Primarily a DIY effort. Tube amplification from Bottlehead and Heathkit. DIY open baffle speakers featuring Voxativ 1.6 full-range drivers. The signal goes out from the Bottlehead preamp into a Marchand crossover I built several years ago. Bottlehead 2A3s power the Voxativ drivers supplemented by Fostex super tweeters. The Voxativs are mounted on an open baffle that acts as a mechanical high pass filter at approximately 250 Hz. A pair of vintage Heathkit UA-2s drive the 15" Fostex woofers.
I recently added bass traps from Auralex and GIK Acoustics.These made a huge contribution to the clarity and detail of the system.
It is both fun and cost effective to build one of these kits. I have not heard that many other tube preamps, but I can say the BeePre is the best I have heard and definitely a step up from my previous solid state model. Of course, there is potential for improvement by upgrading transformers, capacitors and tubes and the layout of the kit facilitates this option more than a factory built unit. In other words, you can tune the preamp to your own taste and preferences. You would definitely not be wasting your time.
I am using the stock Electro Harmonix 300B EH tubes provided by Botttlehead. I think they sound great, with no hint of microphony. Good detail, imaging, etc. My preamp sits on a 2" solid maple shelf, which may have a lot to do with the lack of vibration induced noise. The Mapleshade rack has spiked feet anchored on a solid bamboo floor over a concrete slab. The 2A3 amps picked up a little bit of vibration when mounted on previous racks, but they are also quiet now.
I love my Bottlehead pieces. They are not cheap, but with a little sweat equity they have to be the best bargain in audio.
