Considering the BeePre - 2 questions

[Metropolis488]

Hi All,

I have built several different amps (not Bottlehead, yet) and am deciding on my next project - either a Stereomour or a BeePree w/Firstwatt clone.  So, my questions are:
1. What is the gain of the BeePre (it's not listed on the product info page, and I can't find it in a forum thread)
2. Does anyone have any experience matching the BeePree with the Firstwatt F4 (basically a zero gain, current buffer that relies on the pre-amps voltage)

Any info would be super helpful.

Thanks!

[Brent]

A couple of answers:

https://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=8822.msg83539;topicseen#msg83539

https://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=4099.msg37575;topicseen#msg37575

[Doc B.]

Nelson recommends a preamp with about 12dB of gain and 10V output for the F4. The BeePre gain is about 8dB. What this means is that your source will need to have 4dB higher output going into a BeePre than whatever source output level number Nelson is assuming to come up with that 12dB gain figure.

The F4 also puts out a shitton more max power than the Stereomour. You haven't mentioned what the rest of your system is so all of this becomes strictly academic. If the speakers work well with low power amps my own preference would probably be for the Stereomour. If they need a lot of power the F4 will be a better choice. I admire Nelson's work greatly, but the sound of his designs doesn't happen to suit my peculiar taste. I only say this to emphasize that in the end everyone has to choose their own poison. Many. many people love Nelson's very unique designs.

[Metropolis488]

Ah, good point.

Current system:
Speakers - Zu Omen mk II (spec says 97db, but I'm not sure it really is quite that high)
Amp - Aleph J clone
Pre-amp - Peachtree NovaPre
Phono stage - EAR 834p
Digital source - Sonos
Powered subwoofer for the low end

Room size is large open space... I'll say the listening area is roughly 22ft long x 15ft wide.

My listening habits are usually lower-volume late night sessions with drink in my hand.

I love the warmth of the Aleph J (single-ended amp) but it sometimes get's congested in the mid-range.  So I am looking for either:
1. Same power, but with a cleaner mid-range
2. A little more power, but still a sweet, warm sound

Also, I just REALLY want to try a DHT amp.

Ergo, keep vacillating between a BeePre + F4 (I can build the F4 easy enough) or a Stereomour II or a Stereomour II hooked up to an F4.

I know a Stereomour is only 3.5 watts, but am wondering if 3.5 2a3 watts may sound as lively as the roughly 13 or so watts I am getting from the Aleph J.

[Paul Birkeland]

Stereomour II is the obvious choice here.  You have speakers that will work well with it, and your room isn't enormous. 

There certainly isn't anything wrong with the F4, and the F4/BeePre or F4/Stereomour would be a nice combo, but 25W is considerably more juice than you'll need, even if you listen as loudly as Doc B.

[Metropolis488]

Just ordered the Stereomour.  Thanks

[Doc B.]

Thank you!