Crack - My First Build

[Bear]

Initial impressions are the Crack is a lovely sounding piece of kit.

Fairly new to the HD600’s too so need some time with them on other set-ups as I’d like to see if I can identify what is the amp, what is the phones, and what is the ‘synergy’.

Even if my cloth ears can’t identify any of that the bottom line is they are an enjoyable listen as a combo.

 

[baotroy]

Congratulations, it looks great. I just built mine a few days ago and everything is pretty great, the sound is clean, I'm happy with everything. The only problem is that it gets quite hot, which is probably a characteristic of the tube

 

[Bear]

Congratulations, it looks great. I just built mine a few days ago and everything is pretty great, the sound is clean, I'm happy with everything. The only problem is that it gets quite hot, which is probably a characteristic of the tube

Thanks. Really happy with the sound of it. Not sat close enough yet for the heat to be an issue.

 

[Urshurak776]

Looks great Bear! I am just starting mine. Waiting on chassis paint to cure. Going to let it sit for about 10 days. Plan on starting next Saturday.

For the volume pot, there is a resistor mod in the FAQ (#3 I believe) that shows how to get more useable control. 75K resistors on the left/right leads going to pot, and 33K resistors across top and bottom outer legs. There is a picture also. May not be an issue if, as you said, you can adjust the level going into the amp. I am getting a Topping e30 II, which has a fixed level, but also a pre-amp mode. I did buy some VD resistors in case I need to do the mod.

For the big cement resistors, I figured they were V shaped just to allow cooling?

Thanks for sharing your build!

 

[Bear]

Looks great Bear! I am just starting mine. Waiting on chassis paint to cure. Going to let it sit for about 10 days. Plan on starting next Saturday.

For the volume pot, there is a resistor mod in the FAQ (#3 I believe) that shows how to get more useable control. 75K resistors on the left/right leads going to pot, and 33K resistors across top and bottom outer legs. There is a picture also. May not be an issue if, as you said, you can adjust the level going into the amp. I am getting a Topping e30 II, which has a fixed level, but also a pre-amp mode. I did buy some VD resistors in case I need to do the mod.

For the big cement resistors, I figured they were V shaped just to allow cooling?

Thanks for sharing your build!

No problem

Good luck with the build and have fun!

 

[Urshurak776]

No problem

Good luck with the build and have fun!

Thanks!

What DAP are you using? Thinking of getting something like that.

 

[Bear]

Thanks!

What DAP are you using? Thinking of getting something like that.

It’s an iBasso DX180. Very happy with it. Primarily stream from Qobuz. Sounds great.

 

[Bear]

Not getting as many hours listening as I would like but the listening time I am getting is a joy.

The Crack sounds great and pairs ever so well with the HD600’s. Whilst that is probably not the most original observation I have to say the common criticism I hear of the HD600 (three blob effect, lacking bass, veiled sound, etc) are not apparent to me.

Thoroughly enjoyable with everything I throw at it and rewards better produced and recorded tracks.

I am excited to try my ZMF Atrium’s on the Crack but wallowing in the Crack / HD600 combo until then.

Very excited to try the Speedball upgrade once I am very familiar with the Crack. Nervous in case it loses the magic I am getting now.

 

[Urshurak776]

Not getting as many hours listening as I would like but the listening time I am getting is a joy.

The Crack sounds great and pairs ever so well with the HD600’s. Whilst that is probably not the most original observation I have to say the common criticism I hear of the HD600 (three blob effect, lacking bass, veiled sound, etc) are not apparent to me.

Thoroughly enjoyable with everything I throw at it and rewards better produced and recorded tracks.

I am excited to try my ZMF Atrium’s on the Crack but wallowing in the Crack / HD600 combo until then.

Very excited to try the Speedball upgrade once I am very familiar with the Crack. Nervous in case it loses the magic I am getting now.

I’m promised myself at least 6 months with the stock crack before buying the speedball. We will see how it goes…..

 

[Bear]

I’m promised myself at least 6 months with the stock crack before buying the speedball. We will see how it goes…..

I have the speedball in the bottom drawer and I’m going to give it at least six months, maybe until next Christmas before I install it.

Short time with the Crack has convinced me to go for a Mainline at some point.

 

[Jameson]

I have the speedball in the bottom drawer and I’m going to give it at least six months, maybe until next Christmas before I install it.

Short time with the Crack has convinced me to go for a Mainline at some point.

If you enjoy the Crack, the Crackatwoa is a great option in the same price range as a Mainline. Same tubes (plus two 6AQ5s), so you can share equipment and tubes.

I’m feeling pretty bullish about keeping both the Mainline and the C2A in the lineup moving forward. Really can’t go wrong either way, just different sounds.

 

[Bear]

If you enjoy the Crack, the Crackatwoa is a great option in the same price range as a Mainline. Same tubes (plus two 6AQ5s), so you can share equipment and tubes.

I’m feeling pretty bullish about keeping both the Mainline and the C2A in the lineup moving forward. Really can’t go wrong either way, just different sounds.

The mainline attracts me because of the high/low impedance switch so more of my headphones can get a run out compared to the crack.