Bottlehead Reduction (+ Integration) Phono Preamp Loaner

Discussion in 'Closed Loaners' started by OJneg, May 4, 2016.

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  1. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    As promised. here it is. I have decided to buy this loaner back from SBAF at kit price, but I'd still like to give folks a chance to listen. :)

    This is the Reduction with the Integration upgrade installed, but also some major and minor tweaks that I think improve performance. It uses 6922 type tubes so feel free to roll. Preferably use matched pairs or you might get slight channel imbalances. It should even be good with something like the LISST from what I have gleaned.

    Input impedance is 47k || 50p. If you'd like to alter the input loading or add input capacitance and you are good with a soldering iron then let me know. Given the P2P design it's pretty easy to do. Gain is a bit over 40dB and should work no problem with just about any MM cart.

    I've had some bad experiences especially with shipping heavy-ish tube gear, so the next post will be detailing exactly how this pre should be packed and unpacked before shipping. Please exercise caution. Everyone on the program will of course be responsible for the cost of sending it to the next guy. I expect this to be able to fit into a USPS flat rate box and I'd like to keep it within the continental US.

    Space is limited and I reserve the right to approve or deny based on how cool you are.

    1. @OJneg
    2. @PoochZag (Indiana)
    3. @MrTie (Michigan)
    4. @JoshMorr (New England)
    5. @BioniclePhile (Kansas City)
    6. @Pyruvate (Las Vegas)
    7. @velvetx (NorCal)
    8. @JK47 (SoCal)
    9. @Marvey (Socal)
    GUIDE TO LOANER PROGRAMS

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: May 30, 2016
  2. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    Reserved for shipping instructions.

    Click on thumbnails to expand.

    Step 1: Protect the PT top plate. That's just a piece of creatology foam taped to cover. This is important given the snugness of the box

    kJP39US.jpg

    hUgRUHz.jpg

    Step 2: Tape down the plate to the wooden chassis. This is also important because there's nothing actually securing the two besides gravity. Don't be afraid to use too much tape. Just don't use any type that will damage the finish on the wood when peeling off.

    juX8bNO.jpg

    Step 3: Fit into USPS large flat rate box, use rigid packing paper around the edges. On the bottom, the rubber feet should be fine.
    FUOIPaf.jpg

    Step 4: Place tubes in their bubble bags and station around the PT. Use the airbag in the center. Fill in the rest of the empty space with more paper or bubble wrap.

    JIF2Fdr.jpg

    Step 5: Ready to go. Give it a rigorous shake test above your head to make sure nothing is loose. Use common sense of course.

    o6Z6iDN.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2016
  3. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

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    As someone who likes to build these projects Im drooling over this, I've always liked the BH style. Looks awesome and 6922's are a well known commodity. Would like to be considered for the list. 47k is perfect for my cart, so no adjustments necessary. Shipping to the northeast corner of the US will obviously be a pain in the sphincter, but if it is working its way east would love to put some ears on it.

    Any impressions / comparisons to share?
     
  4. MrTie

    MrTie Friend

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    I would love to get in on this. Located in Michigan.

    Phono preamps I have in house to compare.

    Behringer PP400
    Anthem i225
    Depending on the time table I may have another $3-600 outboard Phono in house by then.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2016
  5. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    Cool guys added

    I have some thoughts to share but I'd like to let some other people listen first ;)
     
  6. BioniclePhile

    BioniclePhile The Terminal Man - Friend

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    I'm definitely interested in this. Sign me up!
     
  7. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    Location?
     
  8. BioniclePhile

    BioniclePhile The Terminal Man - Friend

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  9. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    Any other takers? I'm willing to do a few more. Don't want too long of a list, but I think everyone should get a chance for 2-3 weeks with the pre. Will be sending to @MrTie @BioniclePhile Saturday otherwise
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2016
  10. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    2nd post updated with packing information.
     
  11. PoochZag

    PoochZag The Shadow knows - Friend

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    If you're looking for more opinions I'm happy to give it a shot. I'm new to serious vinyl world but if towards the end of the list I should be more familiar with my RP3/TC750 to garner some good insights. I also have a bunch of tubes to roll with the reduction
     
  12. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    Added
     
  13. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    @BioniclePhile please check your PM or else you will be added to the tail-end of the tour :eek:
     
  14. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    A few notes:

    • I included 3 pairs of tubes. The stock Sovteks, the primo Sovteks, and the Telefunken E88CC's. Please be nice to the Telefunkens, they're not cheap
    • The black mil-grade tube shields are included. They do change the sound subtly, but nothing huge. If you have special NOS tubes where the markings are peeling off, you don't need to use the shields. I'd prefer the shields not be used with my Telefunkens
    • You could just leave all the tape on if you don't want to bother putting more back on later
    • There is high voltage circuits underneath the hood so be careful. Don't move the pre around too much while it's running
    • Try to keep cable runs in and out as short as possible. This does make a difference.
    • Let's aim for 2-3 weeks for everyone to listen. Small tour so no rush.
     
  15. PoochZag

    PoochZag The Shadow knows - Friend

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    Just received from OJ, got it hooked up with the stock tubes, all is sounding well. Two quick notes others may find useful

    No power cable in the box, it's just your standard 3 prong that everything uses

    The phono inputs are the ones right next to the tubes
     
  16. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    No point in me sending some random power cable. Since we're vinyl gods now I'm sure everyone will make sure to use only the best power cables with the Reduction ;)

    Did everything make it there safe and sound? Does the packing need any alterations?
     
  17. MrTie

    MrTie Friend

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    @PoochZag @OJneg

    If you you have not yet mailed this unit to me, please remove me from the loaner list, thank you.

    if it's already in the mail already I will test it, give me impressions , and send it on.
     
  18. PoochZag

    PoochZag The Shadow knows - Friend

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    Have not mailed, have only had for 5 days now, will likely mail out in another week or so. I will contact @JoshMorr in that case and send to him, unless there is a schedule rearrangement per OJ
     
  19. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    Plenty of time, no rush
     
  20. Pyruvate

    Pyruvate Friend

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    Hey @OJneg, I was wondering if I could get added to the list. I'm in Las Vegas, so whenever it's convenient for everyone. Been wanting to see what a phono upgrade could do for my setup.
     
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