The non SB version with stock parts is really a tube amp. Like a Dyna Mk 3 but quieter. The SB version tricked out with many updated parts is more like a hybrid with more taut bass - with less syrupy more precise treble.
I'll always reach for the second choice but understand why others would not.
The non SB version with stock parts is really a tube amp. Like a Dyna Mk 3 but quieter. The SB version tricked out with many updated parts is more like a hybrid with more taut bass - with less syrupy more precise treble.
I'll always reach for the second choice but understand why others would not.
I was looking at various posts on Reddit concerning the BHC. There seems to be a divide on the Speedball option. Some say it seems to remove some of the "tube sound" and are against the option. Others really like the upgrade. Would be nice if there was a switch on the amp to turn speedball on or off. Kind of like having a bass boost button.
I was looking at various posts on Reddit concerning the BHC. There seems to be a divide on the Speedball option. Some say it seems to remove some of the "tube sound" and are against the option. Others really like the upgrade. Would be nice if there was a switch on the amp to turn speedball on or off. Kind of like having a bass boost button.
The circuit is way to integrated in the amp for that.
I do like tubes for some things. But I don't like the discontinuity from bass to mids. It's like drum kits are all outfitted with soft mallets instead of sticks and all bass guitar sounds like stand up acoustics being milked for all the sustain they can get from every note.
Next problem is hideous re-tubing cost and availability issues of known excellent tubes.
Next problem - treble roll off and softness.
Some tube units have so much THD that details smudge together and are mitigated in the syrup.
Very pricey tube amps and some hybrids fix some of those issues a bit.
SS like a lot of DACs have many bright hard sounding units. I found refuge in Pass electronics (bit more THD than typical SS) and Schitt Gumby & Yggy Multi bit DACs.
So why am I here? Because of Senn 600's unusually great coupling with the BHC.
Over the last 4 months I've built a crack and progressively molded it (Inc. SB). It's been a real rabbit hole (and a money pit).
imho, the old skool OG "tubby" sound is overly romanticised. As the mods have been installed one by one, clarity has increased while distortion, bass and holographics have decreased. I would only like the intensity of the holographics return. To me, it is a much better sounding amp now. Subjectively, it sounds great, although I also have a burson GT which is objectively "better". Now, I'm keen to learn to design and build my own tube amp.
Since the SB install, it's run stinking hot. Voltages are within spec and that seems to satisfy the bottlehead forum. It's not a refined product like something Schiit or Woo audio offers.
I went with the Etsy builder for my latest Crack build, he did a really amazing job. It's just a basic crack with a upgraded pot and choke mod. I've been listening to this much more than my speedball crack.
I went with the Etsy builder for my latest Crack build, he did a really amazing job. It's just a basic crack with a upgraded pot and choke mod. I've been listening to this much more than my speedball crack.
Thanks! I had the stand made by a local woodworker, we referenced the Salamander Design modular racks but shrank the dimensions for a headphone amp rack.
It does! I believe the SW51+ and EC ZDT Jr. are from the same manufacturuer / one guy.
So the BHC has arrived. I have it set up and playing some Avengers: Infinity War score now. Sound is really good so far through my HD6XX. I just put in a random pairing of tubes as I got a handful with the Crack. To be honest I'm not quite sure what tubes exactly are in the amp now. I'll just keep trying various combinations to find my preferred sound.
Well, I received my assembled Crack/SB amp a couple of weeks ago and… I am lovin’ it. I didn’t know, at first, how to have it finished, exactly. Then it hit me; why not echo the look of my ancient Victor Victrola? And so that’s the way we went. I think it worked out well!
Well, I received my assembled Crack/SB amp a couple of weeks ago and… I am lovin’ it. I didn’t know, at first, how to have it finished, exactly. Then it hit me; why not echo the look of my ancient Victor Victrola? And so that’s the way we went. I think it worked out well!
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