[Sonido]

Anything but lead-free (tin only) solder. That stuff doesn't melt.

 

[ridethespiral]

Here's a good read on another reason why lead-free solder is bad. I found it really interesting. It's about "tin whiskers"
 
http://www.maximintegrated.com/app-notes/index.mvp/id/5250
 

 
 
Thanks for the input all

 

[atraf]

what do you guys think of crack vs project ember ? which is better? I can't find very much reviews on it.. 

 

[Zashoomin]

  what do you guys think of crack vs project ember ? which is better? I can't find very much reviews on it.. 

They are completely different amps so there isn't much you can compare.  It honestly depends on what you are going to be powering.  

 

[Doc B.]

@ridethespiral, get at least a 40W iron. A 15W iron will only frustrate you. The terminals and components you deal with in these kits have much more mass and take a lot more energy to heat.

 

[larcenasb]

UPDATED 10/12/14
 
Hello everyone,
 
Just wanted to share my Crack build for those of you thinking about building or upgrading one... I myself was inspired by deltaunit (from the Bottlehead forum), HiGHFLYiN9 (from Head-Fi), and the design of the Decware CSP2 -- so my sincere thanks goes to all of them.
 

 
Here is my humble set-up: M-Audio 2496 -> GlowPower Zilence ICs -> Bottlehead Crack -> AKG K612
 
I
 
The sound: First of all, I'm in love with the AKG house sound: that open clarity in the mids and the spaciousness overall are traits I will never compromise. So, I wanted a tube amp to help with the K601's and K612's shortcomings: the modest bass and lack of weight. The Crack with my tweaks listed below really has kicked down the door between my music and my emotions, to the point where I really don't feel a need to upgrade anymore. The AKGs themselves are a bit cold and thin, but with my upgraded Crack, the sound transforms to a weighty, smooth, powerful, life-injecting experience. When listening to ( ) by Sigur Ros, the richness of tone and fluidity are hypnotic and seductive; the weight and air churn and tighten my insides so as to command me to take a deep breath. Without the amp, the sound is just sounds (incohesive and analytical) and doesn't feel like music is supposed to. My favorite piece is Nirvana's Unplugged in New York performance. It's raw, haunting, emotional, sincere and beautiful. Even at low volumes, Kurt Cobain's voice reaches deep into my soul, clenching it with an ironclad fist; during 'All Apologies', his vocals tear through the air unrestrainedly like a wolf howling in silhouette before a full moon as the cello, bass guitar, and drums act as the clouds, wind and shadows to round out this heavy yet enlightening atmosphere around my head. Notice my sentimentality and over-the-top descriptions? That's what it's all about. Before this, I just didn't feel the music. Point is: I hope you find or have a set-up that let's you gush like this too

 

[MoatsArt]

The TS 7236 is my favourite power cap for the Crack. Clarity and tight, fast bass in spades.

Brilliant work and great impressions for those looking to upgrade.

If you like the 7236, you will love what Speedball does.

 

[larcenasb]

AH! I can't imagine the sound getting much better ...so I really am curious about the Speedball now. If and when I do get it, I'll be sure to update my post with my impressions. Thank you for the kind words. Take care and enjoy the music.

 

[JamieMcC]

  Hello everyone,
 
Just wanted to share my Crack build for those of you thinking about building or upgrading one... I myself was inspired by deltaunit (from the Bottlehead forum), HiGHFLYiN9 (from Head-Fi), and the design of the Decware CSP2 -- so my sincere thanks goes to all of them.
 
 
I
 
 
larcenasb

 
Congrats a nice build and I like the white top it gives it a nice clean n fresh look and can clearly see the heritage from your inspiration coming through.

 

[atraf]

  They are completely different amps so there isn't much you can compare.  It honestly depends on what you are going to be powering.  

HD650 I also have an IEM gr07BE but I guess I will have to pass on that since it won't work with low impedance HP's (42ohm)

 

[larcenasb]

Thanks JamieMcC,

I just looked through your gallery of recent Crack pics... That all black/carbon fiber look is sleeeeek, especially with those dark glass tubes. What kind of tubes are those? If it's not too much trouble, could you state your favorite 12AU7s for the Crack? Have you tried the Mullard square getter (date code: k61)?

Happy listening,

larcenasb

 

[olegausany]

Get Mullard E80CC you will never regret it

 

[MoatsArt]

Have a look in the cables, accessories for sale thread

 

[JamieMcC]

Thanks JamieMcC,

I just looked through your gallery of recent Crack pics... That all black/carbon fiber look is sleeeeek, especially with those dark glass tubes. What kind of tubes are those? If it's not too much trouble, could you state your favorite 12AU7s for the Crack? Have you tried the Mullard square getter (date code: k61)?

Happy listening,

larcenasb

 
Hi thanks for the kind comments details on the Crack Noir tubes here
 
http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,6010.0.html
 
My build log
 
http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=5284.msg50967#msg50967
 
My favourite 12au7's are the Mullards the standard ecc82 and the 4003 box-plates closely followed by the Tung-sol 12au7 black glass and the 1950's Tung sol 12au7 jtl. The E80cc is also a nice tube very much on par with the best of the 12au7/eec82 I have tried and a option if you have a speedball fitted.

 

[JamieMcC]

My postman dropped off a little brown package this morning inside a Tung-sol/Bendix 6080wb

 I had been curious to try a graphite tube for a while now.