Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => BeePre => Topic started by: Doc B. on December 22, 2020, 10:55:15 AM

Title: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on December 22, 2020, 10:55:15 AM

We are ready for your orders! New universal power transformer, greatly reduced microphony, easier to build, and audible improvements beyond the best version of the original BeePre once the upgrades are available (which will be soon). Our best estimate is that shipping of the new BeePre2 kits will begin in late January or early February.

https://bottlehead.com/product/beepre2-300b-preamplifier-kit/ (https://bottlehead.com/product/beepre2-300b-preamplifier-kit/)

Picture below shows a full tilt BeePre2 prototype with the future upgrades added. By the way, the manual link is not yet active. Will be ready soon.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: debk on December 22, 2020, 11:50:03 AM

I just ordered one.  When do you expect the upgrades to be available?

Thanks

Debra

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Paul Birkeland on December 22, 2020, 11:58:31 AM

Josh and I shot the photographs for installing the upgrades, and he's chomping away at those manuals as we speak. 

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on December 22, 2020, 12:08:45 PM

Thank you Dr. Koloms! I'm very motivated to get the upgrades going ASAP. The new shunt reg/buffer upgrade moves the new version up a notch. The bass gets really punchy. I was quite surprised by it.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: fullheadofnothing on December 22, 2020, 12:13:55 PM

I finished the first draft of the first manual yesterday. Today I've been cranking through my first pass read through, generating a parts list and assorted side files.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on December 22, 2020, 12:23:23 PM

Josh and PB both hammered on this one and deserve the credit for getting it together so fast.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on December 22, 2020, 12:57:16 PM

Thank you, David, and thank you, John!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on December 22, 2020, 01:07:19 PM

Thanks Alberto!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Alby0521 on December 22, 2020, 01:07:46 PM

Ah! I wanted to be the first!!! Order in!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: debk on December 22, 2020, 01:42:30 PM

I look forward to the BeePre2 and the upgrades!

Have a great holiday

Deb

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on December 22, 2020, 02:26:50 PM

Hah, you gotta be quick with all the veteran builders around here! Deb even beat out David, who has been first to order on nearly every kit we have released over the years.

We really, truly appreciate everyone's support! I think you are going to like this one. I was really surprised at what a step up the full tilt version is over my full boat original BeePre.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on December 22, 2020, 02:34:08 PM

Thank you, Ben!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on December 23, 2020, 05:55:26 AM

Thank you, David! Thank you, James!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on December 23, 2020, 11:57:24 AM

Thank you, Lee!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Deke609 on December 24, 2020, 05:12:53 AM

Quote from: Paul Birkeland on December 22, 2020, 11:58:31 AM

Josh and I shot the photographs for installing the upgrades, ...

So all upgrades have been finalized and will soon be ready for purchase? I'm waiting for the "full package" purchase option. Looking forward to a shootout between my slightly tricked out BP1 and the fully upgraded BP2. 

... And I already have the nascent idea of a hybrid BP1/BP2 that keeps the original idea of separate power supplies, but with bigger PTs to support the new design operating points and fil reg scheme. This would be a further mod to my BP1. I put way too much time into rebuilding and tweaking the BP1 to let it collect dust. 

cheers and thanks, Derek

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: johnsonad on December 24, 2020, 08:15:01 AM

Derek, you will be impressed with the BP2 :)

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Deke609 on December 24, 2020, 11:36:56 AM

Quote from: johnsonad on December 24, 2020, 08:15:01 AM

Derek, you will be impressed with the BP2 :)

I'm sure I will. I'm particularly interested in learning about the cathode follower that drops the output impedance and how it ties in with the C4S and new attenuator resistors values. And any other new coolness involved.

Aaron - You write with assurance. Did you end up with the prototype? Id so, what are your impressions of it as compared to the BP1?

cheers, Derek

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on December 30, 2020, 03:16:24 PM

Thank you, Thomas and thank you, Gideon!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Alby0521 on January 04, 2021, 02:13:02 PM

Hello

While I wait for the new Beepre 2, can I run my Kaiju directly from the Eros ii phono?

Best

AB

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Thermioniclife on January 04, 2021, 02:35:22 PM

No, neither the Kaiju or the Eros has a level control.
But if you want a temporary solution you could take a cheap rca cable and cut it in half and wire it up to a cheap stereo potentiometer
then install between the Eros output and the Kaiju input. This will hold you over until the BP2 is complete.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Alby0521 on January 04, 2021, 02:47:30 PM

Hi lee

Thanks for the reply. On my Kaiju I do have volume control. Actually 2 of them, one for left and one for right channel.

Am I missing something?

Best

AB

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Thermioniclife on January 04, 2021, 03:41:02 PM

OH I am sorry, I was not aware the Kaiju had volume controls(i do not own one) In your case just plug your Eros in and you will be fine.
My apologies again.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Alby0521 on January 04, 2021, 03:45:10 PM

No worries. I just thought I was missing something. I believe they are not real volume control but just balance pots. However they work as volume control in my case.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Paul Joppa on January 04, 2021, 04:12:41 PM

The Kaiju level controls are linear pots, not logarithmic, so they get pretty twitchy at low levels. They are there to adjust the amp if you have too much gain in the rest of the system. But they will work, especially if you want it loud!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Alby0521 on January 06, 2021, 04:17:39 PM

Tried it out. It’s good! Can’t wait to put in line the beepre 2.

In terms of caps upgrade for the beepre2 I guess the only caps worth upgrading would be the 10uf 250v?

Thanks

AB

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Paul Birkeland on January 06, 2021, 04:18:44 PM

Yes, swapping out the 10uF/250V caps is an option.  I would recommend buying four.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Alby0521 on January 06, 2021, 04:43:54 PM

Oh 4 of them? I see only 2 in the manual. What other caps would be interested in swapping with the 10uf ?

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Paul Birkeland on January 07, 2021, 06:58:15 AM

Save them for the second upgrade.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Alby0521 on January 07, 2021, 09:06:46 AM

Got it!!!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Alby0521 on January 19, 2021, 04:57:32 AM

Hello

I placed an order for the model2 when it was released. Are you going to have the upgrades available before you ship the first batch?

Best

AB

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Paul Birkeland on January 19, 2021, 04:59:00 AM

The upgrade manuals are shot and I will be building out the upgrades on my BeePre to check over the manual.  We will absolutely ship the stock kits before the upgrades are put on sale.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on January 19, 2021, 07:14:52 AM

We hope to be shipping the first kits by the end of the month. Parts have been coming in and getting prepped.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Alby0521 on January 19, 2021, 03:36:17 PM

Thanks!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: vinylb on January 20, 2021, 05:36:27 AM

How different will it be to the original? Will it be mostly pcb with some point 2 point wiring? I have built other entry level preamp kits , how does this compare to them?

Thx
Neville

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Paul Birkeland on January 20, 2021, 05:54:37 AM

The BeePre 2 definitely has a focus on simplifying the stock build.  The wiring is 95% point to point, with one rather simple PC board with testing procedures to test the board on its own. 

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Deke609 on January 22, 2021, 04:09:23 PM

@Doc B:

Will the intro pricing still be going when the upgrades first become available? If not, can I purchase the BP2 now, but have you wait on shipping it to me until the upgrades are available? I'd like to save a bit on shipping to Toronto.

Also: is there any chance I can buy a couple of the original BP1 filament shunt reg boards? I sent an email about this some weeks ago, but have not heard back. I really just want the boards, but I would be happy to purchase them with or without components, whatever might be easer on your end.

cheers and many thanks, Derek

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Deke609 on January 25, 2021, 10:23:20 AM

Quote from: Deke609 on January 22, 2021, 04:09:23 PM

@Doc B:

Will the intro pricing still be going when the upgrades first become available? If not, can I purchase the BP2 now, but have you wait on shipping it to me until the upgrades are available? I'd like to save a bit on shipping to Toronto.

Also: is there any chance I can buy a couple of the original BP1 filament shunt reg boards? I sent an email about this some weeks ago, but have not heard back. I really just want the boards, but I would be happy to purchase them with or without components, whatever might be easer on your end.

cheers and many thanks, Derek

Bump. In case this slipped through the cracks.

many thanks, Derek

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on January 25, 2021, 10:58:35 AM

Yes the price will go up as soon as we ship this first batch, which is starting to ship today. We will be out of the office for a couple days then back to shipping the rest on Friday. So the price will probably increase next week on Monday, Feb 1.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Deke609 on January 25, 2021, 11:32:57 AM

Thanks Doc.

Can I buy the BP2 now, but have BH hold off on shipping until the upgrades are ready to ship?

Also, as mentioned, I'd be interested in purchasing a couple of the LM1085 filament reg boards used in the BP1 -- if you have a bunch in inventory that you no longer need.

cheers and many thanks, Derek

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on January 25, 2021, 11:56:27 AM

Yes, we can certainly hold on to the kit for you. I'll have to check to see if we have any of the regulator boards left.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Deke609 on January 25, 2021, 12:27:32 PM

Awesome. Order placed. I really appreciate you checking on the LM1085 boards.

cheers, derek

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on January 25, 2021, 03:41:15 PM

Thanks Derek!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Tim G. on January 26, 2021, 08:23:27 AM

Got my order placed, can't wait!

Thanks
Tim

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: caffeinator on January 26, 2021, 10:01:37 AM

Woo Hoo! The Big Brown Truck cometh!

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Doc B. on January 28, 2021, 01:11:01 PM

We have just rolled in after a couple of days away at the beach. We'll be back at the packing bench tomorrow and we hope to get the next third of the orders out either tomorrow or Monday.

I was not able to locate any of the old boards Derek, sorry.

Title: Re: BeePre 2 now taking orders - introductory pricing, save $100
Post by: Deke609 on January 28, 2021, 03:17:19 PM

Thanks for looking, Doc. No prob.  I'll see if I can MacGyver a version of them.

cheers, Derek