Pre amp

[mkane]

  I have a pair of 2a3 monoblocks in my near future. Theres a Quickie in the house that will be used. My question is would a Smash be a better choice that a Bee Pre ahead of these power amps.

[Paul Birkeland]

The BeePre is better than the Smash in just about every way, except that the Smash costs considerably less and is physically a bit smaller.

[mkane]

   Is the Bee Pre a more difficult build?

[Paul Birkeland]

There are many, many more parts in a Smash and a BeePre than a Quickie, and a lot of attention must be paid to ensure that mistakes aren't made along the way.  The Smash is a little more forgiving of this, however, as the upgrade is installed separately so that the basic circuit can be debugged first.

-PB

[mkane]

  If I can slow down a bit, double check everything, make sure the mechanical joint is good, I should be up to this. I just need a good  lighted magnifier.

[marantzfan]

You can do it Mike.  The BeePre wasn't necessarily dificult, just loooooong.  The problem with a long build is you get impatient and that's when mistakes are made.  As long as you take your time and go into it only taking on a small chunk at a time, you'll be fine.

I built mine in two sittings, and although I didn't make any mistakes, I certainly would recommend taking at least 3-4 evenings as my eyes were going crooked at times. 

[mkane]

  I found a real nice lighted magnifier online. https://www.dazor.com/store/Hi-Lighting-Clamp-Base-Magnifier-42.html.  I'll probably go with the Smash. My track bike needs attention also.

[Deluk]

A pair of strong over the counter reading glasses, I have a pair of 3.5 dioptre, my eyes about 1.25d, and the desk lamp you possibly already have is more economical. Can't see spending $352 on a magnifier lamp which are often awkward to use and get in the way when a pair, or two, of strong reading glasses at $10/pair will do the trick. A small flexi halogen lamp easy to find for $20-30.

[mcandmar]

That is a ridiculous price, have a search on ebay for magnifier lamps and you will find dozens of options.

[mkane]

  I'll keep shopping.  Thank's fellas.

[Doc B.]

After doing this and other hobbies requiring very good vision I have tried a lot of different things. The bench magnifiers are good from the standpoint that they don't walk away from the bench. But they are very fiddly, you are constantly having to tilt them or push them in or out as you work. Strong readers are good, but I find I get kinda woozy after wearing them for a while. My suggestion is the dorkiest looking way to go, but I find it eminently practical - a headband magnifier like this

(https://www.nationalartcraft.com/images/sub-0409-01.jpg)

I can wear my readers under it and flip down an inner lens thus giving me three different levels of magnification. The better ones have LEDs that converge right in front of your face and they all flip up out of the way when you need to walk across the room for another tool or look at a monitor. And luckily the cheap ones seem to work really well.

[mkane]

  I'm looking. thanks

[mkane]

  Ordered one along with the additional magnifier that bolts on like the unit in the above pic.  I have a 2nd hand pair of 2a3 monoblocks headed my way. If my Quickie ahead of these floats my boat, I'll step up the pre amp chain. Probably a Smash. All the help much appreciated.