Crack - specific headphone kit?

[Doc B]

Yes the cable has some resistance. We tried several configurations before we settled on the method used.

Not sure what to say about shipping. We have found usps priority to be the least expensive method and that is what the shopping cart charges when you order. Perhaps if you arrange a group buy with fellow Aussies you could reduce the shipping cost.

 

[Doc B]

I should ask what the shipping charge was that you saw. If it is not the correct rate for USPS priority we will fix it.

 

[mahdi8]

Shipping cost to Australia was quoted as $52 and for 2 headphone it was $104

 

[mcandmar]

I had the same issue ordering the quickie, shipping to Ireland was $42 but when i added another item (PJCCS) the shipping cost doubled to $84. In that instance i just called Eileen and she sorted it out for me.

 

[spaniard02]

Yes the cable has some resistance. We tried several configurations before we settled on the method used.

Doc, with the current product page description, people might think you're talking strictly about a materials choice (e.g. copper vs. silver) for sound tweaking.  I personally think you'd avoid a lot of confusion from BH fans / potential buyers if you put this information right into your product page directly after mentioning that they're low-impedance, 40ohm headphones.  Anybody that's ever read up on the Crack is under the impression that the lowest possible hp impedance they should consider is 150-200ohms, and without a little bit more info, it just doesn't gel with the guidelines BH has given in the past.  Knowing that the 8323 retails for $20, I was scratching my head when I read the email & product page this morning - comes off the wrong way, sorta.

Otherwise, now knowing that the cable is what brings it together, sounds like a pretty killer concept - hope I have the chance to hear it sometime soon.

 

[Doc B]

Thanks for the observation. To clarify, the cable is only one part of the kit. There are several changes made that are not related to the cable. Some changes affect the bass, some affect the midrange, some affect the treble, some affect the wearing comfort.

 

[spaniard02]

Thanks for the observation. To clarify, the cable is only one part of the kit. There are several changes made that are not related to the cable. Some changes affect the bass, some affect the midrange, some affect the treble, some affect the wearing comfort.

Totally with you on that - I know there's a lot more to the kit than the cable. 

Was just talking strictly about the apparent impedance mismatch/contradiction in the absence of additional info.  I know the BH philosophy teaches people to relax on applying 8/10-to-1 hp-to-output impedance rule to focus on other things, but that difference between 40ohms and ~150+ohms threw me for a loop when I first saw it, that's all.

 

[mahdi8]

I had the same issue ordering the quickie, shipping to Ireland was $42 but when i added another item (PJCCS) the shipping cost doubled to $84. In that instance i just called Eileen and she sorted it out for me.

May I know what was the quoted price to ship 2 for you?

 

[Doc B]

I did go back and attempt to clarify the description on the product page. I would caution anyone who takes "impedance rules" or other audio rules of thumb as absolute. There are a lot of factors involved in designing these kinds of systems and it's a lot better to think of them as guidelines than rules. Every design choice has a positive aspect and a negative aspect, and the creative part of the design process is getting the positives to outweigh the negatives.

 

[mSummers]

Doc,  since the cord is removable, this might be the perfect kit for me to use at my office.  I plan to put the Crack I'm building at my desk, but I also spend some time marking up drawings in the conference room. 

Could I make 2 cords, one with the resistance and one without so I could use it with the Crack at my desk and with my iPhone when I'm working away from my desk?

 

[Doc B]

I have been so focused on making this kit specifically for Crack that I have not listened to other amps with the modded cans and stock cord. I will try to carve out some time to listen today with other amps and an iPhone and give an opnion on whether the other mods besides the cable are a plus or minus with other gear.

 

[lextek]

I think the Bottlehead skins are the magic for the cans. 8)

 

[jgwtriode]

Nice range of smileys btw on the reply panel...lol!

Yeah I am looking forward to a package deal...Bottlephones with Crack and Speedball. 

I will of course tweak the parts and tinker with it...that's what I love about bottlehead stuff.

This will be a nice interim step till I get into a better situation and can save up for some Paramounts
and building some Fostex 206's in John Swensens's bazooka config. 

I am also thrilled that you have a BSC kit available since that build needs one.

Happy bottling to everyone.

PS.  Was great talking to you on the phone...always value your insights

jgwtriode