Up for sale is my Bottlehead Foreplay II Tube Preamp. I built this in January of 2004 and have added on since. Here's a list of what I have done to it from stock. This is nearly as fine of an example of this preamp as your going to find along with the safest and most user friendly one I have seen with all the added on things.
Sweet Whispers stepped attenuators
High Voltage snubber
Clarity Cap coupling capacitors
DC Heaters
Mute switches
IEC detachable power cord
Custom bottom cover
LED power on indicator
Screws to secure top plate to chassis
I have used this full time in my system since it was built and have had zero problems. The biggest upgrade I did was the DC heaters which made it significatly quieter. The Mute switches are perfect for those who keep their power amp on all the time as you can turn the preamp off when not in use without the thumps and pops at turn on and off. Selling to help pay for the Odyssey Tempest preamp I just bought. If i am honest the tempest really did not put this preamp to shame. The tempest is cleaner sounding and more detailed but overall its really no night and day difference.
The DC heaters are powered by a wallwart which is permanently installed into the chassis and switches on and off with the power switch. The LED also gets its power from this source. This is surely one of the quietest examples of this preamp out with the HV snubber and DC heaters.The bottom plate was custom fabricated from aluminum and gives the preamp a safe, and attractive treatment that most builders do not go to such lengths to do. There are some nicks and imperfections here and there. Some scratches on the top plate. But still a good looking and reliable peice. Since this is a DIY peice there are obvious concerns with build quality and builder competence, I would not have this for sale if i was not absolutely sure it would perform trouble free for many many years to come.
Asking $225 plus shipping from Hawaii US or Canada buyers only please. Included is a shielded IEC power cord, and 5 pairs of tubes for your rolling pleasure. All are NOS except for the Tung Sol's which i have had in the preamp for the last couple months and that I liked the best.
Paypal preffered. See my feedback on Audiogon under "Haoleb" or Ebay feedback under "Haolebhifi" Any questions please ask away!
