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Headphone Amplifiers
Bottlehead's DIY vacuum tube headphone amplifier kits include output-transformerless (OTL) designs for high-impedance headphones, transformer-coupled options for a wider range of loads, and a dedicated electrostatic headphone energizer.
Which Bottlehead headphone amplifier should you choose?
For high-impedance dynamic headphones: Start with the Crack 1.1. Its OTL circuit is designed for high-impedance headphones, not low-impedance models. The Crackatwoa is another OTL option for experienced builders looking for higher performance.
For a wider range of headphone impedances: Explore the Mainline 1.1 or SEX 4. The SEX 4 can also power compatible loudspeakers, making it a versatile choice for a desktop listening system.
For electrostatic headphones: The Stat is a specialized energizer. Electrostatic headphones have different drive requirements from conventional dynamic or planar-magnetic headphones, so check compatibility before ordering.
For a complete setup: The MoreSEX System pairs the SEX 4 with the Moreplay preamplifier.
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