[WyldRage]

Keeping the title in line with the Crack OTL's thread.
 
Bottlehead is releasing a new headphone amplifier, "With Output Transformer". It's not as low-cost as the Crack, but since it has output transformers, it will make it far easier to drive all headphones.
 
Here's the link: http://www.bottlehead.com/store.php?crn=224&rn=455&action=show_detail

 

[lextek]

I've always wanted to build a Bottlehead amp. This could be the one.

 

[Twinster]

And it will also have Balanced output with a single TRS.  Very interesting. I'm debating on selling my Mappletree MAD Ear+ HD Purist to build one of these??? The MAD also  has an Output Transformer but having the option for Balancing my HD-650 and Grado would be nice. 

 

[sidel]

I can't wait to see impressions.

 

[WyldRage]

Quote:

And it will also have Balanced output with a single TRS.  Very interesting. I'm debating on selling my Mappletree MAD Ear+ HD Purist to build one of these??? The MAD also  has an Output Transformer but having the option for Balancing my HD-650 and Grado would be nice. 

If you want a MAD order NOW! Mapletree Audio is raising prices by 5-10% tomorrow!
 

 

[Twinster]

Hey WyldRage. I already own a MAD and loving it but would have to sell it to get the Bottlehead.
Quote:

If you want a MAD order NOW! Mapletree Audio is raising prices by 5-10% tomorrow!
 

 

 

[WyldRage]

My bad: I was jumping words and read "I am considering a MAD Ear+".
 
I would keep it a while longer: you will be able to read some impressions and reviews, and your current amplifier will be worth more due to the rising prices.

 

[ironbut]

Hey guys,
The Smack is getting really close to being ready for prime time.
The output configurations and the switching is pretty amazing.
If you're interested, here's a link to the development thread over on the Bottlehead forum.
You'll notice that there's a "preproduction" pricing offer too.
 
http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/board,29.0.html
 
 

 

[donunus]

I wonder if this will also be an improvement over the crack for high impedance cans

 

[Armaegis]

Doc says that for the high impedance cans the Crack still edges out. 

 

[donunus]

Man, I want to get me some Crack!

 

[milosz]

Wanna see my white Crack?
 
I like this a lot, it's about my favorite for Sennheiser HD800's (300 ohms,) and it's good with my 600 ohm Beyer DT-880's. 
 
Interestingly, it works well on my Audio Technica  ath-5000, which are 40 ohm- but have good sensitivity. 
 
It's great with the  higher sensitivity 'phones.  Doesn't work AT ALL satisfactorily with my low sensitivity / low impedance planar phones like LCD-2 and HE-6.  Just nowhere near enough "oomph' to drive them.
 
I have the "Speedball" upgrade, and use  film caps instead of electrolytics for output coupling.
 
I also have a Bottlehead Eros phono preamp, it is pretty wonderful.  
 
I am not sure the Smack appeals to me; I wonder, will it have the power to drive the LCD-2? How about the HE-6?  And do I really want to have a transformer between my ears and the signal?  I might buy it just to find out.  
 

 

[donunus]

Very Nice! Is that the stock tube on there?

 

[Armaegis]

Could be... it looks similar to mine.

 

[Oberst Oswald]

What...no love for the S.E.X.?