Bottlehead Kits > Reduction
Newbie with a green field
SammyJ:
Hey guys,
Thanks for the replies so far. I'm actually just over the hill of 30. Not much of a gamer to be honest, just liked modding/hacking things. In terms of loudness, using a sound meter app on my iPhone, I measured around 75-80db of normal listening volume, and about 90-95db peaks at what i'd consider "loud" (using my soon to be replaced current loundspeakers). Once I've got the Focals, the setup would be in a much smaller room, so I actually think the power might be OK,but I still wish I could audition one of these before deciding to build my own.
I'm still leaning towards the Stereomour for a couple of reasons. The Paramount pair is definitely well outside of budget. I'd consider the SEX 2.1, but it only has one input (correct me if I'm wrong). I'd really need at least 2 switchable ones. I guess I could build an external switch...
Another question: I want to make my way up to a Stereomour by building the Reduction first. Good first timer kit? Would it make a marked improvement when connected to my SS Kenwood? I'm guessing the answer is yes, the source will be much cleaner than if using the Kenwood's built in pre-amp, but wanted to pose this newbie-ish question anyways.
Thanks guys!
corndog71:
Perhaps the Bottlehead amps aren't necessarily right for you if you're looking for 90-95dB listening levels.
Bottlehead amps can work with lower efficiency speakers but only at moderate listening levels. My Sex amp does not like to be pushed too hard with 90dB speakers. It'll fill the room but don't expect party levels. Now if you get more efficient speakers (97+) you should be ok with a Sex amp or Stereomour.
What might work better as a starter kit would be the Quickie preamp. Then get the Reduction. For headphones you can modify a second Quicke or step up to a Crack. Then you need to decide on the power amp for your speakers.
If you do end up needing more power for your speakers then I recommend Bob Latino's Dynaco kits.
Evan:
I'll preface this with a "non-scientific disclaimer agreement".
I hooked my 91db KEF's back up to my Stereomour. Using the Decibel 10th app on my iPad, with the speakers 8ft apart and my listening position 8ft from the speakers, and listening to AC/DC 'Shoot to Thrill' I could just get the needle to hover around 90db and there was noticeable distortion. With the volume dial at the halfway point I got an average around 80db or just under. With my 98db speakers and the control at the same position I was in the mid 80's. With these speakers turning the dial up just a small amount nets me a lot more volume without distortion. I absolutely love the Stereomour/speaker combination I've got going right now. (The speakers I am using are the DIY Sound Group Fusion 12 Tempest speakers if you were wondering). If you are near Seattle I'd be happy to let you listen. I am also green to the DIY audio world and know what it is like.
Sorry I don't have any input on the Reduction, but that would probably be an excellent way to test the Bottlehead water and see how deep you want to go.
ffivaz:
I built the Reduction as a second kit, after the Crack. It is a no problem build, if you take the time to do it right. I have a Stereomour with a pair of homemade speakers, based on the Fostex Fe-126en (bk-12m enclosures, recommended). The efficiency is around 93-94 dB. The Stereomour can drive them loudly without distortion in a small to middle sized room.
Note that the sound level depends on your source. With my 2V outputting DAC, the system can get really loud. With my Reduction, a little less, even with the Integration upgrade. But that depends on your phono cartridge output (what model do you plan to use with the Reduction?). I'll try this evening to connect my MacBook directly to the Stereomour and tell you what I get compared to the Reduction and my DAC.
Update : The sound from the headphone jack of my macbook, full volume, is about the same as the DAC and an little more than the Red + Int.
Grainger49:
Ok, I started out buying the Seduction (now Reduction) the day it came out. I used it with a Krell 250WPC Class A amp and my existing speakers.
Then I bought a Foreplay 2. It and the Seduction replaced my ARC SP-14.
But I wondered about sensitive speakers and low power SET amps. So I bought Triangle Zerius speakers (94dBW) and then Paramours (now the Stereomour).
There is magic in SET, DHT tubes and high sensitivity speakers.
So, that was my journey. Yours might follow, or not.
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