Firebottle OTL

[Jimbo]

I would like to thank Alan (Firebottle) for a very enjoyable afternoon listening to his Firebottle OutLaw (OTL). I am not going to write a detailed review on the amplifier as it was only firing on two cylinders, having lost a couple of the output valves due to early failures.

However even though the OTL amplifier was only kicking ot 10 watts it was more than enough to drive my Spendor Sp2,s. Source equipment was a VPI Scout and 2M black cartridge and a Firebottle phone stage, one of Alans latest models with MM and MC inputs.

If you have ever heard an OTL amplifier you will know how transparent and clean they sound, Alans was no exception. This little amplifier, sorry I dont have pics but there are some on one of Alans threads, really allowed a window into the recording and was highly revealing and detailed with beautiful clarity from top to bottom. On some recording my speakers simply disappeared and there was a real presence of vocalists and instruments in the room. Combined with the Firebottle phono stage it was a wonderful combination which showed just how magical valves can sound.

If you have fairly sensitive speakers the Firebottle OTL and phono stage would make a killer combination and I cannot recommend enough for those who may be interested to try. If you have heard Alans phono stage then you need to hear his OTL.

Wonderful stuff from a very talented amplifier designer:)

[struth]

Saw some snaps of it and looked superb

[Firebottle]

Thanks James for the praise, I'll be needing a tin hat next :eyebrows:

It was great to come round again and to try the OTL on different speakers, as I do rather rate your SP2s.
To be accurate, from the 4 output valves I purchased one has suffered premature failure, infant mortality if you like, it happens occasionally with NOS valves, the first time for me personally :doh:

I very much enjoyed the selection of music as well, particularly the Rodrigo y Gabriela.

:cool: Alan