Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!
Stuart Charles here, Home Studio Basics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…
When it comes to DIY Headphone Amplifier kits, there are a couple of fantastic options you should know about.
Let’s discuss them.
#2
The Bottlehead Crack
Price: Check Bottlehead! | Official Review: Here!
Design: HomeStudioBasics
Everyone I’ve talked to over the years, and everything I’ve read about this little buddy suggests it’s super easy to assemble; even if you’re a first-timer.
And, I got a chance to listen to it at my friend Luke’s house. For the most part, I like it a lot!
- Required Reading: Ranking Tubes And Tube Hybrids
Do keep in mind the Crack requires a soldering iron (I like this one or this one), and, because it’s an amplifier only, it also needs a separate DAC to function.
From Bottlehead:
What you can expect
Somewhat warmer sound than a traditional solid-state amplifier.
Again, please read this write-up for my general thoughts and opinions on tube amps.
The Speedball
For an extra fee, you can add the speedball kit which is a bit trickier but still not all that difficult.
From Bottlehead:
Effect on Sound
Bottlehead claims you’ll achieve a better sense of clarity, in addition to a tighter sound and faster transient response. The bass and mid-range sound cleaner and more dynamic, and the background is quieter.
I can’t comment on these claims as I cannot remember if my friend’s Crack kit contained a speedball upgrade, so take the above assertion with a grain of salt.
#1
JDS Labs’ cMoy
Official Review: Here!
Minty.
I put this bad boy first because, well, I believe solid-state amplifiers are better for most people given their neutrality and honesty in portraying the source file.
Please keep in mind that your mileage/opinion may vary on this.
That said, the cMoy is arguably even easier to assemble than a Crack, and it’s also a lot cheaper. So if you’re looking to get your feet wet in DIY, I’d probably recommend this one first.
I got a chance to try it out many years ago, and it was a fantastic product.
That said, it’s since been discontinued but don’t fret.
You can still buy kits from JDS Labs here.
When I asked John Seaber why it’s no longer available for purchase as an already completed kit, here’s what he told me:
Another look.
Like the Bottlehead Crack, the cMoy BB is just a headphone amplifier and needs a separate DAC in addition to a soldering iron, volume potentiometer, and battery.
After digging around their website for a bit, I think this one is compatible/the same one, but don’t quote me on it. I’m going to reach out to John and ask him. I will update this article once I get an answer.
In any event, if your phone has a 3.5mm line output, you can use it with the cMoy.
What you can expect
Neutral, clean sound for your headphones.
Closing Thoughts
Volume Knob, Line Out Jack and 3.5mm Headphone Jack.
These 2 kits are the best when just starting out and should last you a lifetime given proper care.
I’d recommend the cMoy first as it’s fairly cheap and if you buy from JDS, you’re buying from an excellent company with a sense of integrity and transparency.
In addition to that, it makes a great piece of kit and pairs well with all headphones.
Just don’t forget the Altoids can!!
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the Best DIY Headphone Amplifiers and came away with some valuable insight.
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Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Which of these are you likely to purchase? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu