I own both Bottlehead Crack and Schiit Valhalla 2. I think they both sound the same to me. The Bottlehead Crack is more fun because you get to build it yourself. Schiit Valhalla 2 cost less than Bottlehead Crack with Speedball. For sound quality both are equal enough that you will not be able to hear the difference. I use Sennheiser HD 650.
Yah. Mr. Ayrit here wasn't really a Sennheiser guy so he didn't seem to realize maybe the Valhalla 2 was very close to the Crack in this respect. My Valhalla 2 is on the way. $250 on closeout from Schiit's website.
I got a pre-built Bottlehead Crack, along with a Klipsch HP-3, from a lady just trying to get rid of her late uncle's stuff for only $100 earlier this month. What a gift! This combo is a match made in heaven! I will honor the old guy who owned this amazing stuff for as long as I am blessed to have it!
Tube rolling makes a huge difference with Crack. It can be tuned to taste and different tubes do make instantly audible differences. Doesn't need to be super expensive tubes, but new production Chinese tubes are usually not the best choice for something where critical listening is likely. They are better suited to guitar amps. No audiophile nonsense, old tubes really were made better.
Hey there. I'm in the middle of assembling my Bottlehead and came across your video. When you flipped the wooden frame, I noticed yours doesn't have any feet. The manual says the feet are required for proper ventilation. Just a heads up.
I have a V like to hear a crack. darkvoice ect but i know I would spend too much on tubes like i already have i the single power tube can run from50-1400 dollar's while the V's top out at around 100 for a pair i'm sure that makes a difference
Love my BH Crackatwoa. After climbing the gear tier list, so to speak, I can't say I really feel like I'm missing out on anything with the C2A, and it's just so engaging. The BH Mainline is a different beast altogether from either of the Cracks. It's less romantic and more "technical" and "analytical," but still musical. That being said, I prefer my tubes to be more romantic, and my SS to be more honest. Nice review!
Thanks for the interesting comparison. Between all these tune amps (Little Dot, Valhalla, Crack, Darkvoice, Xduoo) which one do you recommend for Aeolus?
The Aeolus actually sounds pretty good on just about anything, I’d take the Crack though. I’d be super interested to know what the higher level Bottlehead stuff sounds like.
Look into Eufonika amps. They've been said to be the step up from bottlehead, and the H7 ($350) was reviewed head to head with a Phonitor XE on headfi.
What headphones are you using with the Crack? That amplifier's design has been optimized for high impedance dynamic driver headphones like Sennheiser's HD6XX family or Audio Technica's ATH-R70X for example. Anything with impedence lower than about 150 ohms won't perform as well on the Crack.
@@MrAyrit Might just be an indication of how good they are :) I'm awaiting the much anticipated Schiit Folkvangr... 10 tube amp that's been in the works. I believe it was scheduled for release last year, however in this current climate, understandable to hit speed bumps. Hopefully soon though, that thing sounds like a beast!
I did not, but I haven’t tried them in awhile. Eventually here, I’m planning on doing a big Beyer thing with the old models versus the new. Just haven’t had the time yet.
I have a set of dt990 600ohm. Compared to my hd6xx/hd600 the dt990 has more of a V shaped sound signature. More bass/treble, recessed mids. A little more analytical than the sennheisers. It’s a nice change from the sennheisers. It took a long time to break in, the top end was a little harsh at first. I almost sold them. But the more i listened to them the more it softened up. Decided to keep them. I use it with a lafigaro 339
Listening to you with my Bottlehead Crack haha, and I agree...the life the Crack gives to the music is really impressive. The 6AS7G and 6SN7 combo gives such a large, natural, thrilling, and rejuvenating sound. Octal tubes FTW.
Also, my brother has the Senn HD 6XX, and like you I wasn't so sold on it with the Crack. Now, it was definitely smooth and easy to listen to....but sounded too flat and tame compared to my AKG K240 Sextetts. People rave about the pure midrange of the Senns, but I can't get over the dull treble and closed-in sound--my AKG also has a pure and present midrange but has high-reaching treble and a wide soundscape to go with it. Just my opinion of course. Hope you're still enjoying your Crack! :)
Sorry for the late reply. Not well is the answer. I’ve got a Hagerman Tuba on hand for review and it plays much nicer with the planars thanks to the low impedance mode.
BASS............................NO it's not the amp .................but the impedance of the headphones versus the internal impedance of the 6AS7/6080 tube ....!
Audio phile beliefs are funny ..............Why tubes ? Because they bring ........... While reality and facts are inversed................Solid state looses some ....qualities !
I own both Bottlehead Crack and Schiit Valhalla 2. I think they both sound the same to me. The Bottlehead Crack is more fun because you get to build it yourself. Schiit Valhalla 2 cost less than Bottlehead Crack with Speedball. For sound quality both are equal enough that you will not be able to hear the difference. I use Sennheiser HD 650.
Yah. Mr. Ayrit here wasn't really a Sennheiser guy so he didn't seem to realize maybe the Valhalla 2 was very close to the Crack in this respect. My Valhalla 2 is on the way. $250 on closeout from Schiit's website.
@@edwarddodge7937 way cool !!!
I got a pre-built Bottlehead Crack, along with a Klipsch HP-3, from a lady just trying to get rid of her late uncle's stuff for only $100 earlier this month. What a gift! This combo is a match made in heaven! I will honor the old guy who owned this amazing stuff for as long as I am blessed to have it!
FYI, the Crack manual says to make sure you use the feet on the wood frame so that air can go undertake chassis for proper cooling.
Tube rolling makes a huge difference with Crack. It can be tuned to taste and different tubes do make instantly audible differences. Doesn't need to be super expensive tubes, but new production Chinese tubes are usually not the best choice for something where critical listening is likely. They are better suited to guitar amps. No audiophile nonsense, old tubes really were made better.
been wanting a bottlehead crack for years. now i have a decent job and plan to buy one soon, with the speedball, to go along with my hd600s
Nice work. 14:15 - exactly this!
Hey there. I'm in the middle of assembling my Bottlehead and came across your video. When you flipped the wooden frame, I noticed yours doesn't have any feet. The manual says the feet are required for proper ventilation. Just a heads up.
Good to know. I’ll look into that a bit more. What do the feet look like? Are they just little rubber nubs?
@@MrAyrit Yep. Four pretty generic self adhesive rubber nubs. The stock ones look like ziggurats and are 1/4" thick.
@@Allied10 thanks, I’ve got something like that lying around.
@@MrAyrit cool. Didn't want your nice amp dying prematurely. Enjoy!
I have a V like to hear a crack. darkvoice ect but i know I would spend too much on tubes like i already have i the single power tube can run from50-1400 dollar's while the V's top out at around 100 for a pair i'm sure that makes a difference
Love my BH Crackatwoa. After climbing the gear tier list, so to speak, I can't say I really feel like I'm missing out on anything with the C2A, and it's just so engaging.
The BH Mainline is a different beast altogether from either of the Cracks. It's less romantic and more "technical" and "analytical," but still musical. That being said, I prefer my tubes to be more romantic, and my SS to be more honest. Nice review!
Why do you never kick your Bottlehead amp? Because you might Crackatowa!
Where you find such half finished projects?
Thanks for the interesting comparison. Between all these tune amps (Little Dot, Valhalla, Crack, Darkvoice, Xduoo) which one do you recommend for Aeolus?
The Aeolus actually sounds pretty good on just about anything, I’d take the Crack though. I’d be super interested to know what the higher level Bottlehead stuff sounds like.
Look into Eufonika amps. They've been said to be the step up from bottlehead, and the H7 ($350) was reviewed head to head with a Phonitor XE on headfi.
What headphones are you using with the Crack? That amplifier's design has been optimized for high impedance dynamic driver headphones like Sennheiser's HD6XX family or Audio Technica's ATH-R70X for example. Anything with impedence lower than about 150 ohms won't perform as well on the Crack.
Then again, if it sounds good to you, then it sounds good.
I remember trying Focal stuff and Beyer stuff, probably some Sennheisers too.
It would be interesting for you to try and compare the Bottlehead Crack with the Schiit Lyr 3. Hybrid single tube amp with power to boot.
I’ll keep an eye out. Don’t see many for sale.
@@MrAyrit Might just be an indication of how good they are :) I'm awaiting the much anticipated Schiit Folkvangr... 10 tube amp that's been in the works. I believe it was scheduled for release last year, however in this current climate, understandable to hit speed bumps. Hopefully soon though, that thing sounds like a beast!
I have a Bottlehead Crack on the way and already have the LYR 3 so I'll be able to compare. Remember the Bottlehead Crack is OTL and LYR 3 is a Hybrid
@@PaulStAmour-ws9ch I sold the BC. It could get a little harsh in the treble. Still have the LYR3(OG version)
What are your thoughts on the dt990 600ohm? I think you had them around the time of this review. Did you find an amp that worked amazing with them?
I did not, but I haven’t tried them in awhile. Eventually here, I’m planning on doing a big Beyer thing with the old models versus the new. Just haven’t had the time yet.
I have a set of dt990 600ohm. Compared to my hd6xx/hd600 the dt990 has more of a V shaped sound signature. More bass/treble, recessed mids. A little more analytical than the sennheisers. It’s a nice change from the sennheisers. It took a long time to break in, the top end was a little harsh at first. I almost sold them. But the more i listened to them the more it softened up. Decided to keep them. I use it with a lafigaro 339
Listening to you with my Bottlehead Crack haha, and I agree...the life the Crack gives to the music is really impressive. The 6AS7G and 6SN7 combo gives such a large, natural, thrilling, and rejuvenating sound. Octal tubes FTW.
Also, my brother has the Senn HD 6XX, and like you I wasn't so sold on it with the Crack. Now, it was definitely smooth and easy to listen to....but sounded too flat and tame compared to my AKG K240 Sextetts. People rave about the pure midrange of the Senns, but I can't get over the dull treble and closed-in sound--my AKG also has a pure and present midrange but has high-reaching treble and a wide soundscape to go with it. Just my opinion of course. Hope you're still enjoying your Crack! :)
How does both tube amps compare with the Little Dot Mk2 using the Sennheiser HD 560s?
Sorry, I couldn’t comment on that. I didn’t have the 560s on hand.
Hi @MrAyrit : How does Bottlehead Crack handles planar headphones ? I have planar headphones and want to know how crack handles planars ?
Sorry for the late reply. Not well is the answer. I’ve got a Hagerman Tuba on hand for review and it plays much nicer with the planars thanks to the low impedance mode.
Hearing examination is required for you😊
Can you run a TT directly into these?
Not unless it has a built in phono preamp
BASS............................NO it's not the amp .................but the impedance of the headphones versus the internal impedance of the 6AS7/6080 tube ....!
Oh yeah, get your finger oils ALL over those tubes.
That will have no impact on performance or longevity. It's not a halogen light bulb, it's a vacuum tube.
They are not amps but preamp...
Nope. Final stage to output (headphones/speaker) is an amp. You could probably use them as a preamp, but these are headphone amps.
Audio phile beliefs are funny ..............Why tubes ?
Because they bring ...........
While reality and facts are inversed................Solid state looses some ....qualities !
"Tubes are cool" Actually, tubes are hot.
Just blabber.