Has anyone been able to compare the ZDT Jr to the Bottlehead Crack w/ Speedball? Ignoring the diy vs prebuilt, I’m wondering if there are pros/cons since they are similar price points. Thanks!
I have both the ZDT Jr and the BHC+SB currently. I can only speak on their comparison with the Verite, other headphones might react much differently to both amps, but there can also be some generalities assumed.
The biggest differentiating factor is that the BHC is OTL meaning; you will only want to pair it with high-ohm headphones, generally "300-600ohm". The ZDT Jr has an output transformer which allows it to be used with lower impedance headphones "32ohm-300ohm."
The second most noticeable difference is that the BHC responds more to tube rolling, and can benefit significantly from more expensive tubes. The ZDT Jr can experience tube rolling, but with less dramatic changes.
As far as more specific differences (with my current tube setups);
The ZDT Jr has less detail roll-off.
The ZDT has less impactful/powerful bass, the BHC has more quantity, and bloom, in the bass.
The BHC has a wider sound stage, the ZDT Jr has more frontal depth.
The BHC has more authority and a more aggressive sound, the ZDT is more casual.
Both are dead silent, no tube hum/buzz.
I am using GE JAN 5654W input tubes and stock output tubes on the ZDT Jr.
I am using Raytheon 12au7 input tube and Tung Sol 5998 Domino Plate output tube on the BHC+SB.
You always have the added bonus of customizing/upgrading your BHC if that is of any interest to you.
As a subjective preference statement, I prefer the BHC+SB over the ZDT Jr, but I couldn't consider it as a suitable amp for the Verite due to the detail roll-off. I'm losing too much of what I should be gaining in that department with the Verites. Some would say if I invest a couple hundred more $$ in to better tubes for the BHC I could solve those issues, but I haven't crossed that bridge yet.
