First off, sorry that it has taken me so long to post my comments on Bill's BBA. Before talking about the BBA, let me echo what everybody has already previously stated...Bill is a great guy to deal with and a first class individual.
In terms of my comments, I thought I would put them in three categories:
Fit/Finish/Packaging
Usability/Functionality
Sound
Fit/Finish/PackagingThe packaging that BBA comes in is top rate! Bill carefully double boxed the BBA so that the shippers were "less likely" to do any damage to the unit.
The BBA comes in an attractive package that is well made and would have you guessing that it's list price is a lot more than $850. Besides including the tubes, power cord, and Manual, there is a set of white cotton gloves. By using the gloves when handling the BBA, you can keep fingerprints off the finish and tubes. Here is a picture of the BBA:
Usability/FunctionalityThe front panel has the power switch, volume, and gain controls - very simple and well desgined out. Here is a picture:
The back panel has the input and output rca's as well as the IEC to allow for the use of your favorite power cord (essential to get the most out of the BBA). Here is a picture:
The view from the inside is equally impressive. The three tube sockets are well positioned out and clearly labled. To gain access to this area, one needs to remove a total of six small screws. Once the screws are out, carefully slide off the top and you now have full access. Since the BBA can get fairly hot after being on for a bit, make sure it has cooled down before trying to take the top off. Here is a picture of the insides:
By playing with the volume and gain settings, one could dial in the "right" amount for each to match your system. From looking at the Manual, the gain/volume settings could produce anywhere from 0-18db's of gain!! Certainly more than enough to give a boost to a Bolder modified Squeeze Box that has around 1.1 volts of output. This extra gain will ensure that you have enough oomph to drive any amp when used between Squueze Box and amp (this was how I used it).
While the flexibility seemed endless in terms of setting the volume and gain controls, it did take a while to find the "sweet" spot. Since the controls are continuous and not stepped, you had to write things down (at least I did) so that you could go back to previous settings during the "discovery" phase. Of course, this isn't an issue once you nail things down. From that point on I simply left the controls where they were and adjusted the volume settings on the Squeeze Box.
SoundThe BBA definitely sounds like a piece of tube gear (I mean that in a good way) and will be a welcome addition to many systems! Depending on your gain and volume settings, you can somewhat alter the sound, but using the stock tubes, you will get a sound that is smooth, rich, big, and holographic. In an all ss and/or digital system, the BBA can smooth things out and make the sound more listenable and enjoyable. For a warm system or one that is all tubed, I am not sure if the BBA will be a little too much. Each person will just need to try it and find out for themselves.
In my system, I found that the BBA was a mixed success. It absolutely allowed me to better drive my Moscode 401HR and play music at a louder level. Imaging was very holographic and had a nice solid presentation. The soundstage seemed to be a little large and more expansive with the BBA in place.
However, I did find that in my system, the BBA was a little too smooth and warm when compared to the Bolder modified (full analog mods with Gold Bybees) SB2. Transients became a little rounded and weren't as fast. I also felt that I lost some detail and definition as well as overall dynamics. When playing one of my test tracks (The Bad Plus, These Are the Vistas, Keep the Bugs Off Your Glass and the Bears Off Your Ass) the bass wasn't as articulate, fast, and punchy with the BBA in the system. The piano also lost some of its magic as well.
Some of this was mitigated by putting my trusty and excellent Black Sand Silver Reference MK IV or V power cord on the BBA, as well putting the BBA on top of the Boston Audio Design Tune Block SE's. Tube rolling can also change things and since there is only three tubes in play, you can try various NOS tubes without totally breaking the bank.
At the end of the day, I think Bill has built a very good product at a very good price, that can work in many, many systems. Not only will it provide more gain and better component matching, it will allow many systems to become more musical and enjoyable by bringing some tube magic into play.
While it did some very nice things in my system, it just wasn't exactly what I was looking for and I did send it back to Bill. I want to thank Bill for allowing me the opportunity to try the BBA in my system. If you are ruining a modified Squeeze Box, feel that your system is a little edgy or digital sounding, or that it could simply still be improved, you should consider trying a BBA. While I can't say with absolute certainty that it will improve things, I think there is a good chance you will enjoy it.
George
