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Bottlehead Crack vs Woo Audio 3

post #1 of 8
9/12/11 at 8:36pm
Thread Starter 

I've done a fair bit of reading on this site over the past year, even though I only officially joined today.

 

Im looking at the Bottlehead Crack and the WA3, both of which seem to be well suited to my HD650s and in my price range. I couldn't find many direct comparisons between the two when searching. I was wondering if anybody has listened to both and had any impressions to share of their experience.

 

They seem fairly similar in topology both being SET OTL and using 6AS7 output tubes. the difference, from what i can tell, is the WA3 uses one dual triode/channel (6922) whereas the crack uses 1/2 of a dual triode per channel (12AU7) in the drive section. The 6922 being a lower gain variant of the 12AU7 as i understand. 

 

With the Woo at $495 vs $219 for the Crack ($369 assembled), it seems to me that the difference will show in the wiring quality and cost of the sleek aluminum vs wood chassis more than the sound. I may be missing something (please tell me if i am!) but If this is the only difference i will go with the crack and put the spare change towards a new phono preamp.

 

Anyways, id like to hear any opinions on the two. Sound impressions and hopefully general awesomeness of each one.

 

Cheers,

 

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones
post #2 of 8
9/12/11 at 8:49pm

I would imagine they would be close sonically. So I think it's comes down to:

Do you want an amp that's plug-n-play or does putting a kit together sound like a fun couple of days?

Do you like the sleek all aluminum look of the Woo or the old school wood look of the Crack?

Do you like the thought of doing tweeks and upgrades to the Crack yourself or do you like the Woo amps warranty?

Although similar amps they are different in that ones plug-n-play the other is a semi DIY kit.

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post #3 of 8
9/12/11 at 9:23pm

Bottlehead Crack?

 

That company needs to change their Marketing and PR people, if they have any.

 

I just read they have a Speedball upgrade for the Crack.

 

blink.gif

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post #4 of 8
9/13/11 at 10:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by erod View Post

Bottlehead Crack?

 

That company needs to change their Marketing and PR people, if they have any.

 

I just read they have a Speedball upgrade for the Crack.

 

blink.gif

 

The point is that the sound of the amp is addicting like crack, which I can attest to ...

 

in more ways than one.
 

 

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post #5 of 8
9/14/11 at 7:17am

Quite good looking too...

 

2438dc62_Bottlehead-Crack.jpg

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post #6 of 8
9/14/11 at 8:46am

You're showing one of the nice ones Calypso!  wink_face.gif  Since this is DIY, it could end up looking kinda weak as well.  I think most people who bother to DIY probably do spend the time to make it look as good as they're capable though. 

 

I'll post what mine looks like after I build it, but since I'm not really a DIY-er, mine may end up as an unfortunate counterpoint to all these nice looking builds!

 

Magnafuzz, if you go the Crack route, you may also want to consider whether you want to spend some of those savings on the Speedball upgrade.  Assuming you build it yourself, you'll still have savings over the Woo option.

 

 

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post #7 of 8
9/14/11 at 10:20am

Head over to the Bottlehead gallery and take a look at the all the custom bases people do for their crack builds. There are some amazing wood working skills out there. Not only can do a custom base if your heart so desires, but you upgrade the thing till you're crosseyed.blink.gif

I've already swapped out the stock pot for the Alps Blue and the output caps for the AXON 90uF units. Also did some tube rolling. Next on my agenda is a Neutrik locking jack and RCA jacks.

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post #8 of 8
9/14/11 at 12:07pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RingingEars View Post

I would imagine they would be close sonically.


that is my intuition as well. I've done a lot of searching on both and each group seems to be quite happy with their choices. I dont mind a little DIY so im leaning towards the Bottlehead.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by captouch View Post

You're showing one of the nice ones Calypso!  wink_face.gif  Since this is DIY, it could end up looking kinda weak as well.  I think most people who bother to DIY probably do spend the time to make it look as good as they're capable though. 

 

I'll post what mine looks like after I build it, but since I'm not really a DIY-er, mine may end up as an unfortunate counterpoint to all these nice looking builds!

 

Magnafuzz, if you go the Crack route, you may also want to consider whether you want to spend some of those savings on the Speedball upgrade.  Assuming you build it yourself, you'll still have savings over the Woo option.

 

 

 

That Crack looks amazing.

 

I would probably get the stock Crack and spend some time with it first then start playing with upgrades after i get used to it.
 

Thanks for the input folks. So far it looks like the Crack is the way to go... Enablers ...wink_face.gif

 

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

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