Announcement
Kits in Stock as of 12/1/20
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This is for the kit only. The service must be purchased separately through my listing.
- Bottlehead Crack with Speedball kits: $335
- Whammy Kit: $250
- Bottlehead Upgraded Power Cord: $90 ($70 if purchased with an amp)
All other Bottlehead kits take about 2 weeks delivery time while Elekit kits take 1 week delivery time to get it sent to me
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Update 11/9/20
NEW PURCHASING SYSTEM: I have changed my system for purchasing kits and service. I realized it didn't make sense to put the kit price along with my service price together in the listing since selling fees will be charged on the kit price as well as the service price, instead of solely on my service price. In addition to this, Etsy has a new mandatory advertising program that takes away 10% whenever my item gets sold through social media like Facebook or Instagram. So this is an added fee that was being taken from the kit price. Hence the change in my listing pricing system.
I have changed all of my listings to reflect my service price relative to the kit being sold. However all kits must be purchased either by you, in which you will have the item sent to me directly or you may send me the funds via PayPal (you will be in charge of fees) for me to purchase.
If you want to purchase an amp and service from me please contact me via message or e-mail me at jimc2487 [!at] gmail.com
=========================
See the FAQ section at the bottom of the page
Announcement
Kits in Stock as of 12/1/20
------------------------------------
This is for the kit only. The service must be purchased separately through my listing.
- Bottlehead Crack with Speedball kits: $335
- Whammy Kit: $250
- Bottlehead Upgraded Power Cord: $90 ($70 if purchased with an amp)
All other Bottlehead kits take about 2 weeks delivery time while Elekit kits take 1 week delivery time to get it sent to me
=========================
Update 11/9/20
NEW PURCHASING SYSTEM: I have changed my system for purchasing kits and service. I realized it didn't make sense to put the kit price along with my service price together in the listing since selling fees will be charged on the kit price as well as the service price, instead of solely on my service price. In addition to this, Etsy has a new mandatory advertising program that takes away 10% whenever my item gets sold through social media like Facebook or Instagram. So this is an added fee that was being taken from the kit price. Hence the change in my listing pricing system.
I have changed all of my listings to reflect my service price relative to the kit being sold. However all kits must be purchased either by you, in which you will have the item sent to me directly or you may send me the funds via PayPal (you will be in charge of fees) for me to purchase.
If you want to purchase an amp and service from me please contact me via message or e-mail me at jimc2487 [!at] gmail.com
=========================
See the FAQ section at the bottom of the page
Items
Featured items
Elekit TU-8600S 300B Power Amplifier / Headphone Amplifier Lundahl Transformers Takman Resistors and TKD Pot - Service Price Only
Bottlehead Mainline Headphone Tube Amplifier Professionally Built All Black with Silver Accents Quality Build - Service Price Only
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
Upgraded Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Mundorf Caps and Blue Alps Potentiometer - Service Price Only
All Items
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Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Wiring Only - Service Price Only
$200.006 people have this in their cart -
Elekit TU-8600S 300B Power Amplifier / Headphone Amplifier Lundahl Transformers Takman Resistors and TKD Pot - Service Price Only
$800.0011 people have this in their cart -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00 -
Upgraded Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Mundorf Caps and Blue Alps Potentiometer - Service Price Only
$450.00 -
Bottlehead Upgraded Power Cord - Works for All Bottlehead Amps - For Stunning Sound Quality - Service Price Only
$70.00 -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00 -
Whammy Headphone Amplifier/PreAmp with Hammond Case - OPA627 AD797BRZ Burson V6 Sparkos Labs available - Whammy Amp - Service Price Only
$300.00 FREE shipping -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.005 people have this in their cart -
Bottlehead S.E.X. 3.0 SET Headphone Amplifier with C4S Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$625.00 -
Bottlehead Crackatwoa Headphone Amplifier with TwoQuiet Stepped Attenuator Quality Build Professionally Built - Service Price Only
$800.00 -
Bottlehead S.E.X. 3.0 SET Headphone Amplifier with C4S Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$600.00 -
Elekit TU-8800VK SET Power Amplifier/Headphone Amplifier Lundahl Transformers Golden Lion Tubes REAL Wood Walnut Panels - Service Price Only
$1,050.00 -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00 -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00 -
Bottlehead Mainline Headphone Tube Amplifier Professionally Built All Black with Silver Accents Quality Build - Service Price Only
$1,150.004 people have this in their cart -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00 -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00 -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00 -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00 -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00 -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00 -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00 -
Bottlehead Crack 1.1 OTL Headphone Amplifier with Speedball Upgrade Quality Build - Service Price Only
$400.00
Reviews
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Chris on Sep 24, 2020
5 out of 5 starsLove the amp—build was perfect and it sounds amazing. James kept me posted throughout the build process, sending status updates and pictures. Highly recommend him!
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Nikolaos Hazinakis on Nov 10, 2020
5 out of 5 starsTotally worth it! James has the finest attention to detail. His builds are clean, beautiful, and sound great. I definitely will be a return customer, should I need another amp built. If you buy from him, you will have ZERO regrets.
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Terry on Nov 6, 2020
5 out of 5 starsJames is a class act in every respect. What a wonderful amp. His communication and attention to detail in the build (and in the packing by the way) were incredible. He had good advice on tubes as well. 'Just first rate in every way and worth every penny I paid him. If only everyone had his standards!
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Ryno on Oct 27, 2020
5 out of 5 starsFirst time purchaser here on Etsy. Communication (even after sale) was great and James very accommodative and patient in answering questions promptly. Looking at the neat soldering and build in general, one can see that James takes great pride in his work. Would have no reservations in recommending his service to potential buyers.
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sixyearsdreaming on Oct 24, 2020
5 out of 5 starsI am not sure how to do justice to James and his work in such a short review. I will keep it direct and basic.
1) James is the nicest seller I have ever worked with.
2) James has the best communication of any seller I have worked with.
3) James puts you first. Every detail considered and always ready to help before during and after your purchase.
4) The build quality and finish are jaw dropping. Only a dedicated (non mass produced) craftsman with huge artistic and electronic skill could produce an amp this well made both inside and out. The passion is tangible.
5) Sound quality is well, its subjective but prepare to be taken to the place you always hoped would exist but had never quite found. Just superb with ZMF cans.
6) Sent to the UK with no issues and incredibly well packed.
Thank you so much James. Perfect. -
Joseph on Oct 4, 2020
5 out of 5 starsMy new tube headphone amplifier sounds amazing!!! well assembled!!!
Highly recommended!!!! -
Tom on Aug 23, 2020
5 out of 5 starsAudiophiles know that a Bottlehead is one of the best “low cost” tube amp kits you can buy. But, what do you do if you don’t have the technical prowess or time to put one together? The answer is TheHeadAmpBuilder. His work is outstanding and definitely worth the money. James listens to what you want, offers sound advice and even sends you pictures of your amp as he puts it together. In an age where mass manufacturing has taken over, it sure is nice to find a craftsman in the good ole USA that takes pride in his work and gives you the kind of customer service that makes you feel like your input really matters. The amp was a work of art and sounds fantastic. Definitely worth every penny!
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Nostalgia on Jun 18, 2020
5 out of 5 starsI've always been curious about Crack - the aural kind, mind you. The kit looked straightforward but not simple enough for me to overcome trepidation of putting it together myself. I am very glad to have found James aka TheHeadAmpBuilder to build one for me. He works meticulously and his build showcases his technical prowess, organizational skills and perhaps a bit of obsession for perfection.
The Crack 1.1 + Speedball + upgrades is both visually pleasing with organic textures and excellent finish, and a fantastic listen paired with the ever-popular HD650. It even works wonders with my newly acquired LCD-4 - a combination of classy vintage style amp with a TOTL modern headphones, and dare I say, it sounds better than paired with the HD650.
Thank you James for the sweet build and fulfilling part of my sonic journey. -
Andrew on May 17, 2020
5 out of 5 starsJames did an amazing job with my Bottlehead Crack! His attention to detail is impressive. The paint job and wire management are perfect. The constant communication and progress pictures during the build were greatly appreciated. He made sure to give me some very helpful tips before the unit arrived. James does not mess around with packaging either. The amp was covered in protective paper and masking tape, surrounded by a few layers of bubble wrap, placed on top of foam, and surrounded by packing peanuts. The best part, James made sure to fold the ends of the tape to make little handles to pull on (talk about attention to detail lol). This amp powers my HD6XXs beautifully. I’m very impressed with the pairing. If you have a pair of HD6X0s and no time to build a Bottlehead Crack, James is your man!
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ishakushak on Mar 28, 2020
5 out of 5 starsLooks great! Plenty of updates and pictures along the way. Highly recommend.
About TheHeadAmpBuilder
Shop members
-
James
Owner, Maker
Shop policies
Accepted payment methods
More information
Frequently asked questions
What cables will I need to get the amp running?
If you plan on hooking the amp directly to a desktop computer or laptop, you’ll need a 3.5mm to 2-Male RCA cable that is not included with the amp.
Do I need a Digital Audio Converter (DAC)?
It is highly recommended, but not absolutely necessary. A DAC will greatly improve sound quality and it will clear up noise coming from your computer. It also scales well, so the better the DAC the better the sound.
Source (PC, Laptop) --> DAC --> Amp
Can you build any other amps besides the ones listed?
Absolutely. I can build any headphone amp that comes in a kit.
I live outside the US, can you change the voltage of the amp?
Yes. All the amps that I'm selling have a universal transformer so I can wire it to the appropriate voltage. Just send me a note if you need me to modify it
Do you ship worldwide and will my package arrive safely?
Yes, I ship globally. I've had customers as far as the UK, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Germany. All the amps that I sold abroad arrived safely and in perfect working order. I make sure all my amps have plenty of cushion and are neatly packed.
What kind of audio files should I be using?
At least 320kbps. FLAC or better is best.
What kind of solder do you use for your kits?
Cardas Eutectic Solder. Contains Sn, Pb, Cu, Ag. Silver for higher conductivity and stronger solder joints. This solder is top of the line