[SeNNsational]

I don't know for sure but I don't think so. I should have said at 50%+ it's starting to get loud, at 75% it is pumping and close to too much so it sounds like this is similar to yours. Thanks, that confirms that aspect is fine then it would seem.

I've been listening to it between 9 (1/4 turn) and 2 o'clock depending on source+style. I brought this up as I had read in some posts that there are others with similar setup who were uncomfortable listening with it set past 9 o'clock so I was wondering if mine was particularly off.

In Quebec.

 

[i luvmusic 2]

With mine at 10 o'clock really loud can't stand it,The reason i asked if you're from GTA i would like to let you try my DAC before you start spending your hard earned $$$$ or maybe i can assist you with something else on your setup.

 

[attmci]

Hi, newly purchased Crack+Speedball owner here (unit is 9 months old, proffesionally assembled). Thanks for all the help in this thread for helping me decide to get it.

I have a question though that is niggling me on it. So I have a Titanium HD soundcard in my computer which I was using prior to this purchase and enjoying. It has a Burr-Brown PCM1794 inside it.
Now, I've routed it's DAC to the Crack with LC-1 3 ft cables and listening to it after warmup and using a few different 12AU7 tubes (6080 power) and I think I enjoy the output of the soundcard's headphone out on most songs, except high lyrics songs which I'll give to the Crack just about.

This seems wrong to me given all the suggestions that this would pair excellently with my HD6XX phones, which are about a week old with about 30 hrs in.

The "tube sound" seems to me a little bit muddled, rounded is all I can explain it as. The detail is there but I can hear that detail more clearly/cleanly and brighter out of the headphone jack of a 7 year old, now $70 soundcard that according to people in reviews shouldn't even be able to drive a 300ohm set of cans well.
I don't know if it's sign but the Crack also needs turning up to around 75% to what I consider "loud", with 100% output from the sc lineout. The Crack's 100% is louder than the sc 100% though.
There is no hum or other such noise from my Crack at 100% with silence coming from the sc lineout.


The Crack sounds good, and I wasn't expecting MASSIVE improvement but I thought it would at least beat the soundcard jack for the price and people's opinion it pairs so well with the HD650/6XX.

So what's the deal in your opinion? I know it's a tough question but am I just not used to or a fan of "tube sound" or is there something else going on?


I am contemplating a separate DAC but I dunno, I'm skeptical.

Could be: 1) A very weak power tube. 2) master setting of your play back device.

 

[bloodhawk]

Got this doodad and hooked it up between the NFB11.28 and the Crack -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A56CMUO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Instantly got rid of any and all interference.

Did an A/B test using a RCA switch and couldn't tell any signal degradation taking place with with the HD800 and HD6XX.

 

[i luvmusic 2]

I'am in the Process of making my first AUDIOPHOLE Power Bar using this Filter because My Crack,SEX and DIY amp is plug into the wall socket i can only plug-in 2 at a time.Has anyone here used this type of filter and what is the best type of connection for the filter SOLDERED or QUICK TYPE Connectors?Thanks!

 

[Paladin79]

You can use spade connectors if you make sure they are nice and tight on the connections. You can use long nose pliers to tighten them a bit if you have any issues. Soldering is more permanent and more trust worthy but if you are planning on unplugging things on occasion the spade connectors can be handy for that. I used some on the grounds on the inside of a couple Cracks I made. I then used molex connectors for audio pots and other wiring.

 

[i luvmusic 2]

Thanks!BTW i paid CAD$2.00 each filter that is why i end up with two

 

[Paladin79]

Very nice. It is great to see someone taking the time to do things for himself. I start another Crack build soon but most likely that will happen after Christmas. I just drifted into the realm of solid state amplifiers and balanced audio but I will return to tubes soon.

 

[i luvmusic 2]

SS and Balanced?You are lucky that one of the Head-fi member is not subscribe into this thread or else he will be all over you that guy is a Balanced audio fanatic.

 

[Paladin79]

I like to try lots of venues, I have done balanced with tubes as well. I am doing another steampunk Crack before long but my Christmas parties have me booked till January.

 

[bloodhawk]

Belly of the beast is now full of.. errm.. Crack ?

 

[SeNNsational]

Hi, newly purchased Crack+Speedball owner here (unit is 9 months old, proffesionally assembled). Thanks for all the help in this thread for helping me decide to get it.

I have a question though that is niggling me on it. So I have a Titanium HD soundcard in my computer which I was using prior to this purchase and enjoying. It has a Burr-Brown PCM1794 inside it.
Now, I've routed it's DAC to the Crack with LC-1 3 ft cables and listening to it after warmup and using a few different 12AU7 tubes (6080 power) and I think I enjoy the output of the soundcard's headphone out on most songs, except high lyrics songs which I'll give to the Crack just about.

This seems wrong to me given all the suggestions that this would pair excellently with my HD6XX phones, which are about a week old with about 30 hrs in.

The "tube sound" seems to me a little bit muddled, rounded is all I can explain it as. The detail is there but I can hear that detail more clearly/cleanly and brighter out of the headphone jack of a 7 year old, now $70 soundcard that according to people in reviews shouldn't even be able to drive a 300ohm set of cans well.
I don't know if it's sign but the Crack also needs turning up to around 75% to what I consider "loud", with 100% output from the sc lineout. The Crack's 100% is louder than the sc 100% though.
There is no hum or other such noise from my Crack at 100% with silence coming from the sc lineout.


The Crack sounds good, and I wasn't expecting MASSIVE improvement but I thought it would at least beat the soundcard jack for the price and people's opinion it pairs so well with the HD650/6XX.

So what's the deal in your opinion? I know it's a tough question but am I just not used to or a fan of "tube sound" or is there something else going on?


I am contemplating a separate DAC but I dunno, I'm skeptical.

To follow up on this, I tested my current set of tubes and my power (and a few of the input) tubes were microphonic. The RCA 6080 I had in, that isn't supposed to be very good in the first place rang like a bell when tapped with a little force from a pencil. So I changed that out for a NOS 6AS7G SED Winged C and a new-ish EH 12AU7 and it's night and day. Listening to the Skyrim OST in lossless for instance now sounds like I'm completely surrounded by instruments.

I have a pair of NOS Tung Sol 6080WA power tubes on the way and some other 12AU7 + 6SN7 input tubes to try out.

I have to say the EH 12AU7 are great though given these are not rare at all so can be bought cheap.

 

[Demoninja]

Just have to chime in and express my joy! I finally have a dead quiet Crack!!!! For the longest time I had buzzing and humming and crackles and all sorts of crappy noises I don't want to hear. I've rebuilt the amp 3 times, one of those times with a majority of new components. Turns out my build was probably perfectly fine the first time because purchasing a UPS and some new tubes solved all of those noises. Whew finally time to sit back and enjoy listening to this kit I've had for over 2 years now.

 

[Jimmy24]

HD 650 + Crack/Speedball one of the best combo's ever made!

 

[attmci]

HD 650 + Crack/Speedball one of the best combo's ever made!

If you really like it, you may consider to upgrade the caps.