I'm Hooked: Thinking of Building a Complete System to Replace My Longtime Rig

[jtori]

So, having completed a Speedballed Crack and Mainline, I've been (re)bitten by the DIY bug.  I am seriously contemplating building a system comprising a pair of Kaijus, BeePre, Eros 2 and Jagers for the immersive enjoyment of the build process.  This would replace the the ARC VT200, LS5 MkIII, PH3, Magnepan 3.5R, Vandersteen 2WQ (x2) rig I've had for the last 15 years. 

I'm really interested in listening impressions from those who have built assembled complete Bottlehead systems.

Best,

Joe.

[Sugar Man]

Go for it! I have a Stereomour II, Eros and Audio Note Speaker Kit-04 set up that sounds spectacular. Once you build your own stuff, it is addicting. Just about to convert the Stereomour II to run 45's.

[jjvornov]

I'd also say to go for it. I've got an Eros/BeePre/Kaiju into a pair of Zu Soul Supremes and have never heard better sound.

The BeeQuiet is a nice upgrade and because the Kaiju has attenuation pots on each channel, you can get balance perfect without the balance pot.
I just put the DC filament supply into the Kaiju and it makes a big difference with the Zu's, making the background dead quiet.

Just note that the Mainline reflects the Bottlehead house sound- extended, neutral and dynamic, but not tubey or Euphonic. The basic Crack is more along those lines and with the speedball, it's closer to neutral, but you can hear how the Mainline goes way more neutral. You still have that tube spaciousness and dimensionality, just with less editorial comment by the equipment.

[jtori]

I'd also say to go for it. I've got an Eros/BeePre/Kaiju into a pair of Zu Soul Supremes and have never heard better sound.

The BeeQuiet is a nice upgrade and because the Kaiju has attenuation pots on each channel, you can get balance perfect without the balance pot.
I just put the DC filament supply into the Kaiju and it makes a big difference with the Zu's, making the background dead quiet.

Just note that the Mainline reflects the Bottlehead house sound- extended, neutral and dynamic, but not tubey or Euphonic. The basic Crack is more along those lines and with the speedball, it's closer to neutral, but you can hear how the Mainline goes way more neutral. You still have that tube spaciousness and dimensionality, just with less editorial comment by the equipment.

Strong endorsement.  Gives me an idea of what I can expect going down this path.  Appreciate the suggestions.

Best,

Joe.

[jtori]

Go for it! I have a Stereomour II, Eros and Audio Note Speaker Kit-04 set up that sounds spectacular. Once you build your own stuff, it is addicting. Just about to convert the Stereomour II to run 45's.

Thanks for the endorsement and friendly nudge.

Best,

Joe.

[Doc B.]

I'll just throw out that you're looking at a fairly substantial investment of time and money - and I appreciate that you are considering it! Maybe a trip to audition all the gear in our listening room would be worthwhile?

[jtori]

I'll just throw out that you're looking at a fairly substantial investment of time and money - and I appreciate that you are considering it! Maybe a trip to audition all the gear in our listening room would be worthwhile?

Thanks, Doc.  I appreciate the suggestion and the invite; I'm in SE Michigan, however, if I make it up to the PNW, I would welcome an opportunity to give a complete system a listen.

I've been on this journey for more than 45 years, starting with an old home-built speaker enclosure and hand-me-down, mono Bogen tube separates through built-from-Electrovoice-plans enclosures housing Altec 604s hitched to a variety of DIY and used hi-fi equipment, through several iterations of lunatic-fringe systems to my current rig.  Along the way, I have enjoyed my current system and a Cary single-ended setup most, hence no substantive changes these last 15 years. 

I'm liking what I'm hearing from your gear and relishing the gratification which derives from building it.  If someone in my area has a rig I can listen to, I might well embark on this journey.  I've got no urgent need to get everything assembled and in place; I'm happy to take my time.  I'm doing most of my listening on headphones in my home office, anyway.

Best,

Joe.