Krell vs. Bottlehead

[ALL212]

Today I visited a friend of mine who has Krell gear running Salk Soundscape 8's - very nice system.  We pitted my build of the Reduction against the built in phono pre of the Krell preamp.  I'm not sure what model Krell's he has.  Turntable is a completely rebuilt Lenco with an air bearing arm.  Preference went to Bottlehead!  Not much difference there and a tube change could send this another direction but I know Rich really didn't expect the Bottlehead to even come close.

 

[sl-15]

Nice comparison. Do you know what the air bearing arm is on that Lenco? Thanks.

 

[SCompRacer]

.....but I know Rich really didn't expect the Bottlehead to even come close.

Not true... Very impressed with your Bottlehead Reduction.

Pre is an old KSL w/KSL phono board I recapped. Long story edited down, a Twisted Pear diy DAC with discrete balanced output sent me shopping for a balanced pre. Was never really as happy with the KSL phono board as my previous SE tube pre w/phono stage despite recapping and had planned to build one. While the KSL phono has MC capability, I use the MM stage with a diy CineMag SUT for my LOMC's (Denon 103R w/aluminum body, Karat 17D3).

Arm is Advanced Analog MG-1 with standard and optional Ultra P Slide Arm Wand. The arm is crude compared to Rockport and the like, but effective.

 

[ALL212]

Straight from the old horse himself.

You guys should hear his system...wow!!!