Tube amp upgrade for Sennheiser HD6XX

[Grado Diesel]

I agree with all of the above. I have had my Crack about 6 yrs, and not having very much soldering experience it took a little work on my part putting it together. It didn’t work on first attempt, but the support from the Bottlehead forum, as well as the Bottlehead people I got it up and running. I then listened to it for several months before I installed Speedball. No issues with that installation and have since made some other mods, but none of them made as much difference as the Speedball. I haven’t done anything since but listen! I have a pair of 650s, and have no desire to change.

Do you have to paint/stain the wooden body or does it look fine to just slap on the $8 Bottlehead pin?

 

[marku1350]

Do you have to paint/stain the wooden body or does it look fine to just slap on the $8 Bottlehead pin?

I think it looks fine without staining the wood base and I didn't feel like an $8 emblem was worth it. Only thing you should do is paint (at least clear coat the metal) otherwise the transformer top will rust. Having said that, I will eventually stain mine, I just don't feel like having my amp out of commission so I've been putting it off

 

[marku1350]

Also Bottlehead currently has crack amps in stock right now (just got an email saying they did at least), so unlike the rest of us you won't have to wait months to get it

 

[bgmurph]

I painted the transformer top and assembled the base and stained it and put a urethane clear coat on. Then I started work on the assembly. By the time I got the amp assembled everything was ready and I don’t have to worry about rust or anything affecting the bare wood. I also didn’t feel like buying a Bottlehead emblem.

 

[Grado Diesel]

I painted the transformer top and assembled the base and stained it and put a urethane clear coat on. Then I started work on the assembly. By the time I got the amp assembled everything was ready and I don’t have to worry about rust or anything affecting the bare wood. I also didn’t feel like buying a Bottlehead emblem.

Do you need a special paint or urethane for the transformer?

 

[bgmurph]

You need a self priming metal paint for the transformer cover. Sand it a little with a fine grade of Emory cloth or sand paper. The base should be lightly sanded also, the whatever color stain you want and then the urethane. Small bottles of paint and urethane are available at hardware stores or hobby shops. You just use a rag to apply the stain and if you are not a painter I would recommend you buy a couple inexpensive foam brushes to apply the urethane. One coat and throw it away. No clean up. You should be able buy self priming spray paint for metal in small spray cans at the same hardware or hobby store.
It’s easy to do, and you’ll be glad you did it. I have seen some builds where guys have gotten really carried away with finishes and so on. But I just spent a few minutes on mine and it still looks great, and sounds even better!