Krell vs. Bottlehead

ALL212 · 4483

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Offline ALL212

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on: March 22, 2014, 04:05:32 PM
Today I visited a friend of mine who has Krell gear running Salk Soundscape 8's - very nice system.  We pitted my build of the Reduction against the built in phono pre of the Krell preamp.  I'm not sure what model Krell's he has.  Turntable is a completely rebuilt Lenco with an air bearing arm.  Preference went to Bottlehead!  Not much difference there and a tube change could send this another direction but I know Rich really didn't expect the Bottlehead to even come close.

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FIMG_0060_zps212f9103.jpg&hash=876caae80343e6cc43e17df103c8716aa7b3656b)

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FIMG_0063_zps7c11b7bd.jpg&hash=629d7df3c8d60bc30440d6241719478cce5076ec)

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi905.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fac253%2Fall212212%2FIMG_0066_zps1fc74ca3.jpg&hash=ea59ec669528242dbd43abfc888c882f8f2d6d74)

Aaron Luebke


Offline sl-15

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Reply #1 on: March 23, 2014, 05:59:59 AM
Nice comparison. Do you know what the air bearing arm is on that Lenco? Thanks.

Stefan Hampel
Soundsmith Carmen, modded Technics SL-1200mkII, Thorens TD 125 mk2 with SME V, Eros, Extended Foreplay III, BeePre2, Crack, Pioneer Spec 4, Sonus Faber Electa


Offline SCompRacer

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Reply #2 on: March 23, 2014, 07:38:13 AM
.....but I know Rich really didn't expect the Bottlehead to even come close.


Not true...;) Very impressed with your Bottlehead Reduction.

Pre is an old KSL w/KSL phono board I recapped. Long story edited down, a Twisted Pear diy DAC with discrete balanced output sent me shopping for a balanced pre. Was never really as happy with the KSL phono board as my previous SE tube pre w/phono stage despite recapping and had planned to build one. While the KSL phono has MC capability, I use the MM stage with a diy CineMag SUT for my LOMC's (Denon 103R w/aluminum body, Karat 17D3).

Arm is Advanced Analog MG-1 with standard and optional Ultra P Slide Arm Wand. The arm is crude compared to Rockport and the like, but effective.


Rich O

Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Ref 3 * Krell KSA-250 Amp * Bottlehead Eros * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * DIY Buffalo III Dual Mono DAC * Heavy Plinth/Platter Lenco Idler Drive * Phoenix Eng 25W Power Supply & RoadRunner Tach * Advanced Analog MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II


Offline ALL212

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Reply #3 on: March 23, 2014, 10:32:48 AM
Straight from the old horse himself.

You guys should hear his system...wow!!!

Aaron Luebke