) and it's good with my 600 ohm Beyer DT-880's. 

 

Interestingly, it works well on my Audio Technica  ath-5000, which are 40 ohm- but have good sensitivity. 

 

It's great with the  higher sensitivity 'phones.  Doesn't work AT ALL satisfactorily with my low sensitivity / low impedance planar phones like LCD-2 and HE-6.  Just nowhere near enough "oomph' to drive them.

 

I have the "Speedball" upgrade, and use  film caps instead of electrolytics for output coupling.

 

I also have a Bottlehead Eros phono preamp, it is pretty wonderful.  

 

I am not sure the Smack appeals to me; I wonder, will it have the power to drive the LCD-2? How about the HE-6?  And do I really want to have a transformer between my ears and the signal?  I might buy it just to find out.  

 

b3696139_BH-AMP1.JPG


Edited by milosz - 8/16/11 at 3:39am
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post #13 of 30
8/16/11 at 4:12am

Very Nice! Is that the stock tube on there?

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post #14 of 30
8/16/11 at 9:14am

Could be... it looks similar to mine.

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post #15 of 30
8/16/11 at 10:42am

What...no love for the S.E.X.?

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones
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