Firebottle MM plus - a modest attempt at a review

[Frankyc2003]

Good evening all,

Since I have been back on this very forum, I have been contacted by a few of its lovely members, and I would like to say thank you everyone for their support.
Among all, Alan (Firebottle) very kindly offered to send me one of his brand new phonostages. I remember fondly reviewing one of his prototypes a long time ago, so I guess it was high time to catch up with an old friend. It was, at a the time reviewed in direct comparison with a Ming Da 2006 MC, a all singing and dancing Chinese valve phonostage. And it did very, very well against it's Far East competitor.

So, the brand new version turned up yesterday at work. Straight from France. It is very well packed and the delivery was super fast and smooth.

Here we have the FIREBOTTLE PLUS MM. It comes with it's small PSU, a dinky plug that goes directly at the back of the unit from your favorite distribution block.

After chatting with Alan, I decided to review a MM version as I don't own a MC cartridge anymore. One could go for the MM/MC version if required. My preference would be to use a MM with a good quality MC step Up transformers to get the best results from a high end MC, but having the choice of both in the same handy box is very attractive.

A modded Lenco GL69 with a Audio Note Arm One and a MM Audio Note IQ3 will be used. And this time it will be penned against the fantastic Tellurium Q Iridium solid state phonostage. Also new in the system is a Silver Night 300B from Audion (vintage 1996). Speakers used are as per usual the lovely Fostex 206E based horn built by Rob (Puffin). Cables are LAT SS-1000 MKII.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/temporary_zps4aaaf057.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/temporary_zps4aaaf057.jpg.html)

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/temporary_zpsc1a9ee59.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/temporary_zpsc1a9ee59.jpg.html)

What strikes me first is the very high level of craftsmanship involved in this new iteration. Its feels solid (no pun intended), sturdy and very well designed. I have a black finish version, which looks very understated and will feel at home in any rack I believe. High WAF! The back of the unit is very well laid out, simple and efficient.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/temporary_zps49f01ad1.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/temporary_zps49f01ad1.jpg.html)

You will easily find the input, output, ground and power plug. the valve compliment is as follow.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/c8dfd219-52cb-4c32-bb1e-ee366b15fd08_zpse0cb3f26.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/c8dfd219-52cb-4c32-bb1e-ee366b15fd08_zpse0cb3f26.jpg.html)

Not your usual 12AX7 then. It probably doesn't make tube rolling so easy, but knowing Alan, I am sure those valves have been chosen for very specific reasons. Anyway, I am pretty sure that one can find multiple variations on those valves supplied.

Well, it's time to fire those lovely bottles isn't it?:eyebrows:
I like to give the a bit of warming up prior to any listening....

(to be continued)

[Frankyc2003]

Afternoon gents,

Thanks to a massive case of lurggies, I am house bound today, which is ideal since I have some serious listening in arrears.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/temporary_zpsecaebd6b.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/temporary_zpsecaebd6b.jpg.html)

The Lenco GL75 is ready and steady, let's start! First up, the Firebottle Plus.

http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/ultimateclassicrock.com/files/2012/08/Peter-Gabriel-So.jpg
Peter Gabriel - So (1986)

As 'Red Rain' starts pouring down from my speakers, I can't help noticing that the mid-range is very congested and quite muddled. Eeek!
I have owned quite a few valve phonostages in the past (EAR 834E, Project Tube Box, Ming Da 2006MC, but never noticed such an issue.

:scratch:

OK, after a few very anxious minutes, I suddenly realized that the below the XTM mat, I had left an old felt mat... Not the kind of sandwich I like!
That duly removed, we are back in business...

And, yes, everyone in support of proper use of TT mat is right. It does have an impact on sound, and a huge one at that...
Because now, the mid-range is clean and devoid of any congestion, the bass is defined and clearly present in the sound stage. Happiness.

'Sledgehammer' enters and you can immediately enjoy a wide and deep sound stage, quite typical of a good valve phonostage.
Another thing that becomes apparent is the velvety (warm) tonal balance of the unit. A very pleasing thing actually, considering that the Audio Note IQ3 is still breaking in and has for quite a few hundred hours a small tendency to brightness.

'Mercy Street' has a tremendous atmosphere. The slight echo on this track will fill in your room with curtains of chords and sound. Beautiful!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bd/Robert_Plant_and_Alison_Krauss_-_Raising_Sand.png

This fantastic album has some seriously deep bass carved into its grooves, so this should be an interesting test...

'Trampled Rose' originally written by Tom Waits, displays again a fantastic atmosphere through the Firebottle Plus. The lower bass register is clearly audible if slightly warmly coloured.
'Gone, gone, gone' has so much dynamics that you feel compelled to tap the floor. Great!

Having lived with the Iridium for well over a year now, what I can say is that the Colin Wonfor design is more analytic, which means that you gain definition in the lower register but you risk some brilliance from time to time.The sound stage is a little more limited sideways with the solid state design but to my ears it has a bit more definition. but you might miss this lovely atmosphere around the instruments that the Firebottle Plus does so well. All in all, what you get for a third of the price of the Iridium is amazing!

Considering the price point of the unit that Alan assembles by hand, the level of sound quality is simply staggering in my view. On a slightly different note, the cable of the PSU is a tad short in my view as I struggled to extend it all the way to my multiplug. A detail, but worth mentioning.

Again after a first session, Alan has done here a fantastic job in my opinion... I can't imagine what his OTL design could sound like! but that's another story...

[Gazjam]

Good read Francois.

Echo what you say about the Firebottle, I have the Plus as well and its fantastic.
My wee review here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?35354-Firebottle-MM-MC-phono-amp

Gorgeous Lenco btw :)

[Frankyc2003]

Cheers Gary,
Beautiful Orbe! I used to have a Gyro with an Orbe platter! The design of these turntables is just stunning, isn't it!

Very nice review. it does indeed complement exactly what I experienced with Alan's great design.

I have done some more reviewing this weekend actually. A friend of mine has lent me his Lyra cartridge, so I could test the Firebottle Plus with a proper MC cartridge…
More to follow very soon as I gather my notes and impressions!
:cool:

[Frankyc2003]

So here we are in week 3 of trying out Firebottle Plus in my modest system.

So far, it has been an absolute pleasure to listen to. It has been inviting, warm (but certainly not woolly), and always dynamic and open.
And i had always been using a MM cartridge...
Obviously an Itch had to be scratched here...

MC cartridge + Step Up Transformer!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/temporary_zpsb34fd576.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/temporary_zpsb34fd576.jpg.html)
This is my trusted Stevens & Billington TX1003 which i used with my Lyra Clavis to great effect.

A very good friend of mine, knowing I was reviewing something a little bit special (a British all valve phonostage only available from this lovely parish), offered to lend me his Lyra Helikon

http://www.fastaudio.com/image/2/520/390/5//uploads/produkte/lyra-helikon.jpg

Output at 0.35mV, that should suit my 1:10 SUT to a tee!

Now, just a word about the Firebottle Plus. The fantastic thing about this unit is that Alan has actually made a MC version of his design. I chatted with him and asked how he had implemented the circuit in comparison to let's say a Whest Two phonostage. This is what Alan said:
"... just looking at the internal shot of a Whest 2 and it looks like it's low noise op-amps on the MC input.
The cascode circuit I refer to [meaning as used in the Firebottle Plus MM/MC version] is the same type as used by LongDog Audio and much promoted by the sadly missed Allen Wright of Vacuum State Electronics.
The benefits of the cascode when used in a valve circuit are low noise from the FET used, high gain and high overload margin by the use of high voltage valve circuitry."

So, here I have to admit I am not too technically minded, but that sounds like the right thing to do, and Longdog Audio have produced some very acclaimed phonostages.
Although I am not actually listening to the above mentioned MC version of the Firebottle Plus, the whole design idea appeals to me as I have used a solid state MC phonostage for a year now, the Iridium from Tellurium Q (C. Wonfor of Claymore fame).

But for now it is back to a MM + SUT formation for this listening session...:D

First up, Pink Floyd - The Wall (1979)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/13/PinkFloydWallCoverOriginalNoText.jpg

This is such a journey, I mean the whole album feels like an exploration into human condition...
And it has some stunning bass lines too.
As per my previous posts, the Firebottle Plus displayed an incredible steadfastness and poise in face of overdriven megaphones, whirling helicopters and screaming had teachers...
The atmosphere generated by the school choir is simply chilling...

Next up and in no specific order
Leos Janacek -Sinfonietta - Taras Bulba VPO directed by the late Sir Charles Mackerras
http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0001/138/MI0001138546.jpg?partner=allrovi.com

A bristling digital recording with a lot of depth and perspective in the aural domain!
And, Oh my god... If 'Live' could be applied to a recording done more than 30 years ago, this would be it!
The brass, oh my god, the brass... You can almost hear the pistons being pushed and released... Not that it increases the enjoyment of the music, but, it gives a tingle down the spine! A sense of being there...

Next, Rickie Lee Jones on the eponymous album
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9a/Rickie_Lee_Jones_1979_debut_album_cover.jpg

Jones' voice. It's imperfections, its inherent beauty, it's drama, it's sadness... It's all there. In buckets load...
I am slightly struggling to explain, as it feels like I shouldn't be there, it's so intimate!

So now, I can hear you people saying, well this just proves the point a great MC cartridge is unbeatable. And goddammit yes it sounds like it is...
I have to appreciate that the Lyra Helikon isn't exactly the price of the Audio Note IQ3, and a definite improvement has been hard in the process of swapping.
But if we make abstraction of this fact, the Firebottle Plus here is surely responsible for some of the beautiful things I heard too. I used to have a Lyra (Clavis) and a very good valve phonostage (ming Da MC 2006), both used in conjunction of the above mentioned Step Up. I never heard anything like the sounds of today with that (now departed) combination.

So in an attempt to sum it up, the Firebottle Plus seems to me as one of today's absolute Hifi bargains! And sometimes the word 'bargains' can sound a little pejorative, but certainly not here... Quite the opposite!
Whether you run a MM system like I do at the moment, or whether you have a serious high end vinyl system with an exotic MC cartridge, you won't be disappointed (well at least I hope you won't, I certainly wasn't)...

Now, obviously in the great spirit of fairness, I need to listen to the same combination with my Iridium from Tellurium Q...

To be continued...

[Gazjam]

Nice writeup. :)

I've the MC/MM version of the Firebottle.
My Dynavector cart has a low output of 0.28mV which is on the lower side for MC carts.
It works well enough with the FB's 57dB gain in the MC stage, though I need to set the volume up to about 1 o clock to get bangtastic volume levels.

Would be fine with higher output MCs, but Alan himself said when designing the MC stage he would have liked more gain to match lower output MC carts.
Alan's continually looking for ways to develop his design and he now has a solution which boosts gain from 57dB to 65dB.

He kindly sent me the kit to mod my firebottle and I'm looking forward to hearing what the extra oomph will do for the dynamics of my Dynavector cart.

Would this be right, should I expect something more than just not having to turn the wick up as much?

[Frankyc2003]

Good evening everyone,

Part 3 and final installment of my modest review of the Firebottle Plus.
It has now been quite a few weeks since the unit has taken residence in my system. I got used to it's sound and how refreshing it sounds compared to other phonostages I have owned.
Plenty of air between the instruments, a vivid 3D image laid i front of you, and some dynamics to dance for. But it was high time I re-installed the Iridium Q. I have always found that living with one piece of equipment for a while is better than swapping all the time, as my poor drunken mind finds it hard to remember past 2 minutes...

Also gone is my mate's Lyra MC cartridge, so we are back with the IQ3 MM at the end of the AN Arm One.

So tonight is 'back to Solid State' time. And i am hoping the comparison will be useful.

First up, Miles Davis, In a Silent way, 1969.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/archive/4/49/20140920122059!Miles-davis-in-a-silent-way.jpg

Immediately, everything I liked about the unit when I first heard it was confirmed. Colin Wonfor designed the unit to combat distortion, and the same philosophy is applied to its cables and single ended Solid state amplifiers. John McLaughlin's guitar has a crispness and detail that is beguiling. Although it is a solid state device, the trumpet comes floating in the ether in a quasi ghostly way. So here, in all honesty, I would be at loss to decide which unit I am using. is it still the gorgeous, flow of sound emanating from the 'Bottle'? The 2 sounds seems so similar. And that's a huge compliment, because one unit will cost you nearly £1400 new, where Alan sells his design at only £399 (£499 for the MM/MC version). Yes £399 (£499 for the MM/MC version)! Blimey!

Next, back to Pink Floyd, The Wall, 1979.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/13/PinkFloydWallCoverOriginalNoText.jpg
Here I am looking for the fantastic bass definition I heard previously with the Firebottle Plus.
And, yes it is all there, thumping, threatening and slapping you across between the ears! I would say, it goes a tiny bit deeper with the Iridium in the system, but is also dryer in comparison. The Firebottle would offer in my views a slightly nicer picture, if that's what you are after. but here we are talking micro details. This is all becoming a subject of personal preferences.

Finally, Invasion of Mysteron Killer Sounds, from Soul jazz records, 2011.
http://www.technique.co.jp:88/photo/img/201107/SJRLP236-1_1.JPG

This fantastic compilation from Soul Jazz records boasts some amazingly entertaining electronic dub music. I have heard this compilation sounding pretty damn dull on a Rega P25, RB 700, Ortofon Rondo Red, West two. The Firebottle Plus gave these tracks space and depth, as well as all the lower register detail required. Very foot tapping, fun, and potentially hugely irritating for your neighbors! Again, switching back to the iridium, it just felt like so comfortably similar to the sound of the Firebottle Plus but, in all objectivity, with a tiny amount of detail more up and down the spectrum. Not much, trust me, not much, but still a tad more refined.

So it is time really to draw some conclusions here. The Firebottle Plus is an amazing bargain at £399 (£499 for the MM/MC version). You will get a fully bespoke unit, that has been assembled by hand, a fantastic service from Alan, which will be happy to advise you on how to get the best out of the unit. You can for example choose between the MM or MM / MC version depending on how flexible your system needs to be. The fact that the unit has 3 valves opens the door to 'tube rolling' for the tweakers, or you can happily sit and relax and enjoy your music pretty much straight out of the box. The performance is well above the retail price of the unit as, I hope, this modest review has demonstrated.

On a final note, after chatting with Alan, the unit I reviewed is ready to ship to anyone interested in hearing it for themselves. Don't hesitate, you won't be disappointed! Just PM me and Alan (Firebottle) with your details and I will be happy to organize for the unit to reach you in the briefest delays. Home demo! It's that simple.

:cool:

[struth]

Good write up Franky. You write well,:)I agree, they are super stages, and well worth the money.

[Frankyc2003]

Cheers Grant! That's very kind.

Indeed, it's a terrific performer. So, considering the competition in terms of valve phonostages, the Firebottle Plus should really be on people's 'need to try' list.
��

[Firebottle]

Many thanks for the review Francois :thumbsup:

You do have an eloquence to your writing and it is very interesting that you include details of your music choice.

One minor point to clarify the situation is the MC/MM version is £499 but doesn't need any expensive SUTs.

:cool: Alan

[myles]

Francois, some other manufacturers should commission you to comment on their equipment. Excellent stuff.

Now, which kidney will fetch £399?

[Frankyc2003]

Many thanks for the review Francois :thumbsup:

You do have an eloquence to your writing and it is very interesting that you include details of your music choice.

One minor point to clarify the situation is the MC/MM version is £499 but doesn't need any expensive SUTs.

:cool: Alan

Oouuups, sorry Alan…
I will update right now!

[DarrenHW]

Hi Francois, your mailbox is full. Thanks for sending it, will let you know when I receive it (I won't be home tomorrow but should be able to pick it up on Monday) and post my findings.

Cheers!

[Frankyc2003]

Cheers Darren,

Thanks for letting me know.

Best

ps. inbox has been cleared BTW.

[struth]

Francois, some other manufacturers should commission you to comment on their equipment. Excellent stuff.

Now, which kidney will fetch £399?

My Kidney's wouldn't fetch £3.99 except as a curio :ner:

[Gazjam]

Doing some mods on my Firebottle today.
Alan was kind enough to send me what I need to boost the gain in the MC stage.
My Dynavector cart outputs only 0.28 Mv so needed to set volume on my amp pretty high.

New valve, couple of resistors jobs a good 'un.
Looking forward to sitting down tonight and playing some vinyl.

Top notch service and ongoing support from Alan.

[Box13]

Many thanks for the review Francois :thumbsup:

You do have an eloquence to your writing and it is very interesting that you include details of your music choice.

One minor point to clarify the situation is the MC/MM version is £499 but doesn't need any expensive SUTs.

:cool: Alan

I am intrigued sir.
Could you possibly post a series of photographs showing your range of units along with a price guide.
Or could you post a link to your site please?

[Gazjam]

No SUT required as Alan says, my Dynavector cart worked great with it as is, I just wanted some extra gain as the XX2 cart is extremely low output, less than normal.

[Firebottle]

Box I have no site, see http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?39358-Firebottle-KIN-line-phono-preamp, particularly posts 6 and 14.

:cool: Alan

[Colin Wonfor]

Good evening all,

Since I have been back on this very forum, I have been contacted by a few of its lovely members, and I would like to say thank you everyone for their support.
Among all, Alan (Firebottle) very kindly offered to send me one of his brand new phonostages. I remember fondly reviewing one of his prototypes a long time ago, so I guess it was high time to catch up with an old friend. It was, at a the time reviewed in direct comparison with a Ming Da 2006 MC, a all singing and dancing Chinese valve phonostage. And it did very, very well against it's Far East competitor.

So, the brand new version turned up yesterday at work. Straight from France. It is very well packed and the delivery was super fast and smooth.

Here we have the FIREBOTTLE PLUS MM. It comes with it's small PSU, a dinky plug that goes directly at the back of the unit from your favorite distribution block.

After chatting with Alan, I decided to review a MM version as I don't own a MC cartridge anymore. One could go for the MM/MC version if required. My preference would be to use a MM with a good quality MC step Up transformers to get the best results from a high end MC, but having the choice of both in the same handy box is very attractive.

A modded Lenco GL69 with a Audio Note Arm One and a MM Audio Note IQ3 will be used. And this time it will be penned against the fantastic Tellurium Q Iridium solid state phonostage. Also new in the system is a Silver Night 300B from Audion (vintage 1996). Speakers used are as per usual the lovely Fostex 206E based horn built by Rob (Puffin). Cables are LAT SS-1000 MKII.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/temporary_zps4aaaf057.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/temporary_zps4aaaf057.jpg.html)

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/temporary_zpsc1a9ee59.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/temporary_zpsc1a9ee59.jpg.html)

What strikes me first is the very high level of craftsmanship involved in this new iteration. Its feels solid (no pun intended), sturdy and very well designed. I have a black finish version, which looks very understated and will feel at home in any rack I believe. High WAF! The back of the unit is very well laid out, simple and efficient.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/temporary_zps49f01ad1.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/temporary_zps49f01ad1.jpg.html)

You will easily find the input, output, ground and power plug. the valve compliment is as follow.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/c8dfd219-52cb-4c32-bb1e-ee366b15fd08_zpse0cb3f26.jpg (http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/c8dfd219-52cb-4c32-bb1e-ee366b15fd08_zpse0cb3f26.jpg.html)

Not your usual 12AX7 then. It probably doesn't make tube rolling so easy, but knowing Alan, I am sure those valves have been chosen for very specific reasons. Anyway, I am pretty sure that one can find multiple variations on those valves supplied.

Well, it's time to fire those lovely bottles isn't it?:eyebrows:
I like to give the a bit of warming up prior to any listening....

(to be continued)

Hi Franky,

Your review was fascinating I enjoyed your flow of writing and the fair and truth filled way you wrote it.

Write some more soon please.

It a shame that TQ are not going to make anymore of the Atom, Listen or Phono mini amps.

Best wishes

Col

[Frankyc2003]

Thanks a lot for the very kind words Colin.
I am actually in the process of radically changing my system. The TQ is staying though!
After spending years with valves and high sensitivity speakers, I am looking for a more 'eco-friendly' system and also a more compact system as I soon have to move to a smaller place (don't you love the property boom when you are not invited?).
i was reading with great interest your SECA thread. I might actually get tempted to build one at some point. Time allowing.
I wish you all the best for the forthcoming op, and hopefully with some new Solid State kit reviews by September.
:cool: