Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => S.E.X. Kit => Topic started by: Happy Ghost on November 30, 2020, 10:18:21 PM

Title: Finished with my build :)
Post by: Happy Ghost on November 30, 2020, 10:18:21 PM
Finally I finished my S.E.X build.. It sounds good so far. I was planning to let it "burn in" over a few days and then try the stock kit and put in the C4S upgrade later. Does the C4S upgrade make a huge diff. to the sound (like Speedball does to the Crack)? I had one question around the stock kit. Is it OK. to try out diff headphones while the amp is running? Does it harm the amp to run with no output?
Title: Re: Finished with my build :)
Post by: mcandmar on December 01, 2020, 12:41:36 AM
I would imagine so, but i have no idea as i never ran mine without the C4S installed.

There is no problem plugging or unplugging headphones while its running, work away.
Title: Re: Finished with my build :)
Post by: Karl5150 on December 01, 2020, 03:57:50 AM
The finish on the base compliments the paint on the Transformer bell and Plate Chokes. Nice work.
Karl
Title: Re: Finished with my build :)
Post by: Doc B. on December 01, 2020, 08:35:12 AM
Nice color on the iron.
Title: Re: Finished with my build :)
Post by: Natural Sound on December 01, 2020, 05:50:07 PM
Does the C4S upgrade make a huge diff. to the sound (like Speedball does to the Crack)

In my opinion, not quite. Proportionate to the $50 vs $115 price difference I'd say. The C4S in the SEX is very substantial but night quite as "huge" as the Speedball. A very worthwhile and recommended upgrade none the less.

I recommend the path you are currently on. Get good and familiar with the sound of the stock S.E.X. amp first. A solid 75 to 100 hours should get you there. Then install the C4S, re-evaluate and report back to this forum with your findings.

BTW - I make one small tweak to my SEX C4S boards. The 499 ohm resistor is in the signal path. The supplied metal film resister is very good quality. However I use a Vishay / Dale RN55D4990FB14 in that position. I've done some testing and can tell a pleasurable audible difference albeit slight by using the alternative resistor. I can't tell you if YOU would notice a difference. It all depends on the rest of your audio chain and your ears. For a couple of dollars I find it's a nice little tweak. As they say YMMV.

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Vishay-Dale/RN55D4990FB14?qs=%2Fha2pyFadugp4AYbWju4DT2GOnmLjNiCBFRdeN%2Fkaml%2FuWIEz5IEpA%3D%3D (https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Vishay-Dale/RN55D4990FB14?qs=%2Fha2pyFadugp4AYbWju4DT2GOnmLjNiCBFRdeN%2Fkaml%2FuWIEz5IEpA%3D%3D)
Title: Re: Finished with my build :)
Post by: Happy Ghost on December 10, 2020, 05:17:20 PM
Hi All,

Quick question.. I am hearing a slight hiss on one of the (left) channel from my amp, even with no music playing. I switched the tubes around and I see the hiss goes around too. Now it is from the right channel. I guess a tube needs a replacement.. Am I correct?

Atul
Title: Re: Finished with my build :)
Post by: Paul Birkeland on December 11, 2020, 06:44:57 AM
It's very unlikely that the tube needs to be replaced.  You may find that the hiss goes away completely if you leave the amp running for a week to let the tubes cook in.
Title: Re: Finished with my build :)
Post by: Happy Ghost on December 11, 2020, 06:46:37 AM
I had put in sufficient burn in time for the amp.. But I will let it run for some more time.. Let's see..

Thanks!