BANG FOR BUCK! Why DIY amps provide the best value for money in audio

[@paulwells3084]

I've built a number of kits over the years, I have a Crack and a Reduction Phono preamp, my entire vinyl system is hand built by me, the Bottlehead kits are absolutely top notch. The guys at Bottlehead are not only the best to deal with but they care about the music and your enjoyment of the kit and they want you to succeed.

[@PassionforSound]

So true! Thanks for sharing your experiences, Paul

[@HeyWaj10]

Hands down one of the best videos you’ve released, and in the end, I feel convinced from your confidence that this truly is easy enough for a beginner to do, and I’m motivated to give a DIY build a go! Thank you!

[@PassionforSound]

I'm so glad you liked it! I hope you love the process and the end result even more. 🙂🙂

[@Brighamdoc]

I recently built a "Crack" and you have it spot on. Puts a smile on my face every time I listen.

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you are enjoying it so much. It's a special experience, isn't it?

[@rcobsesssed]

I started with a Crack, then another Crack, then a highly modified Crackatwoa, and now a Mainline... BY FAR my favorite is the Mainline and I intend to keep it indefinitely

[@PassionforSound]

Great to hear you've tried a bunch. The Mainline is brilliant, isn't it?

[@jaspers49]

I recently built a really serious pair of DIY speakers (about 3.5k) and drive them using an upgraded / slightly tweaked Line Magnetic tube amp. Besides being great value for money DIY also let's you dial in a system to your liking and achieve perfect synergy. Once you understand a bit about how things work they stop being magic boxes... Tube amps are great because of their simple designs which allow DIYers with some basic knowledge to achieve great things. Also interesting is understanding how budget a lot of the internals are of equipment that is sold for quite a considerable price sometimes.

[@PassionforSound]

Great points! Thanks Jasper.

[@jaspers49]

@@PassionforSound thanks mate, also just wanted to say thank you as my DAC is a Burson Audio Conductor 3R with Sparkos opamps which I bought largely because of your recommendations. Your perspective and experience with gear such as the Chord Dave etc. Is so valuable. Btw have you considered reviewing a DIY streamer? I've seen some very interesting builds using parts from Ian Canada.

[@PassionforSound]

Ooh! I hadn't heard of DIY streamers! I've put together a Raspberry Pi system in the past if that's the sort of thing you mean, but that's about all

[@jaspers49]

Hi yes these are Raspberry Pi based. The video below shows a 'basic' but high end build. This guy also built another version which uses an ultra capacitor power supply which replaced his high end R2R DAC (can't remember which one now) for a fraction of the cost. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipTCgpmIiceVbLc I'm thinking of trying this as I think I'd probably need to spend maybe 5k+ for a significant upgrade. Of course it would be a fun project as well. I'm actually quite happy with the Burson 😊.

[@PassionforSound]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing!

[@johnminassian4887]

Bravo! I am on my 20th diy build. As far as Bottlehead kits go I've built the Crack, the Moreplay and the Eros II. All of these units sound awesome. I've also built kits by ANK, Akitika, CSS Audio, tubes4hifi, and diyaudio. All of them offer great value and performance. You can do this! Bu

[@PassionforSound]

Wow! You've built so many kits. Nice work! There are so many DIY brands that I haven't even heard. Thanks for sharing.

[@bernardoandrade88]

Have to say that your choice of finish on the bottlehead mainline is spot on, didn't realize that you get to choose and do that for yourself too. Seriously considering doing a Crack with similar (probably identical 😂) color scheme. Thanks a lot for everything you share, but this one here is a definitely game changer for me, so thank you!

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you liked the video so much! The ability to customise the Bottlehead kits really sets them apart. Hope you do build a Crack and enjoy every second of building and listening!

[@peckbobb]

Bring back the Crackatwoa! Great video. Loved building the BH Crack. Never built an amp before and was a great learning experience. Totally doable by a novice. Look forward to a revived Crackatwoa, then a Mainline.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you've had the joyful experience for yourself, Bob! There's a chance BH might do a limited run of Crack-a-twoas if this video stirs up enough interest so keep an eye out 🤞

[@toonartist1]

Agree 100% about the joy of building your own amp. I recently completed my first, although I'm used to soldering, and it was the Aegis by L0rdGwyn (head fi). Amazing amp, massive staging, depth and layering... taking a stack of different tubes inc EL34, EL37, KT66, KT77, KT88 & KT150 plus many more. I found the process very relaxing and it now sits alongside a Auris Nirvana. Very different amps in terms of presentation but very equal in terms of sound quality. The Aegis isn't a cheap build though... I think I spent about £2300 without the tubes as I added a few upgrades but this is a TOTL amp.... I'm now looking out for further kits and I'd certainly recommend DIY amps, it really is very satisfying!! The Aegis, by the way, sounds incredible with the Meze Elite!

[@PassionforSound]

Nice! Thank you for sharing your building experience. I'll have to look into the Aegis.

[@charlesclifton1006]

I am so glad you made this video. I've been toying with building a tube amp kit for some time but have only just recently learned about Bottlehead. I've always wanted a 300B amp and yes, they offer one. Decware offers a ready made 300B but the price is too steep for my wallet . You mention the satisfaction of soldering and building it yourself - I can totally relate to that. Currently I do not own (yet) supper efficient speakers. Steve Guttenberg seems quite taken with the new Zoo Audio DWs. Any comments or suggestions relevant would be appreciated. In any case, perhaps I'll tune up my soldering skills and order one of Bottlehead's more entry level amps and then proceed on to a more advanced kit. Thanks again for providing this video!!!!!!!!

[@PassionforSound]

That's great news! I hope you take the plunge and enjoy every DIY moment. As for speakers, I'm only just beginning my speaker journey so don't yet have any suggestions, but should begin to have more soon.

[@WhenKittensATK1125]

I built a Crack years ago. The first time I used it literally gave me goosebumps. Then I broke it installing the Speedball upgrade and never went back to try to troubleshoot it.

[@PassionforSound]

Oh no! Hopefully I've inspired you to get it up and running again. The Speedball upgrade only increases the goosebumps factor

[@Nuevo_El_Nagual]

We need more tube amps reviews :)

[@PassionforSound]

I've got two more already in the schedule!

[@Nuevo_El_Nagual]

@@PassionforSound maybe some reviews with just tube rolling?

[@PassionforSound]

Tube rolling is quite amp dependent and then there are SO many tube models, brands and variants to consider so I tend to only do tube rolling when it's directly relevant to an amp I'm reviewing.

[@jasonkim3477]

I was sad to see the Crackatwoa was discontinued right when I convinced myself that was going to be the next one I was going to build. I hope it come back!

[@PassionforSound]

They might do a limited run if there's sufficient interest following this video so jump on their mailing list and even maybe drop them a line and let them know that you'd go for one if it came up. Hope you get to build one!

[@vaneast411]

I also have the MZ3 and have enjoyed using it as a preamp and as a headphone amp as well… which I love…

[@PassionforSound]

It's brilliant too! You've got a great couple of options there in terms of tubes.

[@bigjalapeno5347]

You've convinced me to go DIY for my next amp

[@PassionforSound]

Awesome! I hope you love it!

[@BenGeldreich]

Thanks for the review. What did you finish the Crack-a-tooah wood with. It looks a tad more red from the stock wood that comes. I like the look of it hence why I'm asking.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, I used a stain and varnish (i.e. stain and then varnish). I can't recall what the wood colour was - sorry! Off the top of my head, it might have been merbau.

[@elbebe1000]

Beautiful review. I built Crack kits more than 10 years ago and still fantastic amp for senn. and others cans. At the time I paid $199.00 and update speedball to it. I can compare this kit with more expensive kits and Bottlehead become in the top. I hope build another kit soon for my new Focal clear.

[@PassionforSound]

The Clear and Mainline go together like a dream, particularly with the impedance switch on the Mainline. Glad you're still loving the Crack!

[@evodude919]

@@PassionforSound I have a Bottlehead S.E.X. and I think that also goes well with my Clears.

[@PassionforSound]

That would be a great combo. There's something quite special about the tone from the S.E.X.

[@nicktan4530]

Hi do you like the bottleheadcrack personally ? Like your forever main tube amp ?

[@PassionforSound]

No, not my forever tube amp, but it's an outstanding amp at the price and with high impedance headphones. The Mainline is the forever amp in the Bottlehead range for me.

[@IHearEverythingDude]

Have you tried using crack with Sennheiser HD 800? Sny thoughts? I'm thinking of building one for fun and also nice listen ;) 😁

[@PassionforSound]

I have and it's a wonderful combination!

[@Bushviking]

Very interesting video! Import duties are usually pretty high when ordering from Europe though... I'd wish they'd have a shipping warehouse in the EU.

[@PassionforSound]

They're a relatively small company and I doubt there'd be sufficient volume for a dedicated EU warehouse. Have you tried ordering from them before? I've never been hit with import duties in Australia, but things might be different in EU.

[@jaspers49]

Try to find a 2nd hand one, the do come up on head-fi from time to time 🙂

[@Bushviking]

@@jaspers49 Will do, thanks!

[@adrianwindo]

This is very timely as I’m heading for surgery with a lengthy recovery period sat around. I’ve been thinking about how I could pass the time with a suitable “project”. How does the mainline partner with the TT2? Headphones are ZMF Atrium’s. Thanks Lachlan.

[@PassionforSound]

That will be a wonderful project and fantastic finished setup, Adrian. The Mainline is particularly good due to the ability to switch the output impedance for high impedance cans like the Atriums. Good luck for the surgery, recovery and DIY project! 🤞🤞🤞

[@ronaldmcdonald2456]

As an inveterate solder junkie I congratulate you on that BEAUTIFUL opening footage! WOW! The standard comment from my wife is, ''UH, OH! MORE PORN!!! 😄 Thanks.

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. Glad you liked it. Hope she did too 😁

[@peytonsnead3114]

Another fantastic review. Adding to my List.

[@PassionforSound]

Definitely worth looking at, Peyton 🙂

[@frederf69]

diy in general makes a lot of sense; personally I'm fed up of paying silly prices for hifi. diy speakers is something I've been psyching up for.

[@PassionforSound]

I think a DIY speaker might be in my future too. Hope you take the plunge and love it!

[@PL4Y3R_0n3-]

Could you do a review of the WHAMMY diy headphone amp? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

[@jaybrodnax]

it's incredible, especially with a Sparkos Pro opamp. Actually I built two extras and are selling them if you are interested

[@PassionforSound]

I'm keen to check them out, but don't currently have time for the building process which is a key part of the review for a DIY product IMO. Hopefully in the future

[@asplmn]

The two amps I have next to my bed are the Crackatwoa and WHAMMY (w/ Sparkos). With all the upgrades, either could be someone’s end game

[@jaybrodnax]

@@PassionforSound the instructions definitely need improvement. The instructions don't match the kit, and there are some small recommended tweaks that the instructions writer recommends in the forum, but the kit doesn't include the extra parts or the instructions for these steps. For example, the power LED is included in the kit, but not the resistors that are required for it, nor the instructions to wire it. That said, it is my favorite solid state amp so far, and I temporarily owned the Burson Soloist 3X GT. The GT may have more technical prowess, but the Whammy just sounds richer and more enjoyable to me.

[@PassionforSound]

Very interesting! I'll need to get a WHAMMY at some point I think

[@twoften]

Like many I was sad I didn't buy the Crackatwoa in time (I had to choose between it and the SEX for their mid-year sale and didn't know the C2A was on the chopping block). If they do bring it back for a limited run, please ask them to wait until after I have my tax return. 😂

[@PassionforSound]

Lol. It's like that. Dan (Doc) did tell me that they might do a limited run of the C2A if this video stirs up enough interest

[@sheerkhanful]

You mentioned in the Folkvangr review that you would compare it with a bottle head amp but I didn't hear it. As of Aug 2024 the Crackatwoa is no longer offered.

[@PassionforSound]

Ah yes. The plan had been to compare the Folkvangr and Crackatwoa - I'd forgotten that. With the discontinuation of the C2A, I never did the comparison, but the Folkvangr had the edge in overall sound to me - it does something magic.

[@sheerkhanful]

@@PassionforSound Is the volume a stepped attenuator? Thank you

[@PassionforSound]

@sheerkhanful on the Bottle head, yes. On the Folkvangr, no - just a regular potentiometer

[@billthompson80]

I'm curious, what color/type of finish is that on the amp featured in your video?

[@PassionforSound]

Do you mean the blue one? It's blue anodised aluminium. That's all I know - not sure if there are a range of blue colours available in anodising or just the one

[@billthompson80]

Hi there, thanks for reply, while i love the look of the blue anodized one, I was asking about the Crackatwoa you showed at the beginning. @@PassionforSound

[@PassionforSound]

Ah, gotcha. I can't remember what stain I used on that one, but I think it might be merbau.

[@TWidXugA1]

What a great idea for a video! Thanks for that!

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you liked it!

[@computerrock3]

Looking at boutique tube amps, have you considered reviewing Eric McChanson or Mapletree amps?

[@PassionforSound]

It all comes down to what I can get access to, but I'm always open to anything different and interesting

[@rodm1949]

I am definately in, but two questions - Driving Planars and is it possible to utilize 2 single ended amp's (Mono blocked) combined createing a seperated ballance output? A bit like a mt 604 on steroids. I have found the detail and full frequency response of planars just gets better with clean power. And to the beginers, ventilation is king when soldering for your vision and keeping a clear head.

[@PassionforSound]

Theoretically, you probably could combine two SE amps and create a "balanced" equivalent. That would be a fun project! As for planars, unless you're looking to drive Susvaras or Abyss 1266, the S.E.X. and Mainline will comfortably (and beautifully) handle all the others. Statements about the behaviours of planars changing with power are vastly exaggerated. So long as the amp comfortably has sufficient power, the planars don't care if you have 500mW or 2W.

[@davidowen3975]

I'd love to build a tube amp for my ZMFs and possibly for the Focal Utopia. I was going to get the Crackatwo when I found it was discontinued. Does any other kit offer the same value and tube sound?

[@PassionforSound]

All of their kits have a distinct tube sound (in the best possible way). The Mainline is probably the least tubey, but it's also the most versatile with the impedance switch so it drives planars AND high impedance dynamics really well. It's still definitely a tube amp so it doesn't sound solid state. The S.E.X. is also wonderful with its SET sound - liquid, articulate mids and lovely imaging

[@N1ubility]

Within $500, would you choose crack or archel 3pro? Why?🤔

[@PassionforSound]

Wow, that's a tough question! I'd probably choose the A3 Pro simply because it's so versatile. However, if I had only a high impedance headphone to drive, the Crack might be a better choice for the fun of building, emotional connection with the finished product and the sublime pairing with most high impedance cans

[@N1ubility]

@@PassionforSound wow, your reply was very helpful, thanks so much😘

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure

[@robertthurston6858]

I can't help but notice the tube amplifiers names are all references to hard addictive drugs . What's that about, is the creator of the kits saying they're very addictive to listen to ?😀

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, that's exactly it - addictive to build and addictive to listen to 😁

[@rodm1949]

Have you seen the vertical amps, line magnetic for some reason I find them appealing.

[@PassionforSound]

I've not seen those. I'll go check them out. Thanks

[@jaybrodnax]

I love my Crack. If I didn't have a Pathos Inpol Ear, I'd probably do the Mainline

[@PassionforSound]

The Crack is awesome! I haven't tried the Pathos gear. So much still to try

[@IgorPetruk1989]

C2 was also the least sold amp according to the Bottlehead. In my opinion the cause for that was phrasing, target audience positioning. Bottlehead explained C2 as "better Crack", which is correct, but in order to market the Mainline they claimed that C2 cannot match our "ultimate sonic performer" Mainline. Now this, is very inaccurate. Mainline is not "the best amp". It is a very poor pairing with ZMF VC for example in my opinion. It is detailed, but thin, clinical, shouty, bright and lifeless. Only on VC, it is excellent on other headphones. Even without listening to C2, my Crack with good tubes sounds much better than Mainline for VC. Why? Because it is an OTL and ZMF don't just like any tubes, including clinical tubes of the Mainline, they like juicy OTL sound. In order to market C2 correctly, get more sales and get more satisfied customers they should have marketed it not as a "Better Crack, but worse than Mainline", but as a flagship Bottlehead OTL amp, on equal footing with Mainline. People like the word "flagship" when they look for the upgrade. This would make people choose between C2 and, say, Feliks Elise (there is Euphoria, but people somehow don't hype it). While Mainline is cleaner and performs excellent with planars, it is not a clear upgrade to Crack. I as a fan of Bottlhead at a time was fully convinced by Crack and I was looking for an upgrade. Why not to go full way? I got Mainline. I am satisfied, but not 100% satisfied with it being an upgrade. It is not an upgrade, it is a different amp that is only mostly better. C2 would be my flagship of choice if I want and OTL sound. I think it is two different amp upgrade branches: Crack -> C2 and S.E.X -> Mainline. This would be an ideal marketing and C2 would have suffered from low sales. P.S. C2 was not discontinued because of tubes, it uses the same tubes as Crack in the middle. It was because of poor sales and here above I explaine why it might have happened

[@PassionforSound]

I get where you're coming from, but I don't completely agree. The Mainline in high impedance mode sounds great to me with ZMFs (incl. VC), but this is an area of personal preference so everyone will have a different opinion. I do know that stock of NOS 6080 and equivalent tubes have become less and less available in bulk so a company like Bottlehead that needs to buy in bulk lots would need to prioritise where those tubes are used and then combine that with (as you said) the overall sales volumes of the amp kits to choose what to continue and what to end. I do agree that the C2A is in a tricky position where many would go straight to the Mainline once spending that kind of money. Personally, I think the Mainline is the better and more versatile choice, but the C2A is a lovely amp so it's a shame to see it go, even if the Crack is still available for OTL fans.

[@bottleheadaudio]

We have so many different headphone amps precisely because there is such a wide range of listening taste and budget. Hopefully they do all sound a little different, and that the various tonalities each tickle a different subset of subjective taste. I do appreciate that you are complementing the sound of the Crackatwoa and I thank you for that. Not sure that I ever said the C2A "cannot match" the Mainline. We have customers who think Mainline is "best", customers who think C2A is "best", customers who think S.E.X. is "best", customers who think Crack is "best", customers who think Stat is "best" and customers who think my own Neothoriator is "best". I think that's a good thing. The reason for retiring C2A is a bit more complex than your suggestion here. We retired several kits this year as we are turning the wick down a bit. I'm getting pretty old - 67- and we have a five year plan to retire from the business. We restructured to just two of us doing the daily operations a few years ago and shrinking the product line is a way to begin to ease our daily workload a bit after cranking at full throttle to keep up with orders for a couple years during the pandemic. That said, retirement of a kit is not necessarily absolute. The interest expressed in this comment thread has been such that we are having parts made to do a small run of Crackatwoa kits for those who wish a last chance to grab one.

[@rcobsesssed]

What is your preferred DAC to pair with your Bottlehead amps?

[@PassionforSound]

I'm a big fan of Chord DACs, especially the TT2.

[@rcobsesssed]

Excellent thank you! @@PassionforSound

[@vaneast411]

I have built 2 of the crack amps and they are such a rewarding listen with high impedance headphones like the Sennheiser HD600, HD650, HD8XX. They have more distortion than some of these amps that measure with very low THD… but who cares… as the have primarily second order and a little 3rd order distortion which is pleasant and harmonic. I have found that I could listen to music for many many hours with great enjoyment with my HD650’s, appreciating the lovely spacial referencing along with great tonal colour with everything in my iTunes playlists sounding great. highly recommend !!! !!!

[@PassionforSound]

I completely agree! Thanks for sharing your Crack habits! 😉

[@banabachung4490]

the Single Ended Experimenter's kit is much pricier now.. it went up 593 -> 785 recently. Was planning on buying, would love to have, but that price increase really seems big... so no for now

[@rodm1949]

It's a shame Geshelli doesn't have a valve upgrade or amp.

[@PassionforSound]

Even at $785, the S.E.X. is still great value for a speaker and headphone amp. As for Geshelli, they're very different companies with different offerings. The Bottlehead gear is a very different experience because you're building it and learning along the way. The end result performs better than equivalently priced Geshelli products (except maybe the new A3 Pro) too

[@banabachung4490]

Actually, I'd go straight for the mainline if they have a sale. I'd be satisfied having a real high end amp, also the good feeling of assembling one

[@PassionforSound]

The Mainline is an amazing choice. Hope you get the chance to build one

[@banabachung4490]

Hey just in case anyone's still folowing this, I finished building the S.E.X. here in Korea and it sounds oooh soooo fantastic!! Overall increased resolution over just my Mojo2, and preliminary hearing tells me its on par with the phonitor xe in soundstage and imaging, (maybe larger soundstage), but the phonitor has it beat in delivering a more convincing midrange and macrodynamics. Have to add on C4S next, and we'll see. I'm just surprised it came this close to the phonitor at all! Love to see your reviews always, and hope anyone reading this becomes satisfied just listening to music👍

[@MagicMaus29]

Too bad, they are not sold here in Germany.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm sure they can ship there. Bottlehead is a fairly small company so all orders ship from their single office in Portland (IIRC)

[@sebanambrus9265]

good one

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you like it!

[@dwferox]

I think I get what point you were trying to make, but no $3k amp is three times better than a $1k amp.

[@PassionforSound]

That's a fair point, but as you said, my point was that they're closer in performance than you'd expect for the price differential

[@trafelij]

Sorry...it does sound "exactly" like an advertising video. The use of adjectives is over the top...like describing a wine at a wine bar in a strip mall.

[@PassionforSound]

Sorry about that. That's actually just how much I've appreciated each and every one of their amps (four in total, with a few built 2-3 times)

[@loading69gnidaol]

Wish the crackatwoa was still available :( Built the rest of the headphone amp lineup and was looking forward to finishing it

[@PassionforSound]

They might release the C2A for a limited run after this review so keep an eye out! 👀