One off Bottlehead Foreplay preamp

[Wardsweb]

I bought the kit and chose to build it point to point. It is true to the schematic but in no way is built like the kit. I changed the layout and built the custom chassis and cabinet from scratch.

 

[amirm]

Does that belt really keep the two pots in sync? Seems to me it would slip over time. No?

 

[soundofvoid]

Perhaps the use of two stepped pots would solve the problem-anyway it's a visual treat!And a belt is such an "analog" thing!

 

[Wardsweb]

Does that belt really keep the two pots in sync? Seems to me it would slip over time. No?

The original pots were very smooth and easy to turn, so the belt worked great. I later went to stepped attenuators that had to be turned by hand.

 

[Wardsweb]

A few years later, I redesigned yet again when I added constant current sources to the mix.

 

[amirm]

I think you should open an art gallery and display all of your gear there as modern art!

 

[soundofvoid]

Yes indeed!They look equally impressing from both sides!I really like tidy internalls and your cable routing is impecable!

 

[mep]

I agree your workmanship is awesome in both the chassis and your electrical work. The first picture looked like you were using RCA cleartop 12AU7 tubes which I think are among the best of the 12AU7 breed. With the skills you have displayed, it would be nice if you could work with a better circuit design. I too bought one of these preamps in kit form with all of the extra doo-dads available at the time (constant current source boards and sweet whispers stepped attenuators) so I know what it used to sound like. I know there has been some circuit revisions since I built mine many years ago so maybe it is better sounding now. Again, great job.

Mark