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Author Topic: Bottlehead Crack  (Read 3741 times)

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DubiousMike

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Re: Bottlehead Crack
« Reply #30 on: September 04, 2015, 10:00:41 PM »

Initial tests do make me think it at least has potential to be a bit more tubey sounding than the Val2, and more powerful/dynamic. Val2 can either be a bit too solid state and slightly rough sounding (tubes can change this or shift the rough spots around, so could all be tubes I've tried) or not dynamic sounding enough for me.

The analogy to solid state makes sense with Val2 because, although an OTL, schiit is using feedback (like virtually all SS amps) to bring down the output impedance and distortion.  Otherwise, they would have to use a 6as7/6080 variant as a b-tube/cathode follower like everyone else because it is the only other way to do this without OPT's (at least, according to a long article I read that was mostly over my head).  That's why you see that particular power tube family in virtually all other OTL headamps from dark voice, woo, ebay knock-offs and even the Apex Peak. 

This basically brings us round to Bottlehead's non-feedback philosophy and the pros and cons of employing feedback depending on what sorts of distortions are most irritating to a given individual.  https://passlabs.com/articles/audio-distortion-and-feedback   
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OJneg

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Re: Bottlehead Crack
« Reply #31 on: September 05, 2015, 02:27:35 AM »

Ok so attenuator makes a big difference. Stock POS open-frame pot is holding things back big time
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Riotvan

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Re: Bottlehead Crack
« Reply #32 on: September 05, 2015, 09:55:38 AM »

Yup, which one are you using?
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OJneg

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Re: Bottlehead Crack
« Reply #33 on: September 05, 2015, 07:59:56 PM »

Yup, which one are you using?

TOCOS 10k

Just installed choke in PS. Interesting.

http://www.alliedelec.com/triad-magnetics-c-7x/70218148/
« Last Edit: September 05, 2015, 08:17:05 PM by OJneg »
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DubiousMike

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Re: Bottlehead Crack
« Reply #34 on: September 05, 2015, 09:27:56 PM »

Nice!  Any obvious difference with the choke in place?  That's a tweak I've been interested in trying but never got around to.  How did you mount it?
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Riotvan

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Re: Bottlehead Crack
« Reply #35 on: September 05, 2015, 10:08:04 PM »

Yeah would be interesting to hear your thoughts on that, have been considering that along with the upgrade for the last cap in the psu. I read you can go a bit lower to keep size down but it was recommended to keep it at least twice the value of the output caps combined.
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OJneg

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Re: Bottlehead Crack
« Reply #36 on: September 05, 2015, 11:09:55 PM »

Yeah would be interesting to hear your thoughts on that, have been considering that along with the upgrade for the last cap in the psu. I read you can go a bit lower to keep size down but it was recommended to keep it at least twice the value of the output caps combined.

Evidently I'm still going to receive a whole bunch of tubes and toys to play with. I'll write something up after then.
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CEE TEE

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Re: Bottlehead Crack
« Reply #37 on: September 06, 2015, 05:49:39 AM »

^Sweet.  Time to make more upgrades to my Crack!
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kothganesh

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Re: Bottlehead Crack
« Reply #38 on: September 06, 2015, 06:15:34 AM »

TOCOS 10k

Just installed choke in PS. Interesting.

http://www.alliedelec.com/triad-magnetics-c-7x/70218148/

OJ, please shoot some pics over when you are done. I looked at my Crack and realized I did NOT attach the choke since it seemed too big to fit. Thanks. And the TOCOS is Cosmos TOCOS right?
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Riotvan

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Re: Bottlehead Crack
« Reply #39 on: September 06, 2015, 08:53:14 AM »

Evidently I'm still going to receive a whole bunch of tubes and toys to play with. I'll write something up after then.
Good stuff, looking forward to seeing all those tricked out cracks popcorn
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