The Damn Thing Worked

[Wagonpilot]

A Few Years ago, I ran across Doc on the interweb Land Speed Racing an old Honda. I lurked and found this whole Bottlehead thing he does. I spent an awful lot of time reading up on the Crack, but I was reasonably satisfied with the headphone outputs of my G.A.S. Thoebe preamp. It is pretty damn good with high impedance headphones.
Well, this years Black Friday sale and a good boy prize from work pushed me over the top.
I have a bit of experience (rusty) of buying broken audio gear and repairing rebuilding. I have done Hafler amps, preamps, and my GAS Thoebe.
I took my time with the build, since the build is the fun part. I tried to be neat, and tidy. I probably introduced some theoretical issues with all my twisting and routing, lol...
Well, all voltages and resistance passed first try, and the damn thing works!!
I must say, with all apologies to James Bongiorno, the Crack is just better.
I have it being fed by a piece of Schitt DAC, and driving HD650's.

Oh, and when Doc says let hammered paint cure for a week, believe him. I put mine over my floor heater vent and sped it up a day or so, but still have a gummy spot or two if you look too close.
Next is the Speedball after I run this stock setup for a while.

Since this is my first post, let's see if it lets me post pics... Or if I can guess how..

 

[Wagonpilot]

Annnd, running...

 

[Wagonpilot]

Next up, Speedball, and a finish on the box.. Have not decided yet on a style.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Looks great!

 

[Wagonpilot]

Mmmm, Glow..

 

[Wagonpilot]

Looks great!

Thanks Paul. Fun kit, and great instructions. It SOUNDS SO AWESOME!!

 

[Mucker]

Looks really great ....... like a molten mercury bath, very cool, great choice. Crack and Senns, like peanut butter and jelly.

 

[Doc B]

Very nice paint job.

 

[Karl5150]

Very nice, inside and out. The braiding and twisting are exceptionally even - well done. Enjoy!
Karl

 

[Wagonpilot]

Very nice paint job.

Rustoleum Forged Hammered Antique Pewter.

Started with light thin coats, then heavy.. It had a tight grainy appearance.
It did that molten look after drying on a heavy pass and I thought it looked cool and stopped right there.

Funny thing, It was dry to the touch, so I proceeded, and I left two massive finger prints in it when pressing the power socket in.. Dang.
So I put it on the heater vent in the floor for a couple days to help it cure.. Well it reflowed as it set, and the fingerprints were completely gone!
Lucky is better than good sometimes.