Quickie Vs Bee Pre

[charger]

I read somewhere that low voltage tubes like those used in the Quickie can't produce a very nice result in sound quality, so I am wondering if next step is to build a Bee Pre , but I wonder if it's  much more difficult to build than the Q and if it really produces a better sound

[fullheadofnothing]

I read somewhere

Where? The second rule of the forum is that all information posted needs to be first hand. At least post a citation to what you're referencing. While we're talking rules, there is also the first rule, make posts with your name.  http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,3.0.html

that low voltage tubes like those used in the Quickie can't produce a very nice result in sound quality,

What an amazing sound !!! natural , wide, clear with deep bass and i suppose changing valves it can be even better

Don't believe everything that you read. You have a Quickie and like it, so you have already dis-proven the idea that it can't produce good sound.

so I am wondering if next step is to build a Bee Pre , but I wonder if it's  much more difficult to build than the Q and if it really produces a better sound

Yes, the BeePre sounds better.

Yes, it is much more difficult to build than a Quickie.

[Natural Sound]

I don't think it makes a whole lot of sense trying to compare a $99 ($134 with PJCCS) Preamp to a $1175 Preamp. Its like trying to compare a Toyota to a Mercedes. That said, the Quickie like the Toyota offers a great bang for the buck. I have a Quickie in my shop and it sounds awesome. Its a great introduction to the directly heated triode (DHT) sound. Spend 10 times as much and you can expect a more sophisticated circuit, better components and an even nicer sound. I find it refreshing that Bottlehead offers the entry level to high end approach. With nifty upgrades you can buy from them and lots of DIY experimentation opportunities along the way.

I completely disagree with the statement regarding low voltage tubes. I find the sound quality to be superb. Especially when you consider the crazy low price that Bottlehead sells the Quickie.

IMHO if you are comfortable with a soldering iron you should be fine with a kit that's a bit more difficult to build. The key is to TAKE YOUR TIME. Follow the instructions and if you run into trouble ask questions here on the forum. Oh and one more bit of advice from a guy who has built a fair amount of electronic circuits in the last 40 years. If you find yourself getting frustrated STOP and take a break. You'll be amazed how some problems fall into place after stepping away for a little while.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[charger]

I don't remember where I read that , anyway , thanks NATURAL SOUND for your kind answers , I agree, the Q has a really nice sound actually

[Wanderer]

I know this has been linked to before

http://www.soundandvision.com/content/review-bottlehead-quickie-tube-preamp

..and this is a non-PJCCS Quickie. I know the PJCCS increases gain and I suspect it lowers distortion. At least that is what I think I hear. 

Also: 
http://news.cnet.com/2300-13645_3-10011744-9.html

[Paul Birkeland]

Yes, if you take a tube that was designed to run at high voltages, then run it at very low voltages, you can run into issues.

The 3S4 in the Quickie is designed for low plate voltages.