What a great interview! The reviews are great but really love the interviews, so fun listening to you guys geek out. Idk how long I can hold off from getting my own Crack kit for my HD600 :)
Great interview guys, thank-you. I own a fully upgraded early example of a Crack and it is an absolute delight with my HD600s. My son has a Mainline and they both have the "Bottlehead Sound". If we compare headphones with a much lower impedance then the Mainline is the only way to go. The impedance mismatch with the Crack doesn't sound at all bad but the weight of the mainline in comparison is an obvious improvement. My next power amp will use 2A3s (or 300Bs) and 6SN7GTs because they are still being manufactured... I wholeheartedly support the "just try it" approach to audio. I am reminded of a colleague who was once referred to (by a customer) as the "expert". He denied this status but confessed to being a "fearless dabbler". 😀
Hi Mike, depending on what you try, they can be not drastically different or they can be really thick, lush and creamy sounding. I personally love a good tube amp sound, but the really thick ones can be too much.
Hi Ken, unfortunately I'm not a passive speaker guy (too many big boxes and cables) so I won't be able to review the Spud Kit for you as I have no speakers to connect to it. Sorry!
Hi 👋 good morning 🌞 I watched your video , I wanted to buy a good tube pre amplifier, I choiced Sound Artist Pre1 tube amplifier , to connect in my Parasound A21+ power amplifier & Active speakers Beo Lab 9. Is this a good one ☝️ or you can advise which one ☝️ to buy. My need is it should drive my both ones which I have mentioned in this post. Wait for your reply. I can’t spend more money to buy very expensive ones. Thanks. 🙏
The Bottlehead gear is brilliant if you're able to build it because it's all DIY where you get the kit and assemble it yourself. Does that work for you?
@@PassionforSound my budget is up to between 500$ to 700$. Not more than that. Any European or USA brand made in China no issues. Good quality sound Tribal , midrange , bass. Line inputs 5 including Phono, Pre output two?? One ☝️ for power amplifier, one ☝️ for active powered speakers Beo lab 9. Black color with remote. I am interested only in tube valve Pre amplifier. Do they have in class A or AB or D. I am not sure 🤔 about that. All other amplifier I am having is these class. Thanks for your support. 🙏
I probably can't help you any further because all of the tube preamps I know are also headphone amps and don't have the number of inputs you're after. There is the Ampapa A1 that I reviewed a while back, but it's pretty basic and still won't have enough inputs for you by the sound of it.
Nice informative video. Love Darkvoice 336se with my hd6xx and have hifiman sundara paired with JDS Atom right now, interested about how sundara will be like with a THX AAA amp. Also Bottlehead forum is one of the best places for any new-comer into tube amp, tons of useful information regarding their own productions, including mod and tube rolling, but can apply to most of other tube amp. Highly recommending check it out, even you are not purchasing their products.
Mr passion for sound ,wow that’s so interesting the bottlehead valve amplifier, i’ve really grown to trust your opinion and honesty I’ve asked you questions before and your opinion has been spot-on 👍, I have a very digital system looking for a dedicated headphone amplifier I have the original Hugo TT DAC Headphone amp ,my source Aries G2 music stream , I listen to all my music through headphones. AUDEZE LCDX , So I have a few questions if I may ☝️, I would say you’re Hugh TT 2 most definitely sounds better than my original TT , so how does the bottlehead compare to your Hugo TT ? I’ve come to the conclusion That airy soundstage and low bass is important to my listening and crispy highs 👂, i’ve only listened to a few valve amplifiers at CAN JAM London, some sounded amazing this was a few years ago, Second question , Is that bottlehead available for the UK market I have no problem building the kit. My last question, Any chance of reviewing the linear tube audio headphones amp 🤔. Thanks and all the best Clint 🇬🇧
Hi Clint, I haven't heard the original TT to compare it to the TT2 directly. As for the Mainline, the sound is very transparent and neutral - not quite on the level of the TT2, but getting close. It's also available anywhere in the world, direct from Bottlehead. I'm pretty sure I discussed the TT2 amp stage vs the Mainline in my TT2 review.
@@PassionforSound thanks for coming back to me with a reply, so what’s the chances of you reviewing linear tube audio Headphone amp , so what would be a better dedicated amp then my Chord TT. 🤔. 👍🇬🇧
The D90 will do fine, but I'd personally go for the Schiit Bifrost 2 if it's easy to buy where you are. If not, the D90 will work just fine with the single ended outputs to the Mainline.
@@PassionforSound Thanks for the answer. Why is the Schitt a better choice. And in a Mainline/Topping D90, what is the weakest link when it comes to SQ?
The D90 is definitely the weakest link with the Mainline. You have to get to something of the level of the Hugo TT2 before you start to go beyond the Mainline's max SQ capabilities. As for the Schiit vs Topping DACs, the Bifrost 2 specifically is much more 3D in its presentation and doesn't push everything forward and in-your-face like the Toppings.
@@PassionforSound Thanks again. So The Bitfrost 2 is a better choice than the D90 and the Hugo TT2 is much better when it comes to SQ. Do you have any good options in the range between the Bitfrost and the Hugo?
Hi Rune, that's correct. I haven't compared side-by-side, but I think the Chord Qutest might be slightly ahead of the Bifrost 2. The Bifrost 2 is surprisingly good though so it's going to be a close thing.
Sorry Cyste. The Bottlehead Crack us the cheapest tube amp I've spent any time with and it's $315 USD. Definitely see what you can find for $100, but be careful not to judge the technology based on a budget experience
Just a tremendous conversation. Love my Bottlehead Crack and might soon move to Mainline.
The Mainline is brilliant! You won't be disappointed. Glad you liked the conversation
Understanding class d and who makes the best design
Are there any Class D headphone amps? Not sure there are and I'm all about headphone related products for now. I appreciate the comment/request though
Finally getting around to watching these :)
Hope you enjoy them! Dan is fantastic to listen to.
What a great interview! The reviews are great but really love the interviews, so fun listening to you guys geek out. Idk how long I can hold off from getting my own Crack kit for my HD600 :)
Do it! You won't regret it!
I've got another interview coming soon with Sherri and Geno from Geshelli Labs so stay tuned!
@@PassionforSound I think i have to now :) Cant wait to see that interview, I've been eyeing their JNOG but keep missed when they've had it in stock!
Yeah, it's tough since the AKM fire. Hopefully we'll see a whole range of new stuff soon from all the brands who were using AKM.
Great interview guys, thank-you.
I own a fully upgraded early example of a Crack and it is an absolute delight with my HD600s. My son has a Mainline and they both have the "Bottlehead Sound". If we compare headphones with a much lower impedance then the Mainline is the only way to go. The impedance mismatch with the Crack doesn't sound at all bad but the weight of the mainline in comparison is an obvious improvement.
My next power amp will use 2A3s (or 300Bs) and 6SN7GTs because they are still being manufactured...
I wholeheartedly support the "just try it" approach to audio. I am reminded of a colleague who was once referred to (by a customer) as the "expert". He denied this status but confessed to being a "fearless dabbler". 😀
I love the "fearless dabbler" idea!
Waiting for my 3rd Bottlehead kit. Love them!
What have you already built and what's up next?
@@PassionforSound I built the Crack and the Eros phono preamp. Stereomour is next for the bedroom
Great range of kits. Nice work!
Thanks for review.
Ive never heard a tube amp.
Hi Mike, depending on what you try, they can be not drastically different or they can be really thick, lush and creamy sounding. I personally love a good tube amp sound, but the really thick ones can be too much.
I have a really enjoyed learning a bit more about tube amps, I would really like to get a amp too.
Glad you enjoyed it, William. Tube amps are great, but need careful selection, just like solid state ones
I really needed this interview, almost spent $450 on a 5998...
Phew! Glad it helped. I loved Dan's take on audio - so down to earth
@@PassionforSound I agree, he is cleary very knowledgeable and truly humble about it. Really appreciate the whole interview between you guys!
I’d like a review of the Spud kit.
Hi Ken, unfortunately I'm not a passive speaker guy (too many big boxes and cables) so I won't be able to review the Spud Kit for you as I have no speakers to connect to it. Sorry!
Hi 👋 good morning 🌞 I watched your video , I wanted to buy a good tube pre amplifier, I choiced Sound Artist Pre1 tube amplifier , to connect in my Parasound A21+ power amplifier & Active speakers Beo Lab 9. Is this a good one ☝️ or you can advise which one ☝️ to buy. My need is it should drive my both ones which I have mentioned in this post. Wait for your reply. I can’t spend more money to buy very expensive ones. Thanks. 🙏
The Bottlehead gear is brilliant if you're able to build it because it's all DIY where you get the kit and assemble it yourself. Does that work for you?
@@PassionforSound No dear I am not good in doing it myself. I have to work 6 days a week. Please Suggest me a good one ☝️ Thank🙏
What's your budget?
@@PassionforSound my budget is up to between 500$ to 700$. Not more than that. Any European or USA brand made in China no issues. Good quality sound Tribal , midrange , bass. Line inputs 5 including Phono, Pre output two?? One ☝️ for power amplifier, one ☝️ for active powered speakers Beo lab 9. Black color with remote. I am interested only in tube valve Pre amplifier. Do they have in class A or AB or D. I am not sure 🤔 about that. All other amplifier I am having is these class. Thanks for your support. 🙏
I probably can't help you any further because all of the tube preamps I know are also headphone amps and don't have the number of inputs you're after. There is the Ampapa A1 that I reviewed a while back, but it's pretty basic and still won't have enough inputs for you by the sound of it.
Nice informative video.
Love Darkvoice 336se with my hd6xx and have hifiman sundara paired with JDS Atom right now, interested about how sundara will be like with a THX AAA amp.
Also Bottlehead forum is one of the best places for any new-comer into tube amp, tons of useful information regarding their own productions, including mod and tube rolling, but can apply to most of other tube amp. Highly recommending check it out, even you are not purchasing their products.
Thanks for sharing, Oleg. Glad you're enjoying the 336 and agree that the Bottlehead forum is outstanding!
In for SMSL SP200!!!!
Hope you're luck holds strong like it did for the iBasso giveaway!
Mr passion for sound ,wow that’s so interesting the bottlehead valve amplifier, i’ve really grown to trust your opinion and honesty I’ve asked you questions before and your opinion has been spot-on 👍, I have a very digital system looking for a dedicated headphone amplifier I have the original Hugo TT DAC Headphone amp ,my source Aries G2 music stream , I listen to all my music through headphones. AUDEZE LCDX , So I have a few questions if I may ☝️, I would say you’re Hugh TT 2 most definitely sounds better than my original TT , so how does the bottlehead compare to your Hugo TT ? I’ve come to the conclusion That airy soundstage and low bass is important to my listening and crispy highs 👂, i’ve only listened to a few valve amplifiers at CAN JAM London, some sounded amazing this was a few years ago, Second question , Is that bottlehead available for the UK market I have no problem building the kit. My last question, Any chance of reviewing the linear tube audio headphones amp 🤔. Thanks and all the best Clint 🇬🇧
Hi Clint, I haven't heard the original TT to compare it to the TT2 directly. As for the Mainline, the sound is very transparent and neutral - not quite on the level of the TT2, but getting close. It's also available anywhere in the world, direct from Bottlehead.
I'm pretty sure I discussed the TT2 amp stage vs the Mainline in my TT2 review.
@@PassionforSound thanks for coming back to me with a reply, so what’s the chances of you reviewing linear tube audio Headphone amp , so what would be a better dedicated amp then my Chord TT. 🤔. 👍🇬🇧
I'll send them an email and see what they say...
Would Topping D90 be a good match here or is the Topping best used with a balanced amp?
The D90 will do fine, but I'd personally go for the Schiit Bifrost 2 if it's easy to buy where you are. If not, the D90 will work just fine with the single ended outputs to the Mainline.
@@PassionforSound Thanks for the answer. Why is the Schitt a better choice. And in a Mainline/Topping D90, what is the weakest link when it comes to SQ?
The D90 is definitely the weakest link with the Mainline. You have to get to something of the level of the Hugo TT2 before you start to go beyond the Mainline's max SQ capabilities.
As for the Schiit vs Topping DACs, the Bifrost 2 specifically is much more 3D in its presentation and doesn't push everything forward and in-your-face like the Toppings.
@@PassionforSound Thanks again. So The Bitfrost 2 is a better choice than the D90 and the Hugo TT2 is much better when it comes to SQ. Do you have any good options in the range between the Bitfrost and the Hugo?
Hi Rune, that's correct. I haven't compared side-by-side, but I think the Chord Qutest might be slightly ahead of the Bifrost 2. The Bifrost 2 is surprisingly good though so it's going to be a close thing.
Love to try out a tube amp. Is there one that is @USD100 you can recommend ?
Sorry Cyste. The Bottlehead Crack us the cheapest tube amp I've spent any time with and it's $315 USD. Definitely see what you can find for $100, but be careful not to judge the technology based on a budget experience
Would love me a "SMSL SP200" :D
Good luck!