Loquah
Headphoneus Supremus
Without realising it I seem to have become a Bottlehead fan, groupie, slave-to-the-tube... call it what you will. So after much discussion on the Crack-specific thread (http://www.head-fi.org/t/476650/crack-bottlehead-otl) I'm starting this thread for the discussion and comparison of all Bottlehead amps together.
The aim of this thread is to allow comparison discussions and to help people decide on the amp that best meets their skill level, listening preferences, headphones, and budget (but we all know that last one can change quickly once you're hooked).
I'm reserving the next few posts for the following:
Each review will also offer direct comparisons to the other current models in the Bottlehead range.
If you want a really quick summary, I've placed one here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/683012/bottlehead-amplifier-discussion-comparison-thread-crack-sex-mainline/315#post_10138096, but I recommend reading the full reviews to help you fully appreciate each amplifier for its own unique character and style.
Update 26th April 2014: I've just added a brief summary of upgrading the volume control on the Bottlehead S.E.X. - you can read about it here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/683012/bottlehead-amplifier-discussion-comparison-thread-crack-sex-mainline/570#post_10490656
The aim of this thread is to allow comparison discussions and to help people decide on the amp that best meets their skill level, listening preferences, headphones, and budget (but we all know that last one can change quickly once you're hooked).
I'm reserving the next few posts for the following:
- Crack review (pre and post Speedball) - http://www.head-fi.org/t/683012/bottlehead-amplifier-discussion-comparison-thread-crack-sex-mainline#post_9831525
- SEX review (pre C4S - http://www.head-fi.org/t/683012/bottlehead-amplifier-discussion-comparison-thread-crack-sex-mainline#post_9831527)
- SEX C4S upgrade review - http://www.head-fi.org/t/683012/bottlehead-amplifier-discussion-comparison-thread-crack-sex-mainline#post_9831531
- Mainline review - http://www.head-fi.org/t/683012/bottlehead-amplifier-discussion-comparison-thread-crack-sex-mainline#post_9831533
- Mainline impressions with multiple headphones (by @rbc3): http://www.head-fi.org/t/683012/bottlehead-amplifier-discussion-comparison-thread-crack-sex-mainline/1155#post_11553612
- Mainline vs DNA Stratus comparison (by @bigfatpaulie): http://www.head-fi.org/t/683012/bottlehead-amplifier-discussion-comparison-thread-crack-sex-mainline/1035#post_11363673
Each review will also offer direct comparisons to the other current models in the Bottlehead range.
If you want a really quick summary, I've placed one here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/683012/bottlehead-amplifier-discussion-comparison-thread-crack-sex-mainline/315#post_10138096, but I recommend reading the full reviews to help you fully appreciate each amplifier for its own unique character and style.
Update 26th April 2014: I've just added a brief summary of upgrading the volume control on the Bottlehead S.E.X. - you can read about it here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/683012/bottlehead-amplifier-discussion-comparison-thread-crack-sex-mainline/570#post_10490656
Reviewing Specifics
All reviews / comparisons will be completed using:- Beyerdynamic T1 headphones only (I will comment on the pairing of the non-OTL amps with lower impedance cans, but direct comparisons will involve the T1 only to be fair and consistent)
- PC audio delivered bit-perfect from Media Monkey via Chord SilverPlus USB to Audio-gd NFB-5.2 with a possible change to the Matrix X-Sabre soon. All comparisons will be completed with the same DAC meaning that I will go back and re-test with the X-Sabre if I upgrade. Edit: Upgraded to Matrix X-Sabre 20/10/13 - see product threads for notes on the impact of this change.
- The same RCA cables between the DAC and amps - a set of high quality Stinger RCA cables that I favour due to their smooth, but detailed presentation
- Standard, generic power cables (all reviews using 240V versions of the amplifiers)
- Standard tubes as delivered with the kit (with a subsection in each review dedicated to tube rolling experiences)
Music Tracks
- Jazz: High Life from Jazz at the Pawnshop (192kHz / 24-bit)
- Rock: (Untitled) from VAST: Visual Audio Sensory Theatre (44.1kHz / 16-bit)
- Rock: Good Excuse from The John Butler Trio: Grand National (44.1kHz / 16-bit)
- Classical: Rimsky-Korsakov's The Snow Maiden - Dance of the Tumblers performed by the Minnesota Orchestra from HD Tracks Download Experience (96kHz / 24-bit)
- Electronic: Jaguar by A Hundred Birds (44.1kHz / 16-bit)
- Acoustic / vocal: Sierra by Boz Scaggs (44.1kHz / 16-bit)