Bottlehead crack tube rolling The noise was a lot less and appears only when the step attenuator was at 90% and more. The things is, I have the Speedball kit sitting on my workbench. Jul 28, 2020 · FYI, the Darkvoice 336se is a popular tube headphone amp from China. The 7236 is a good tube, but I wouldn't say it is head-and-shoulders above the 6080's. It's not a bad tube, just more warm and less dynamic. Toobz · 811714 « previous next Bottlehead Grunt & The Repro Man. Feb 21, 2020 · 5998 can be used directly in Crack, I think you should be able to find it on the Crack drop-in replacement tube list on Page 1. as i understand the 5963 is a computer tube version of the 12au7. Laudanum. The 6080 tube (usually shipped as stock) is a ruggedized version of the 6AS7. Did I just get a bad tube? So the tube rolling and cap swapping that seems to positively consume some builders, while it does certainly have a sonic impact, is just the final tuning step and not a thing that "fixes" a problem. No planned additional official/unofficial upgrades. Different vacuum tubes can introduce subtle variations in the sound, allowing listeners to customize their experience. a. One thing I like about tubes is that they are shiny. Also, the 6cg7/6fq7 is more like a 6sn7 than the 12au7, especially in terms of the warmer sonic signature. Page 2 of 2 I'm running a Modi DAC on my Crack, sounds fine. I still keep the Genalex tube because classical music sounds awesome with it but Sep 12, 2021 · Tube Rolling the Xduoo Ta-26; Tube Rolling the Xduoo MT-601; Tube Rolling the Xduoo MT-602; Tube Rolling the Xduoo MT-604; Xduoo Ta-01b, Ta-10, Ta-20 12au7; Xduoo Ta-02 and Ta-05 6J1/5654; Xduoo Ta-03s 6s19p/12au7; Xduoo Ta-30 12au7 / 5U4G; Tube Rolling the Little Dot MK3se (6DJ8/6922) Auris Euterpe DAC/AMP; Introduction to OpAmps; Burson Op i use the bottlehead crack w/ speedball. Aug 12, 2021 · Some people swear that one power tube is the best and stick with it. Jun 28, 2013 · The way I have modified my Crack removes any effect from rolling driver tube - I don't know enough about circuit design to determine with this is correct or not. I have also noted that tube rolling impacts sonic changes much less compared to the stock Crack (the Mar 25, 2022 · Howdy all. So please share with us, what tubes you have rolled and enjoyed. I would read through the Crack tube rolling thread. What's the deal with "vintage" tubes? Is a tube from the 1950s or '60s likely to sound different than a new tube, and if so is that because of difference in manufacturing, or difference that occur with age? May 11, 2010 · The first is the Darkvoice 336SE as they are very similar designs. Much more forward sound. 1- Alps, Mundorf Don't forget the driver tube. I recently went ahead and pulled the trigger a TS 5998 for my crack+ speedball. I was going to return it since neither my stock RCA or cleartop RCA 12AU7s made this noise. HPA: Bottlehead Crack with nicer sockets, Alps pot, Teflon solid core. Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #46 on: June 07, 2010, 09:51:38 PM If you Google the designations, chances are very good that you will find the data for these types, including what service they were manufactured for. I cleaned the tube pins with steel wool and the crackling went away! So, I'm continuing running the tube for 100 hours. Aug 7, 2010 · I haven't decided yet if it's ultimately a good thing or a bad thing to have a crack-tube dealer living 10 miles away Technics SL-1200 "MKE" ~> DL103r w/Ruby Cantilever & Contact Line Stylus ~> Audioquest PT-9 ~> Bobs Devices Cinemag SUT ~> Vista Audio PHOHO-1+ ACLE ~> Bottlehead Crack w. " What Doc means is that there are "equivalent" tubes out there. Jr. This post is intended for others similar to me: capable amateurs interested in building a Oct 3, 2015 · There was only 1 output tube I rolled that I thought may have sometimes been too hot in the treble - the Russian 6H13C. surprisingly i wasn't all that impressed. The C2A gives more of what the Crack does well, but it doesn't offer the flexibility of the SEX amp. Oct 4, 2021 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #2386 on: October 04, 2021, 07:27:08 PM Tube rolling can be fun and costly and all that, but as the differences can be quite subtle (I’ve found I like tubes I thought I didn’t like on different days) why not try adjusting the tone controls or equalizer on your source machine and see if you can get it May 8, 2014 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #838 on: May 15, 2014, 07:50:00 PM It is grid to cathode voltage, so 1. c) GEC Straight Brown Base 6AS7G A1834 CV2523 II. I recently started revisiting the Bottlehead forum after experiencing some noise (hum and buzz) and wanted to see if I could eliminate it. Feb 18, 2021 · I recently bought a new power tube for my Crack, and it occasionally makes a whistling/high-pitched noise. The company was created by the ‘President for Life’ Dan ‘Doc B’ Schmalle in the mid-1990s, and primarily offers DIY tube audio kits for both headphones and home stereos. lol. Toobz · 738960 « previous next Nov 28, 2020 · Bottlehead Forum. As far as driver tubes go, the Mullard CV4003 is a great tube, one of the best 12AU7's available. Sr. I got a "NIB NOS" CBS Hytron 6AS7G and a CBS 5814A - not because I think they will sound better than the stock Chatham 6080 and unmarked 12AU7, but because they look really nice and Im a little OCD and I like the idea of the matching brand tubes Apr 3, 2013 · I'm not an expert on the specifics of the circuit design of the Crack but I have done alot of research on the datasheets and the Bottlehead forums regarding the use of the 12BH7/E80CC/6SN7. I read somewhere that to achieve 5998's best performance you'd better change some resistors on the Speedball to achieve its optimal working points. I've had the chance to try out another power tube - a Russian 6H13C (6AS7). But I have no idea if that's true. Mar 8, 2012 · Bottlehead Stereomour with V-cap, Mundorf, Alps SEX 2. On the other hand, the premium 6AS7G types, the 5998/421a and GEC brown base are known to yield improvements and are relatively common on ebay despite their soaring prices. I shall continue my studies. Finished my eros a couple of days ago though, and after listening for quite a few hours I don't think I will be listening to the Hagerman much anymore. I switch back the input tube to 12AU7. Toobz · 1269276 and I read that the Tung Sol 5998 is overall the "best" tube for the Bottlehead Crack w/speedball. It meets the voltages specifications (in the Speedball pdf at least, not sure if those in the Crack pdf are still valid when the speedball is installed, and I just have a slightly different input resistance on the RCA jacks of about 10%), and the solder joints seem pretty good, I was careful not to make cold joints. I got the 6H13C last week and had no problems. is the mid-level DIY tube headphone amp from Bottlehead USA. So do it first. I'm not looking for Sep 1, 2016 · Tube Rolling w/Crack Dr. Mar 26, 2021 · So, I built my Crack +SB in 2014 and it's always in play with my Technics SL-1200 turntables. SMF 2. Member; Posts: 12; Re: Tube Rolling Jul 2, 2018 · The 5998 is a completely different tube than the 6080, but they work interchangeably in the Crack circuit. Thank you - all help is appreciated! Tubes! They really can be a lot of fun with the right headphones. This is a quote from the Product Page, "And of course you can tweak to your hearts content tube rolling different 12AU7 and 6080/6AS7 variants. I dont think they would be your favorites based on what I think your sonic preferences are but just curious if you have tried any. Apr 16, 2019 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #1948 on: May 04, 2019, 01:08:47 AM The ECC32 is one of my all time favourite tubes in the Crack, Apex Teton and Peak, Woo WA5 and Cavalli liquid glass. It looks like Crack was shipped with Bendix before, but then changed to other tube - not sure what the reason was. and how would you describe the sound of the E80CC compare to a stock 5963 which came with my stock crack. amp opened the way for someone with efficient speakers to Hi there anyone know how a valvo ecc88 will go in the crack replacing a rca cleartop? A TYP : ECC82 12AU7 18mm long Plates 45° D Getter valvo to be precise! Thanks in advance:) oh an ill be using with a svetlana 6h13c btw. 5 year of Crack ownership. It, however, powers both the 6080 and the 12AU7. 0 Dec 7, 2021 · Bottlehead Forum. The S. Jan 15, 2018 · Crack is new and has about 20hrs in. A 12AU7 input tube serving as a voltage amplifier, directly coupled to a 6080 power tube as a cathode follower output. Jul 13, 2012 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #458 on: July 28, 2012, 06:20:04 PM Supply and demand, I guess, the 7236 gaining more and more attention as 421As disappear, 5998s become ever rarer and more expensive, and amps like the Crack become more popular. I'm completely happy with the stock Crack but wonder what I might be missing. I'd suggest an aniline dye with an alcohol base and maybe a sanding sealer first to get more even absorption. I still have those old tubes and now that I’m reading all of these tube rolling forums I wonder if I made a horrible mistake all those years ago, and I consider rolling them back in to see. I have not made such comparisons, however. Toobz · 761166 « previous next Bottlehead Kits. I've put about 100 hours on the stock tubes and from what I've read these are not the last word in tubes. i) Tung Sol 5998 II. 1/C4S, Bryston BHA-1 Sennheiser HD600/Cardas cable, Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Gen, Hifimam HE560/Hifiman balanced cable Dec 8, 2016 · This is what I decided to do as my first foray into tube rolling. Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack « Reply #916 on: August 21, 2014, 10:11:32 PM » That RCA 12au7 clear top is a nice input tube especially in combination with using the HD650's Nov 13, 2023 · However, my friend and I were doing some tube rolling. Amazing pairing with the Aeolus! The only power tube that comes close for me is the WE421a which has a Jun 19, 2016 · Chris Sony 557ESD Thorens TD 124 Mkll Lenco L70 (PTP tuned) Apple Mac Pro / Media Center 23 AN Kits L4 Preamp AN Kits L4 DAC / MiniDSP AN Kits L3 Phono / Bottlehead EROS I chased fidelity with this amp for a few years. Toobz · 820621 « previous next Nov 24, 2016 · I'm unsure how to decipher the modifications needed to run various tubes, as most of the posts about tube rolling are for the Crack. Got an ebay voucher and was wondering if the cetron 7236 tube would be a noticeable upgrade? The Speedball also seemed to reduce the impact of tube rolling the input tube. Jan 16, 2023 · Like Crack this amp is intended to be used with high impedance headphones (200 ohms or higher) like Sennheiser HD600/650/800, Beyerdynamic 250 and 600 ohms headphones, etc. From my experience, bigger tube = more air, bigger soundstage. I just finished my crack about 2 months ago. Overall the combination is very impressive sounding but now I need to go back and compare to the 6080 which I haven Apr 25, 2016 · hi guys, i recently just started trying a different output tube, after 1. GE 7316 UK and a Russian 54 variant output tube. New to Tube rolling with a Bottlehead Crack 1. Sep 11, 2023 · The Bottlehead Crack’s tube rolling capabilities offer enthusiasts the opportunity to fine-tune the amplifier’s sound to their liking when paired with the HD600. I'm liking a 5998 right now. Aug 7, 2017 · Hello. Sep 2, 2021 · Originally announced in 2010, the Crack is an affordable tube-based headphone amplifier kit offered by the Bottlehead Corporation located in Poulsbo, Washington State, USA. i know people will say tube rolling doesn't make a difference because they tried one or two and couldn't tell but in my experience having accumulated a lot Oct 3, 2022 · The SEX amp is definitely a better sounding amp than the Crack and can drive most headphone available, but tube rolling options and possible customizations are a bit more limited. Nov 26, 2024 · I am preparing to upgrade my HD600's to HD800S and my LittleDot MkII to a Bottlehead Crack. I've tried +- 20-30 versions of 6SN7 (RCA (American and EU factories), GE, Sylvania, Tung Sol etc), the ECC32 (CV181) Mullard versions, the 5692 RCA and CBS versions, the Russian 6N8S normal and 1578 variety. DET20 was the name given to civil versions of this tube, sold by the Marconi company, but picked from both the GEC as Mullard production line. It can roughly be compared to Bottlehead Crack, the latter being better built and pricier. hdtv00. there "may" have been a bit more spaciousness, but i don't know if i am dreaming, but i felt like quite a bit of clarity and crispness and cleaness Feb 10, 2020 · The price of a tube has little to do with the actual sound quality. In my Crack i use my current favorite setup (since a few months) that cost me 12€ total. I probably have on hand fifteen different types of power tubes and twenty-five or so different driver tubes. every tube will vary but i've got 8 rca tubes in different configurations and they're very similar; not that great. Nov 7, 2022 · Tube Rolling in the Crack# The Bottlehead Crack circuit uses two tubes. Tube Rolling w/Crack Dr. Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by John Storey, Nov 22, 2017. I don't have a huge amount of experience with A/B testing. This was on the Crack + SB though, not the Crackatwoa. The Speedball really helped to clarify the treble and solidify the bass; everything seemed more dynamic. (See Mods below) THE LIST I. Jun 4, 2012 · Only needing one power tube and one input tube, tube rolling is one of the most fun things to do with the Bottlehead Crack, and you can easily tune the sound to your liking. Then I tried out the RCA 12AU7 (black plate). Oct 29, 2012 · Tube Rolling w/Crack Dr. Toobz · 1272710 « previous next Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #1877 on: March 27, 2019, 04:06:28 PM Just wondering what are some recommended power and driver tubes in the lower sub $30 price range that are more readily available and rated good for the money (better then stock)? Crack/Speedball, SEX 2. The amp has the speedball upgrade and smaller output caps (220uF Black Gates) which seem OK with my old Sennheiser HD580s. The first tube I changed was the EH 12AU7 since I have used it in my Foreplay III and found that it made a big difference using a good NOS tube. Lots of tube rolling. The grey plate tube (1963), by contrast, sounds quite good and is perfectly quiet. Apr 1, 2014 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #742 on: April 02, 2014, 11:57:45 AM I have one 13D5 and when I came back from work today I found two NOS 13D4s was waiting ,listening to 13D4 as I type,. IMO, it’s certainly worth getting a decent tube amp in your set up to experiment with from I got a 12AU7 Bugle Boy and there was a deep hum in the right earpiece with stock Crack. I’ve discovered a weird problem with my 6c8g tubes. Jul 6, 2022 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #2431 on: July 14, 2022, 01:08:27 PM I’ve got a few RCA 12AU7 variants including a clear top, a grey plate, and a black plate 5963. I'm new to tube rolling with the crack. This basic version of the Bottlehead Crack doesn’t have the speedball upgrade and was available for $219 as a DIY kit. I actually use the Senn HD6xx with the the 5998 and still get that bit of harshness. Jun 15, 2013 · I'm currently running a 12BH7 and a 6AS7 tube setup in my Crack. X. I realize tube sounds can be very subjective and a matter of personal taste. They are in demand and quite rare, so prices are high. 5V on the cathode is considered -1. Jan 9, 2015 · Have you considered retrofitting the input tube so you can use other tubes like the 12BH7/5687/7119's. May 4, 2010 · Paul Birkeland's explanation covers most of it. I decided I wanted a Crack oncrack, so to speak, and planned a "statement" amplifier build around the Crackatwoa, featuring a few choice component upgrades, a Feb 15, 2011 · Hi Eggman, I did try the amp before the Speedball CCS upgrade, the differences were not subtle. EDIT: Btw, I've never had any problems with the brightness on both Amperex BB's and the CBS Hytron's. Today I got the ECC82 in the mail and now my Crack has a bunch of popping and a low but rather loud hum. Anybody with the hd800 have experience with stock vs speedball? The bottlehead crack was tempting when I was researching amps, so thanks for this post. I have rolled A LOT of tubes through the Crack and Crackatwoa. Jul 27, 2018 · So I was just looking into tube rolling and read the stickied post and a few others for info. It is an all-tube output-transformerless (OTL) design, intended to… Jun 29, 2015 · I'm more concerned that it'll lessen the impact of tube rolling and take away that slight euphonic quality. There is Oct 5, 2014 · The Tung Sol 5998 is an alternative / upgrade tube to the one that you get in the kit - there is no need to buy it but you may decide you want to push you Crack a little bit further and people often upgrade the Tube (Tube Rolling), add a speedball upgrade kit or swap out things like capacitors all to chase improved performance. Jun 15, 2011 · Ummm, I'm not sure you want to use an adaptor that parallels the sections -- that, under the best circumstances would give you a mono Crack. imo the stock tubes (usually rca are included in standard kits) aren't that great. I ended up re-flowing all the connections and added the ground diodes. Nov 23, 2017 · Just finished the Bottlehead Crack build, which was a ton of fun and it sounds great. That's what i use for the AKG K1000 headphone and works just fine for now. Electrically, they are the same. But it has higher transconductance and gain than 6AS7G/6080. And so my tube rolling journey started. The hum has never happened before. b) Western Electric 421A I. Here’s been my experience with ~2 years of tube rolling in the crack: Power tubes The crack’s power tube options are fairly limited and straightforward. thanks! Jul 13, 2010 · First post here - thought I'd share my tube rolling crack experience. I prefer the stock RCA tube because it has a fuller, warmer, more engaging sound. Bottlehead Grunt & The Repro Man. Sep 30, 2012 · Disclaimer: Your experience and mileage with these tubes may vary. Nov 28, 2019 · Hi all! I’m currently working on my 2nd crack, my first is +sb with some cap upgrades. a) GEC Curved Brown Base 6AS7G A1834 CV2523 I. A few Crack users here say it is a far better sounding tube than the 12au7's. May 11, 2016 · Tube Rolling w/Crack Dr. Dec 17, 2016 · The beefy heater winding on the C2A is a 5A winding. I saw you posted you like the CBS Hytron, it is a great tube in thee Crack, plus as a side benefit it actually glows. Amir hit the nail on the head here, its a fun amp that adds a chorus of distortion products, which pair oddly well with some high impedance headphones. I have found the CV4003 to be an excellent choice for the Crack, have not tried the 6AS7G so I can't comment on that one. I’ve looked through their selection, and decided on a 6080 replacement, the Winged "C" 6H13C / 6AS7G and narrowed my choices for the 12AU7 down to three choices. Normal, darker dye will be blotchier and obscure whatever little grain Alder has. The parts quality is very good, the documentation is truly excellent, the Bottlehead forums provide fantastic peer-to-peer assistance, and construction is very easy. We put a RCA 5692 RED base input tube instead of the 12AU7. One big consideration was that this kit was to fit between the Crack and the Mainline in terms of price. Dec 7, 2020 · Imagine! So I ordered a complete set of new JJs and popped them in. Tube rolling is always good but your outcome might be different with the Speedball. Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #811 on: May 05, 2014, 04:21:24 PM I can hear it ring(?) sometimes when I reach over and grab and turn the volume control, even when music is playing. The second is the Cayin HA-1AMK2, which is transformer coupled tube amp that can be found used in the same price range as a new, fully assembled Crack. Toobz · 1226060 « previous next Jun 18, 2020 · Quick question on tube rolling. i ordered the so much talked about 6H13C winged C Russian tube and tried it with my new HD800S purchase. My friend notices some Hum Noise even when the pot is at minimum and no audio signal is coming from the DAC. The output caps are in series with the music, so very important. The extra current draw is within the design limits on the transformer but whether the stock Crack would yield optimal results with the non 12AU7 family of May 23, 2010 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #42 on: June 04, 2010, 02:32:14 PM Go with the octal socket right off the bat and buy some 6SN7 to 12AU7 adapters online. Jim Feb 7, 2012 · These tubes produce a very nice sound that blows most headphone amps away. Jun 8, 2016 · Hey guys, new to tube rolling and running a bottlehead crack + speedball at the moment with a Raytheon 6080wb tube. Toobz · 1236952 Xonar Essence STX >> Schiit Bifrost >> Bottlehead Crack (TS 7236/RCA 5963) >> HD800s. I think listening to it stock before you put Speedball in is a good idea, you’ll really notice the difference. Jan 15, 2018 · The only other legitimate measurements I have seen of the Crack used an Audio Precision SYS2722 from a Bottlehead forum member and showed the distortion essentially halved when using a 5998 vs the stock 6080 power tube. Jan 19, 2019 · Users share their experiences and opinions on tube rolling with the Crack amplifier kit from Bottlehead. You can take a look at my Crack thread to compare notes. Jan 15, 2018 · It takes a 12AU7 input tube, 6080/6AS7 output tube, and 6AQ5 tubes in the shunt regulator. Toobz · 790969 « previous next The Crack seemed to have better synergy with high-impedance phones like my HD650, but other than that I thought it offered great aesthetics more than anything (did I really go so far for a mostly good-looking amp?, I thought). I was the owner of the original Crack + Speedball and a sizable tube collection to match. Technicalities wise, The Tesla ECC802S is actually very capable. Administrator; Jul 16, 2019 · This tube (named military Common Valve 6) played a major role in military equipement during WWII. 1)PC to M2Tech USB to Audiomat Tempo 2. Even though the Speedball will allow the 12BH7 without mods, will the 12BH7 have any adverse effects on the 6AS7, such as tube life? The BH7 bumps the plate voltage of the driver stage down a little bit, which in turn also bumps the cathode voltage of the 6080 down a tad too. My Crack is modified which may affect the sound quality of each tube. Toobz · 834919 « previous next May 4, 2014 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #796 on: May 04, 2014, 12:57:18 PM Didn't you need to change the voltage going to the driver tube to accommodate the E80CC though? Bottlehead Kits. Dec 5, 2014 · Bottlehead Forum. The Bottlehead Crack is an outstanding first project for the novice audio DIYer. 5 Dac to Bottle Head Crack with speedball to HD 650 2)Cayin N5 or I5 to HD 580 with Alo balanced Green Cable 3) Cayin N3 to Sony Wh 1000xm3 or Buy Other Sound Equipment Sport earbuds Sep 29, 2013 · The Bottlehead S. I’m looking to start tube rolling now as The Tube Store has a 40% off sale for Black Friday. I think that any capacitor in the amp could be upgraded. Countless modifications and adapters that have been tried along the way as well. Jan 30, 2024 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #2451 on: January 30, 2024, 05:46:28 PM A lot of these tubes have been sitting around for years and years since they were last run, if at all. Cheers, Shawn Sep 19, 2021 · Paul, this is the only tube I have (of many) that exhibits crackling sounds, so I'm hoping my solder joints are all good (my Crack has been running perfectly since 2014). Changing a tube is more like your short brunette girlfriend changed her hairstyle than like you got a new tall blonde one. That looks great, nice job! My Crack with Speedball sounds fantastic and tube rolling with it is fun. 1 w/SB. You can heat the 12AU7 off the winding that heats the 6AQ5's, but that's all the power that winding has to give. Mar 27, 2015 · This is what vacuumtubes. Doc B. Edit: Just make a 4 banana/spade to 4 pin XLR adapter. Best info I can find is that it's the early 70's tube, grey plate. I had had occasional popping before, but nothing that lasted. I did some tube rolling before I settled on a tube. Aug 12, 2010 · “The Bottlehead Crack is a superb introduction into the world of DIY audio. Feb 2, 2021 · Bottlehead Forum. For what it's worth, i have the Speedball installed, Have 100 uF ES Clarity caps bypassed with 10 uF Mundorf Supreme as output caps, have replaced the final power cap with a 220 uF TC Feb 9, 2017 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #1537 on: March 02, 2017, 07:56:33 AM There's a decent amount that can be discerned by looking at the top of the glass. I paid maybe 10€ for a CV2984 GEC power tube on a local antique market and 1€ each for a CV6/7193 (+-half 6SN7). 5V on the grid (provided the grid is grounded of course). May 25, 2012 · Ive been largely disenchanted with the relatively small number of different GE tube types Ive tried in general but some of the GE 12AU7's and drop in subs I really like in Crack. I still need to fit the SB. Tube, output: currently 5998 Tube, input: currently 6F8G Source: Rpi 4 running Volumio, Tidal Connect @ 16/44. I'm looking into modding mine for those specific tubes. Sounds superb and not a hint of background noise in normal use. From Bottlehead’s site: "Two Bottlehead headphone amps have left an indelible impression on the headphone industry over the past few years. The amp sounds a bit warmer now, with a bigger soundstage, plenty of bass, and maybe a hair less vivid treble. If I'm going to mess around with tube rolling for my Crack (with Speedball), would the 12AU7 be a higher priority than the 6080? 2. com". It was my favorite driver to date but I think the E80CC might have Feb 1, 2018 · so I was told to try a 6sn7 with one of the Garage1217 adaptors, and it came today with a Raytheon 6sn7gt which extends lower than the stock GE 12au7a and has a wider soundstage, yet with a lot more distortion and a bunch of microphonics, plus I think it looks stupid as the adaptor is misaligned and every 6sn7 seems to look just like a big rod, and a not insignificant part of tubes for me is Bottlehead Kits. iii) Cetron Jun 15, 2021 · A 6AS7 will work just fine. Also, with tube rolling, the Crack can easily cost as much as a brand-new stock 1AMK2. Toobz · 1239986 Bottlehead Crack Source: Fostex HP-A4 Cans: Sennheiser HD700 Sylvania GB6080 + Sylvania VT-231. . May 26, 2015 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #1185 on: May 26, 2015, 11:04:51 AM Listening to the HD600 and with a 5998, I've actually had a really hard time deciding whether the Genalex Gold Lion or the Hewlett-Packard branded Amperex (made in Holland) I got sounds better. net had to say when I asked how they can tell its a 421a and not just a 5998. If someone could point me in the right direction for popular tubes, input and power, it surely would help the initial struggle. However, it is only one of the many good value tube amongst the E80CC and 12BH7 Telefunken ECC802S/Bugle Boy 7316: For what they're worth, the Crack is not worthy of these ultra rare tubes. I’d been on the fence about getting a Crack for a long time, but it has a strong reputation. Haven't tried the Speedball with my Current 1. Crack. Is the Bugle Boy a bad tube or is it on my end, most likely? Secondly, anyone have issues with the RCA 6AS7G background noise? Mine sounds like a quiet power line. ^^^ try to pair it with 6SN7 guys EDIT ;some power tubes prefer larger driver tubes ; GEC A1834-6AS7G+ 6SN7=win GEC A1834-6AS7G+12AU7=not that great Bottlehead Forum. 1 HAT: Allo DigiOne S/PDIF (standard, not signature) DAC: currently Schitt Modi 3E Feb 17, 2020 · Even though the Botttlehead Crack is the best known tube headphone amp from Bottlehead, it has its limitatations by design, it was designed for higher impedance headphones 120 + ohms. Oct 2, 2022 · Amplifiers: Ampsandsound Mogwai, Primaluna Prologue 4, Bottlehead Mainline, Woo Audio WA6, Bottlehead Crack with Speedball, Bottlehead Crack, Schiit Lyr2, Schiit Valhalla, Little Dot 1+ (with mods), Sansui AU-719, Marantz 2250B Jun 2, 2010 · This should have the greatest impact, along with tube rolling. Driver Tubes. Learn about tube types, loadlines, sound quality, and tips from experts and enthusiasts. Toobz · 1269422 « previous next Aug 8, 2013 · Yesterday, on a whim, I went ahead and bought a couple of tubes for my yet-to-be-completed Crack. As per the very well-known Crack OTL amplifier, it's a kit that you build yourself, but it's a little more challenging than the Crack due to the extra components involved. Replace the headphone jack with a high quality locking Neutrik type; I'd suggest modifying the headphone plug to a Neitrik rigtht angle plug if you are going to bother with this. Very detailed and dynamic. Tube Rolling w/Crack . Also, are the 5998 Apr 21, 2014 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #794 on: May 04, 2014, 04:22:31 AM Keep your eye open for a used Mullard or Brimar (there are lots of types, but they are generally warm). Tube Rolling w/Crack. Aug 2, 2021 · I posted the following originally in the tube rolling thread but didn't get many replies so I decided to start a dedicated thread: I'm wondering if someone well versed in describing tonal qualities can help. I’m a big fan of tube rolling, and I have several different varients with and without adapters: 12bh7, e80cc, 6sn7, 6f8g, 6c8g, 7193 and cv6, 6j5the list goes on and on. I own and have rolled the following. Jan 15, 2015 · Bottlehead Kits. Power Tubes. ii) Tung Sol 421A II. Replace all resistors with Tantalums or non-inductive film types When I finished the main Crack, I wasn't getting any sound, even though all the checks passed! Luckily I got some advice from the Bottlehead forum to reheat all of my solder joints, and that did the trick! The base Crack sounded pretty good, maybe slightly better than my Magni (still used the Modi as a DAC for input). Bottlehead Kits. The WE 421A is a rebranded Tung Sol 5998, so there aren't any issues there. E. Original tubes supplied were a GE 12AS7G and what I assume is a 12AU7 (couldn't read the writing on the glass). This because i roll a different tube almost every day, and before i had a tube tester (to check for internal shorts) i've seen some spark shows during tube warmup. Aug 23, 2021 · Thanks for your input Larcenasb. Powered my crack up and the tube crackled and I could see some arcing going on inside for a second. Aug 8, 2020 · I've had some fun tube rolling with a large amount of 6080 and 6AS7Gs from another amp and have been pleasantly surprised by how well the tubes which I had previously deemed too slow or muddy sounding are shining in the speedballed Crack. If you buy a tube with the exact same tube number you are fine. Personally I find half the fun in trying new combinations and finding one that makes your ears smile. You can also use a 5998 or 7236 (which is a computer rated 5998), though they are harder to find these days. Apr 29, 2010 · FWIW, tube rolling can indeed make a difference in your Crack. I happened to have a couple of 12AU7s and 6AS7s to roll and settled on the Sylvanias in the Sep 18, 2022 · Bottlehead’s basic headphone amplifier kit, the “Crack”, is probably the most well known, and best regarded, kit-based/DIY headphone amplifier there is. May 9, 2012 · I'm in the Output tube rolling mode right now The first one I got was Bendix 6080WB (waiting for 7236 & Sylvania GB 6080). The Darkvoice 336SE uses the same tubes and, with slight modification, the Bottlehead Crack can as well. Jun 12, 2012 · If you were to attempt to roll in a tube that is not considered a direct replacement for each tube type, it might be wise to check your operating points. A few mods have been suggested for the 336se. long story short 13D4 supposed to be predecessor of 13D5 Bottlehead Forum. Rolling tubes, decoupling capacitors, stepped vishay resistor ladder volume control, etc. A lot of information about tube rolling those two Amplifiers relates directly to the Ta-26 as well. com Jan 26, 2020 · As an avid tube roller and owner of a Bottlehead Crack Speedball, I wanted to start a dedicated thread for tube rolling. Tube rolling has a big affect on the sound of the Crack. 1 model (sold the older one to try new things way back) so I can't say for sure how things are on this newer build, but I'm happy with the upgraded tubes and don't want to mess around under the hood (so to speak) any Jun 26, 2020 · This is the tube pairing I keep returning to as well! The 7316 long plate foil-d getter opens up the soundstage and gives an extra sense of depth and dimensionality compared to any other 12au7 tubes I’ve tried. Jun 24, 2012 · Hi Everyone, I recently build a Bottlehead Crack and love the sound it makes. For my first time to replace stock i went with a 7236 Tung-Sol for my power tube and i'm finding it pretty interesting, quite the change from the stock RCA that came with my unit, the instrumental parts are much more present to where i feel like i'm sitting right by the band but the vocals aren't as prominent and don't stand out as much as i Tube Rolling w/Crack. To get a sense of "the extremes", what would be two VERY different sounding input tubes and two very different sounding power tubes I could try in the Crack to help develop my ear for tubes? May 31, 2013 · It slows down the pace of the Crack and has good musicality and looser bass, giving the Crack a more vintage tube-ish sound. The included tubes are of decent quality and can be expected to provide years of great sound. Toobz · 1271425 « previous next Dec 22, 2013 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #661 on: December 22, 2013, 04:25:51 AM I have a RCA 6080, quite "recent", that has the exact same construction, especially with the metal base. Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #151 on: November 25, 2011, 08:23:20 AM When looking at suitable alternative tubes, what are the main points that I should look for in the datasheet. On the other hand, I haven't heard one negative of adding the speedball. The two stereo channels each use half of the tube. I was managing my own expectations to be honest - it's a headphone amp after all - but it really blew me away. Apr 9, 2019 · 6SN7 socket is more useful for tube rolling with Crack with a lot of tubes to try. One particular 6080 I like is the Mullard CV2984. Unfortunately, the black plate tube (1959), supposedly the better of the 2, produces a pretty noticeable hum when plugged into my crack. Got it in today, and "rolled" it in. I'll admit though that since I posted I've tried a 12BH7A for my input tube and I have to say I like it a lot better in combination with the 5998 (vs the 12AU7A). Being so close to the 6J5 (6SN7/12AU7), these make for a perfect fit in our beloved OTL headphone amps. Genalex ECC82 Gold Lion preamp tube: all reviews praised this and it has a very clear, nimble, 'decent' sound but the bass end is significantly lower and the overall warmth is gone. "Tung-Sol (and their subsidiary brand Chatham) was the only company to ever produce the 5998 (both the top and bottom getter variants). The bass was a bit better with the SB, but with tube rolling you can get a Sep 27, 2021 · BHC Build Notes: August to September 2021 I ordered the BHC and Speedball upgrade kit during an August 2021 Bottlehead sale. I believe some folks have put in motor start caps (Oilers) here. Nov 18, 2016 · I completed building the Crack today. Jun 30, 2018 · 1. Toobz · 812071 « previous next Nov 11, 2020 · Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #2221 on: November 11, 2020, 06:52:18 PM I’ve found some photos of Raytheon 6080s that look very similar as well, down to the white base. Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #2188 on: October 05, 2020, 10:22:10 AM There was a brief period in the early 50s where push-pull designs were popular with the 6AS7 / 6080. In general, I felt that this tube provided a better balance across the spectrum compared to 5998. Paired with the graphite 6080WB the timbre is perfect and natural to my ears. It may be the closest thing to a benchmark OTL headphone amplifier on the market. A few people said that the Crack was more "responsive" to tube-rolls pre-SB so I decided to do all my rolling first. Nov 22, 2017 · Tube Rolling with Bottlehead Crack. Kind of disappointing considering it was more expensive than the 12BH7A. I recently picked up 2 supposedly nos RCA 12bh7a's on the cheap on ebay. The noise is clearly audible if I put my ear near the tube (no headphones on), and when I put my headphones on the noise is coming through both channels. Thread Status: Not open for further replies. I did the Preamp Output ground (remove) mod Looks like you have read up well. Thought I'd give tube rolling a try and purchased a RU-6H13C from "thetubestore. Re: Tube Rolling w/Crack Reply #750 on: April 08, 2014, 01:25:04 AM Iv recently tried genalex gold lion ecc82(new reproduction) with a tung sol 5998 best combo iv so far Very detailed neutral sound very happy with the combo Then I bought the RCA 12BH7A. See full list on headphonesty. For the Crack I have tried the Mullard 4003 and CITFE 12AU7. Member; Apr 28, 2016 · Jamie did you say the E80CC is a direct replacement for the factory driver tube? if so, i think i can get my hands on a gently used on through the forums. wrboa ccdug gxleb yfri rnxqjs supytyv flwbqe przu pyfmm kago