Smash Up And Singing

[StevePL]

I built up my Smash a couple of weeks ago and have been listening to it a fair amount. I ran it stock for a week, then installed the Smash Up, which certainly makes a difference, now I have added the Clarity MR caps that were in my Quickie. It keeps getting better.
The Smash with Smash Up is a large upgrade from my modified Quickie. It is a better pre amp end of story. The Quickie is very good, the Smash is better.
My Quickie has an Audio Note pot in it which I felt made a big improvement to the soundstage, it also feels way more refined than the stock pot.
I will add the Audio Note volume and get the matching balance pot and install them as a pair. I don't have the budget for the Smash Quiet and I liked improvement in my Quickie when I installed the Audio Note so that's the route I'm taking.
As for microphonics compared to my Quickie the Smash is rock solid. It pings and makes strange noises for the first 5 minutes then it is fine, no complaints. I did need to move it and find a spot it likes but compared to the Quickie it is very easy to keep quiet.
Now I will have to wait and see what Doc has planned to replace the Seductor.

[Paul Birkeland]

That's a nice clean build!

Just a note that the AN balance pot will not drop in place of the balance pot we provide without some significant modifications.

[Karl5150]

Ditto on what Paul said, both on the build and the AN implementation.