Firebottle phono MM/MC loan list. [Archive] - Page 2

Jimification

29-02-2016, 16:31

Firstly, thanks for Alan for creating and lending out a loaner unit. It’s really nice to be able to try something like this in the comfort and familiarity of your own home & system. I won’t go into construction details etc. as I think those have been covered enough elsewhere, so straight into some impressions:-

I thought that the Firebottle (to my ears and in my system) had two great strengths: The first was a noticeably wide soundstage…so much so that I actually had to move my speakers in by a few inches to bring it back in. I would have thought that soundstage width was more or less capped by the channel separation from the cartridge but my ears tell me this is noticeably wider than I’m used to. I also found the height particularly well defined, for example on the alto-sax of Dave Brubeck’s Gone with the Wind album. It was very clearly projected 2ft above the speakers. The depth was perhaps less well defined but that might well be a consequence of moving the speakers around or of the individual tracks being spread wider than I’m used to.

The second and perhaps, the Firebottle’s most charming quality was the sheer mid-range tonal richness and depth of detail on offer. This was quite noticeable on plucked acoustic instruments (the sintir on “Baba L’Rouami” by the Night Spirit Masters from Music of Marrakesh) and especially saxaphones - When Cannonball Adderley comes in on Autumn Leaves – wow! It’s detail but detail presented to you in a very beguiling way.

To be clear, I think it would be a mistake to ascribe this quality to “warmth” - I don’t interpret it as a tonal change at all (I found the tonal balance of the Firebottle to be surprisingly neutral) - it’s more like a detailed lushness on the harmonics of certain instruments in the mid-range.

For the moment, I’m very happy with my Arkless standard (though the Firebottle does do some things that the Arkless doesn’t quite do…) however, I think if you’re in the market for a new phono stage, this one is very nice indeed. The maker seems to be a very helpful chap and stands by his products, you’re supporting a local (in forum terms) “small guy” and getting something a bit more individual than the norm. That all adds up to a really nice prospect.

Firebottle

29-02-2016, 19:07

Jim, I thank you for a revealing and honest appraisal of the Firebottle phono stage.

I do indeed 'stand by my products' and can say that the latest tweaks to the Firebottle Plus phono stage have improved it even more.

:cool:

Jimification

29-02-2016, 21:46

Thank you for the demo, Alan. I'm no reviewer and I can only offer my impressions of how it sounded in MY system. I must say, though, I really did enjoy it a great deal and what you've done with it has got me thinking about where to go with phono stages in the future.

Do you think it's likely you'll have a loaner for the "2" or Kin phono at some stage? (and can I ask what they bring to the table over and above the plus, please?) - also what did you tweak on the plus if you don't mind my asking?

thanks again,

Jim

PS: I'll be sending it up to YNWaN on Weds.

YNWaN

04-03-2016, 20:47

The courier has just tried to deliver thanks (but I was out :() - I'll aim to pick it up tomorrow. I'm looking forward to this :).

YNWaN

05-03-2016, 12:34

Well I've picked up the amp from my local post office. Unfortunately, despite being very thoroughly packaged, one of the valves (the centre one) had entirely come out of its socket during shipping and was rolling about inside the amp. However, I've plugged it back into its socket and all seems to be well - the large red LED on the front comes on and all three valves are glowing gently. I haven't yet risked actually passing any signal through it but if nothing goes wrong with it in the next hour or so I'll get on with it this afternoon.

Obviously I had to whip the top off to retrieve the valve and I was struck by how fiddly this device must be to solder up. It's really surprisingly complex for something that is entirely hard wired. It's neatly built though :).

struth

05-03-2016, 12:43

Good amps these. Enjoyed mine.

YNWaN

05-03-2016, 12:57

So as I understand it this unit is the base model, the Firebottle +, above that is the Firebottle 2 and above that is the KIN - is that right? Also, how much are all these different stages?

Oh, have found the answers to the above:

Hello folks, quite a few of you will know that I am a designer of valve based preamplifiers.

One of my strongly held commitments is providing an after sales service that is second to none, other industries that provide the same have always impressed me with their willingness to go the extra mile to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

I can provide bespoke cartridge loading characteristics, extra outputs or, within reason, any specific request.

The current preamp line up is as follows, with performance improving further down the list.

Firebottle Plus phono preamp. MM £399, MM/MC £499.
The performance of this design is now improved with circuit design innovations from the KIN.

Firebottle 2 phono preamp. Two box (separate psu) compact design with superior coupling capacitors. £750.

The 'piece de resistance' is the
Firebottle KIN line only or line/phono preamplifier. Using an innovative 'super linear' circuit design this offers world class performance.
Line only £1250 or line/phono (MM+MC) £1750.

Under development is the phono only section of the KIN preamplifier, the Firebottle Tri.
Projected price is MM £900 and MM/MC £1000.

Any questions please ask.

:) Alan

£500 seems extremely reasonable for the time it must take to build this.

struth

05-03-2016, 13:19

not sure what this one is. I had the plus and presume if its a single box that will be it.

YNWaN

05-03-2016, 19:24

This is the single box plus model (although it does actually have a small external transformer unit that provides 12V to the main box. Thankfully it seems to have entirely survived it's shipping accident and it's playing right now :). I don't have any loading plugs to hand but first impressions are positive (am playing Courtney Barnett 'sometimes I sit and think, and sometimes I just sit').

YNWaN

05-03-2016, 20:21

Hmmm..... Well after a quick listen to some music I had a listen without any - that is to say I turned the volume up a bit with nothing playing and I would say this unit is much more what I would expect from a valve stage - as well as some low level hum there is what I would call some valve 'rush', a sound a bit like rushing water. I've had a little experiment with positioning and earthing and neither made much difference. To put this into perspective I've heard worse from other valve stages that cost considerably more. On the flip side the valve hybrid stage I tried from Jez (Arkless Electronics) was very much quieter and so is my usual Paradise transistor stage. In my experience this type of low level noise, whilst being inaudible directly when music is playing, does impact on dynamic shading and low level resolution.

Alan has made a comment earlier in the thread about adjusting the gain and the chosen settings work very well for me with the volume control having plenty of travel both up and down. It does have significantly less output than my Paradise and Jez's hybrid stage, but both of these have unusually high output and I think most (probably all) people would be fine with the level Alan has chosen (I use an active pre-amp with 12X gain, not a passive).

YNWaN

05-03-2016, 21:53

Unfortunately I'm starting to wonder if the journey to me, and the jettisoned valve, has caused some damage. The reason I say this is that I listened to three albums (also some live Civil Wars and some Laura Marling). At the end I checked the self noise level again and, if anything, I thought it was worse. Perhaps I'm too used to the relative silence of the Paradise.

struth

05-03-2016, 21:58

exterior ov a valve is pretty strong but bouncing of hard things a number of times could easily have done some damage to the internals of it.. may still operate, but they can become noisey. Maybe Alan can send you a replacement

YNWaN

05-03-2016, 22:00

It works but, as you say, it (or something) is noisy.

Macca

05-03-2016, 22:10

Mine has no hiss or hum - I was playing it loud the other night and I would have noticed as I can't stand either - so I'm guessing there has been some damage.

Firebottle

05-03-2016, 22:13

Initially try removing and re-inserting all valves.

YNWaN

05-03-2016, 22:20

Ok, will do. I did notice that the pins on the dislodged valve didn't look particularly straight, but I lined them up carefully and they went in easily enough with a firm hold. The other two were firmly seated already.

Edit: I also see the case of the 12V power supply is coming apart.

dmckean

06-03-2016, 03:54

If you're hearing tube rush, the tube has probably been damaged.

Jimification

06-03-2016, 04:06

I only tried it on the MM setting (with a DV 10x5 HOMC) and not at especially loud volumes but I didn't notice any kind of noise like that :(

YNWaN

06-03-2016, 09:58

Oh well, I'll try re-seating all the valves but it seems likely one of the valves has been damaged in transit by coming free from its socket - Jim couldn't have packed it any better though. I won't be able to do this until this evening unfortunately as I'll be away from home most of the day.

Jimification

06-03-2016, 16:51

YNWaN

06-03-2016, 16:55

My travelling plans have been scuppered by the weather on the tops and so I've had a chance to fiddle. One by one I have removed each of the three tubes and re-seated them in their respective sockets - easy enough to do and they do seem to be quite firmly held. The whole thing still works and perhaps the hum is slightly reduced but the rushing noise is possibly even louder - it's pretty obvious at listening levels and audible between tracks. On second thoughts I don't think the hum is reduced and it's pretty intrusive :(.

YNWaN

06-03-2016, 17:00

Thanks Mark. Whatever we decide - new valves, sending back to Alan etc. of course I'll cover any costs (pending a remonstration at the post office!)

Also, Alan might be able to confirm if there's any sort of risk but please do be careful connecting it to your system in case something goes pop.

No, not at all mate - you didn't do anything wrong - that's life. I'll pay shipping just as I would if I were sending it on to someone else. To be honest, it's a bit weird how the valve came out of its socket entirely as the other two didn't seem to have shifted at all and when I re-seated the escaped valve it seemed quite firmly held. These valves aren't very heavy and one wouldn't have thought there was enough mass in them to be thrown free.

Jimbo

06-03-2016, 17:04

If you're hearing tube rush, the tube has probably been damaged.

Not necessarily Dave. I get tube rush with my preamp, nothing damaged and nothing to worry about. I even had a slight burbling tube which did sound alarming but I have had it assessed by a very competent tube amp designer and told nothing to worry about.

You need to worry when they go micro phonic and you get whistling or howling!:eek:

Marco

06-03-2016, 17:17

It works but, as you say, it (or something) is noisy.

Hi Mark,

Damaged valve issues aside, the 'rushing' noise, as you describe (not hum, which is a very different thing) is quite common in my experience with battery operated head amps. It's the same with the Lentek, although it's at a level that never intrudes on the music. Mains-powered head amps, such as Jez's, don't do this.

Alan can of course comment accordingly, but I don't think there's much you can do to eliminate said 'rushing' noise, although it may be possible to attenuate it further. However, there should be no hum present. Have you grounded/earthed the head amp separately, but running a dedicated wire from the earth post on the head amp, to the same point as your T/T earth lead is connected to?

If not, you should try that, and it may remove the residual hum you're hearing :)

Marco.

YNWaN

06-03-2016, 17:24

I've had an experiment with earthing it a number of different ways and nothing seems to alter it much. In truth my system seems pretty easy going with regard to the earthing arrangement of front end components and although one way may sound better hum really isn't a problem (in this case it's quite a bit worse than what I would call 'residual').

I've sent Alan a PM regarding the problem and how he would like to proceed but I don't think it's fair that I comment on the sound quality if there is a fault. However, I hope this noise (both the hum and the rushing) isn't standard because I definitely could not live with either.

struth

06-03-2016, 17:25

Hi Mark,

Damaged valve issues aside, the 'rushing' noise, as you describe (not hum, which is a very different thing) is quite common in my experience with battery operated head amps. It's the same with the Lentek, although it's at a level that never intrudes on the music. Mains-powered head amps, such as Jez's, don't do this.

Alan can of course comment accordingly, but I don't think there's much you can do to eliminate said 'rushing' noise, although it may be possible to attenuate it further. However, there should be no hum present. Have you grounded/earthed the head amp separately, but running a dedicated wire from the earth post on the head amp, to the same point as your T/T earth lead is connected to?

If not, you should try that, and it may remove the residual hum you're hearing :)

Marco.

he is talking about the phono mm/mc stage I think Marco

Marco

06-03-2016, 17:27

Just to confirm, Mark, is it the MC head amp you've got or Alan's full phono stage?

If it's just the head amp, then trust me, it needs to be grounded/earthed separately, in order to completely eliminate any hum. Every head amp I've used for years has been the same.

Marco.

Marco

06-03-2016, 17:29

he is talking about the phono mm/mc stage I think Marco

If that's the case (as I know that both his head amp and phono stage are doing the rounds at the moment), then ignore my remarks, as it should be totally silent.

Marco.

YNWaN

06-03-2016, 17:34

This is the Firebottle Plus and is a stand alone MM/MC stage (selectable at the rear). I've tried connecting the arm earth to it and then floating from the pre ground, also connected to the pre ground, entirely floating and with the arm only grounded to the pre - none of it made any difference better or worse. The power supply only passes 12V and doesn't have a separate ground to the phonostage.

Anyway, I've taken it out of the system now pending instructions from Alan. Other valve stages I have tried have been a lot quieter than this so I suspect something is actually wrong with it.

struth

06-03-2016, 17:40

Certainly should be very little in way of hum at idle unless you have volume up at top on amp. Occasional burbling can happen in any valve stage, but the rush and hum shouldnt be audible even at low volume levels.

YNWaN

06-03-2016, 17:59

I'm talking about when the volume is at normal listening level - i.e. where it would be if I was listening to music. There is no 'burbling' though.

Marco

06-03-2016, 18:12

Occasional burbling can happen...

That'll be the Chicken Jalfrezi ;)

Marco.

Firebottle

06-03-2016, 18:17

Hi Mark, I've read your PM and from the sounds of it (no pun intended) I would guess there is a fault.

There will be a valve rush normally but only at an earhole in the speaker level at normal volumes. Sounds rather worse than this.
The loan unit has now done a lot of 'postage' miles so it is probably a good idea to retire it, or give it a good look over at least. The Plus has been improved since the current loan unit anyway.

I'll PM my address to you.

YNWaN

06-03-2016, 18:55

Yes I appreciate it has done the rounds, I'm at least the thirteenth person it has been to.

Jimification

06-03-2016, 20:10

That's very nice of you, Mark. It's my job to get it to you in one piece though, and you didn't get to listen to it properly (hopefully you will at some point!) :( So please let me bung you a few beer tokens to send it back to Alan :)

YNWaN

07-03-2016, 19:45

Well you did Jim, the outer case isn't damaged. How were you supposed to know that the post would handle it with such extreme indifference that one of the valves would fall out!

Firebottle

01-04-2016, 10:41

Loan list now being added to:

Martinblueboy
Martian sunrise
WESTLOWER
reefhead
baitrunner

:cool:

WESTLOWER

01-04-2016, 11:08

Hi Alan, how long is the loan list?
Best
Adam

YNWaN

01-04-2016, 11:21

Firebottle

01-04-2016, 11:37

List now updated, thanks for putting me right Mark.

So Adam you are no. 3 on the list. :)

WESTLOWER

01-04-2016, 11:41

thanks Alan
i have heard nothing but great things about it!
look forward to hearing it..

List now updated, thanks for putting me right Mark.

So Adam you are no. 3 on the list. :)

Martinblueboy

01-04-2016, 12:12

Actually, it's going to Martinblueboy this Saturday coming and then it is the turn of Martian sunrise (it was actually his turn next but he has kindly allowed Martinblueboy to jump the line as he is much closer to me).

As YNWaN says, I'm picking this up from him tomorrow morning. I'll then pass it on to Martian Sunrise. BTW thanks very much Martian Sunrise for allowing me to jump ahead of you, that was very generous :).

martian sunrise

01-04-2016, 14:16

no worries - it made sense

reefhead

01-04-2016, 21:47

Please could i join the loan list. Ill pm my details over.
Thanks
Mark

Firebottle

02-04-2016, 05:50

Done, current list on post #291 :)

reefhead

02-04-2016, 07:35

Done, current list on post #291 :)

Thankyou - however just discovered i dont have a pm ability enabled on my account? Have tried an email to mods to see if they can resolve :scratch:

Mark

reefhead

02-04-2016, 07:37

Thankyou - however just discovered i dont have a pm ability enabled on my account? Have tried an email to mods to see if they can resolve.
Mark

:) PM now enabled, happy days :)
Will pm my details over Alan

YNWaN

02-04-2016, 10:00

Just to confirm that Martin now has the phonostage (I suspect it will rather suit his system) and huge thanks to Alan for the kind loan :).

Martinblueboy

02-04-2016, 13:20

Just to confirm that Martin now has the phonostage (I suspect it will rather suit his system) and huge thanks to Alan for the kind loan :).

Yes thanks very much Mark; it was great to meet you this morning :). Everything is plugged in here and sounding really rather nice - as you suspected ;).

YNWaN

02-04-2016, 13:31

Really nice to meet you too Martin - I'm glad to hear all is well :).

Martinblueboy

21-04-2016, 15:52

Just a quick update to say that I've now sent the Firebottle Phono Plus on to Martian Sunrise. Hope that he enjoys it as much as I did; I'm looking forward to my own one arriving from the man himself now!

Martinblueboy

01-05-2016, 09:47

Just a quick update. The Firebottle loan unit is now with Martian Sunrise.

Macca

01-05-2016, 09:51

:) PM now enabled, happy days :)
Will pm my details over Alan

You need 5 posts to activate the PM facility. Happily your post saying it wasn't working was the one that activated it. :)

As you were.

reefhead

01-05-2016, 21:49

You need 5 posts to activate the PM facility. Happily your post saying it wasn't working was the one that activated it. :)

As you were.
Indeed :lol:
Thanks

Firebottle

12-05-2016, 06:53

Loan list now being added to:

WESTLOWER
reefhead
baitrunner
SomeGuy

:)

martian sunrise

14-05-2016, 17:47

I'll forward it on Monday...

martian sunrise

24-05-2016, 13:36

for the benefit of the thread - the demo unit is now with WESTLOWER

WESTLOWER

24-05-2016, 14:15

Thanks Richie..nice to meet you .
I am gaging to get it spinning…
Who's next on the list?
contact me and i'll schedule moving it on..

reefhead

25-05-2016, 18:58

Thanks Richie..nice to meet you .
I am gaging to get it spinning…
Who's next on the list?
contact me and i'll schedule moving it on..
As per pm, its me! Im away for a weeks holiday from 18 June, so happy to move a place down the queue if necessary.
Mark

The Chronicals

26-05-2016, 18:29

I'd love to give this a listen to..whats the 'sign up' process or is it somewhere within the 32 pages? :)

Firebottle

26-05-2016, 19:30

Loan list now being added to:

baitrunner
reefhead
SomeGuy
The Chronicals
Simon_Nottingham

I've moved reefhead down one as suggested and added The Chronicals :)

The Chronicals

26-05-2016, 20:36

Thanks very much Firebottle, looking forward to it

WESTLOWER

26-05-2016, 23:55

Baitrunner, pm me with address as i will get this fabulous bit of kit in the post next Wednesday as I'm off on hols next thursday
BTW
Anyone thinking about a phono stage, this is a must to audition!!

The Chronicals

27-05-2016, 16:01

Baitrunner, pm me with address as i will get this fabulous bit of kit in the post next Wednesday as I'm off on hols next thursday
BTW
Anyone thinking about a phono stage, this is a must to audition!!

Would it be worthing pm'ing the next one in line? I k now I dont get email notifications when a new post is made on this thread, only pm's, one could forget it exists :)

struth

27-05-2016, 16:07

You will if you subscribe to the thread michael

WESTLOWER

23-06-2016, 23:53

guys who's up next for the demo unit?
all the holidays etc. have thrown the order out a bit. I contacted a couple on the list but
either they were away or unable to take on the unit at the moment..
I have the wonderful phono amp, so who's ever next plse contact me..

I'm in London so if there is a London based name on the loan list..get in touch and i can possibly
meet up or i will post to whoever is next…Firebottle may have to intervene to sort the loan order again.
cheers

reefhead

24-06-2016, 18:00

Well I moved one place down the list as i was due to receive a couple of weeks ago, but was on holiday over the loan period. I'm now back so would be good to receive.
Mark

reefhead

24-06-2016, 18:00

Well I moved one place down the list as i was due to receive a couple of weeks ago, but was on holiday over the loan period. I'm now back so would be good to receive.
Mark

WESTLOWER

29-06-2016, 22:18

Reefhead PM me your address and I will move the unit to you.

reefhead

30-06-2016, 19:18

Reefhead PM me your address and I will move the unit to you.

On its way, cheers
Mark

Spider

06-07-2016, 22:29

I would like to have a listen to this if it is possible to have a loan.
How does this work? How do I get on the list?
Thanks

Firebottle

07-07-2016, 06:03

Hi Tim, I've added you to the list. Loaners pay the postage to send on to the next on the list. Contact usually by PM or on here.

baitrunner
The Chronicals
Simon_Nottingham
Spider

:)

Spider

07-07-2016, 18:39

Thank you

SomeGuy

12-07-2016, 18:34

Hello,

I'm in the process of getting shot of everything before starting from scratch so it will be a while before I am in a position to trial this. Can I knocked of the list for now please? Thanks

Firebottle

13-07-2016, 06:30

No problem, done :)

reefhead

13-07-2016, 19:21

Firebottle loaner has landed today :carrot:

Spider

13-07-2016, 21:15

Firebottle loaner has landed today :carrot:
Let us know what you think once you've had a good listen

WESTLOWER

14-07-2016, 10:15

Thanks Mark, courier co. need a kick up the Arse!
If your findings are as mine, you will enjoy a very good performance
detailed, open, lovely tight bass and musical.

Thanks again to Alan for such a product and the loan.

reefhead

29-07-2016, 20:39

Right, time to report in after 2 weeks of my loaner experience. All I can say is, WOW :eek: Alan, hats off to you for a cracker of a phono stage :ner:.
Its been used with my trusty 401 / Artemiz / Benz Ace LO / NAC 32.5 with full suite of RSL cards (inc the MC for comparison) TPRd HiCap, LS50s.
Hate to be cliched, but a veil has truly been lifted. Better defined bass, mid range / vox much more forward and warm, and a much improved soundstage. Tested with a mix including Dusty in Memphis, Marquee Moon, Paul Simon's new 'un and plenty of The Fall.
I know my system really well, having been stable for a long while, and the Firebottle certainly brought a big improvement to the party.
So thanks and well done to Alan and his Firebottle and its now on to the next lucky loaner (baitrunner i think).
Regards
Mark

reefhead

29-07-2016, 20:50

pm sent to baitrunner for postage details.

Firebottle

30-07-2016, 20:43

Loan list now:

baitrunner
The Chronicals
Simon_Nottingham
Spider
Infinitely Baffled

:)

The Chronicals

02-08-2016, 18:43

Woop, it's so close.

reefhead

04-08-2016, 19:45

Still no pm reply from baitrunner re sending on. Will pm again and Suggest it goes to The Chronicals on Monday if no reply.
Regards
Mark

mikeyb

05-08-2016, 17:18

Baitrunner had only had 3 posts so maybe only joined to borrow it. As you say might be an idea to miss him out and catch him next time IF he comes back ;-)

reefhead

06-08-2016, 08:49

Have arranged to send on to The Chronicles next as nothing back from baitrunner despite pm reminders.
All being well will be in the post Monday.
Mark

Mr.Nic

07-08-2016, 11:41

Hi Alan,

Would you mind adding me to the list please, looking to try this with both the Lenco & Gyro.

Cheers, Nic

Firebottle

07-08-2016, 19:25

OK Nic, list now:

The Chronicals
Simon_Nottingham
Spider
Infinitely Baffled
Mr.Nic
madscientist

:)

reefhead

07-08-2016, 21:31

Firebottle now on its way to The Chronicles.
Mark

Mr.Nic

08-08-2016, 07:15

Thanks Alan, much appreciated!

speedracer

09-08-2016, 03:35

Sorry if this is in the wrong place, but I have a couple of questions regarding the Firebottle Plus. I have one I purchased from a wigwam member a few weeks ago & love it, much better than the Dynavector P75 mk3 it replaced, but it came with a big hole to the right of the fascia so I assume something is missing?
I also didn't get any instructions but I am sure I was told you don't have to manually configure it to suit your cartridge, just plug it in MM or MC depending & it would sort it out itself, so if true great but if not is there a tech sheet available for it please?
How does it fair with low output MC's, do I need a step up?
And lastly, I don't know how old it is so are there any upgrades available without upping my box count?

Cheers,
Brook.

Firebottle

09-08-2016, 05:15

PM sent Brook.

madscientist

09-08-2016, 06:16

Hi Alan

I would be interested in hearing the Firebottle, is it suitable for the Lyra delos?
Regards
Paul

Firebottle

09-08-2016, 06:38

Yes Paul, you're now on the list :)

Spider

10-08-2016, 18:12

I'm looking forward to my time with the Firebottle.
What would be nice would be to read some feedback from the people who have had an audition previous to me, just to give some feedback on your experience.
Any comments would be good

Mr.Nic

11-08-2016, 11:38

reefhead

11-08-2016, 18:33

Firebottle now safely with The Chronicles. My very positive impressions recorded in a previous post and now have a keeper on order:carrot::carrot:

The Chronicals

11-08-2016, 18:36

I have the bottle.

Simon_Nottingham

12-08-2016, 09:39

Ooh, me next :eyebrows:

The Chronicals

24-08-2016, 15:15

Spin the Bottle time.

Simon Pming you.

Thankyou Alan for the loan system, enjoyed my time with the unit (my dad also!) , it wouldnt be a shift for me from my Icon gear but for the price of one of these, one of the best.

Simon_Nottingham

24-08-2016, 15:50

The Chronicals

26-08-2016, 13:30

The Bottle has left Chronical Towers with UPS, will see you Tuesday now with Bank Holiday Simon

Enjoy!

Simon_Nottingham

01-09-2016, 11:18

I have it.

I'll have a listen over the weekend.

Spider

06-09-2016, 12:28

What are yours first impressions?

Simon_Nottingham

09-09-2016, 11:03

What are yours first impressions?

I’ve done some listening with the following albums:

The Bongolian – Bongos For Beatniks
Kid Koala – 12 Bit Blues
Divine Comedy – Foreverland (first time listening to this one)
Love – Forever Changes
Occasionally David – Forever Changes
C.W. Stoneking – Gon’ Boogaloo

I think that’s a fair mix of styles and all are what I’d consider well recorded and pressed albums. The C.W. Stoneking one is particularly revealing.

I'd say that the Firebottle sounds 'cleaner' and separates the different instruments in a recording more. Oddly bell type sounds sound much clearer (if I was a big fan of campanology groups I'd have one tomorrow!).

I'm going to have a bit more of a listen this weekend and will send it on its merry way early next week.

It really is great to have the opportunity to try this out at home with my kit. At some point I want to update my Croft pre to one of the new ones and my thinking was to get a line only one and use an external phono stage. I'm still considering this. I'm honestly not sure that I'd pay the £500 though for the improvement over my current Croft's phono stage.

paulf-2007

09-09-2016, 18:11

Is there a waiting list

Firebottle

09-09-2016, 18:39

I'm honestly not sure that I'd pay the £500 though for the improvement over my current Croft's phono stage.

The MM is only £400 though which is the equivalent to the Croft.

The loan list now stands as:

Spider
Mr.Nic
madscientist
Acepro

Cheers,
Alan

Simon_Nottingham

12-09-2016, 10:42

The MM is only £400 though which is the equivalent to the Croft.

Cheers,
Alan

Alan - I don't doubt that the Firebottle is worth the money, but I don't think that my system is 'high end' enough for it to shine. I feel that there are other component that would benefit from an upgrade first.

Many thanks for the chance to have a listen to it, I've genuinely enjoyed the experience.

simon

rmcin626

14-09-2016, 13:05

Can I be added to the list please Alan

Firebottle

14-09-2016, 16:51

Many thanks for the chance to have a listen to it, I've genuinely enjoyed the experience.

It's a pleasure.

Robin, you are now on the list:

Spider
Mr.Nic
madscientist
Acepro
rmcin626

:)

rmcin626

14-09-2016, 17:00

Thanks Alan

Spider

20-09-2016, 11:08

Received Firebottle today
Will be having a listen later this week.
Looking forward to hearing it.

Mr.Nic

20-09-2016, 12:56

Received Firebottle today
Will be having a listen later this week.
Looking forward to hearing it.

Great news - look forward to hearing your thoughts. Of course, I'm also looking froward to being next in line!

marec

20-09-2016, 15:15

I'd love to try this, whilst doubting I'll be able to benefit from it...
I'll just read back through the thread to find out how to join in the fun...:)

Spider

20-09-2016, 19:53

Got home from work and plugged the Firebottle in straight away.
First I played it using my LP12, ittok and ATOC9/ii. After a suitable warm up period for both phono stage and my amp I am happy to report a very pleasant sounding phono stage, really transparent and really lets the recordings shine through rather than colouring and adding its own signature.
Next I moved on to my Acoustic Signature high mass deck sporting Audiomod series V tonearm and at present a Denon 103 I've been experimenting with.
Well I've got to say it's as good as I've heard a 103, an improvement on my SS phono stage. I've really enjoyed it using the high mass deck and 103. I would definitely recommend it to anyone using a 103 as their main cartridge. It really allows the 103 to reveal its strengths and mask any weaknesses which is a really good trick.
Tomorrow I'm going to mount up my quintet black on the high mass deck and see what it makes of that cartridge.
Safe to say after my first listening session that it is very good value for money a super sounding phono stage.

Spider

22-09-2016, 19:36

OK yesterday I refitted my Ortofon Quintet Black and spent a while tweaking the set up to get it as good as I could.
Tonight I've sat and listened to the Firebottle again. What it is very capable of doing is showing everything a cartridge has to give. With the Denon 103 it really allowed it to show what it had and the same with the quintet, however the quintet is in a complete different league to the 103 and boy can you hear it.
Voices are so rich and you really get that in the room feeling when the speakers just disappear and the artists are there with you. I played Bruce Springsteen live and it really felt like being there, when he played the harmonica it was so real it really had that rasp and in the background there is a xylophone and it was just so perfect and sweet sounding it just made me smile.
Gregory Porter sounds so deep and rich and his hand claps are so well presented, the piano is so real as each note ebbs and flows you can visualise the player gently corressing the keys as he plays, you can clearly hear the pianist close the damper pedal at the end of the song which I've not heard before. Just fabulous. I always think if piano sounds right then you are getting there, it is one of those instruments that is so hard to reproduce accurately.
If you are in the market for a phono stage you should try this before just going for one of the big name brands it punches above its weight. God knows what the new vivant stage will be like if it is better than this.
Oh and I nearly forgot the tubular bells on Mike Olfield's tubular bells where stunning as he struck them the way the bell ring shimmered really grabbed your attention, my partner just said "wow! they really sound like tubular bells, that's really clever".
Great job Alan this is an outstanding phono stage. I hope to hear some more of your products soon.

Simon_Nottingham

26-09-2016, 13:30

Oh and I nearly forgot the tubular bells on Mike Olfield's tubular bells where stunning as he struck them the way the bell ring shimmered really grabbed your attention, my partner just said "wow! they really sound like tubular bells, that's really clever".

That's really funny - tubular bells on one of the Bongolian albums were one of the things that I noted that the FB really improved.

Ding-dong!

Mr.Nic

21-10-2016, 16:06

The Firebottle has landed. I'll be giving it a thorough test over the weekend!

Spider

22-10-2016, 21:47

Hi Nic
Glad it got to you safely
Enjoy

Shadow Moses

13-12-2016, 22:05

Alan,
Could I be added to the list please?, would love a play with this :)

Firebottle

14-12-2016, 07:27

Hi Neil, it's a real pity you didn't ask last week as the unit has been 'at home' for a while :doh:

It went to Scotland earlier this week, but you are next, pm rmcin626 with your details for when he has finished with it.

:)

Shadow Moses

14-12-2016, 21:23

Hi Alan,

Typical eh just my luck lol.

Nice one buddy will send a PM.

rmcin626

15-12-2016, 19:58

The Firebottle has arrived today probably Sunday before I can have proper listen, busy few days on the social front.

Thanks Alan

macvisual

27-12-2016, 10:16

Hi there,

Is there a chance I could join the queue to audition the Firebottle valve phono-stage please? I'm living in Central Scotland (Alloa, close to Stirling).

Best wishes;
Peter

Firebottle

27-12-2016, 14:18

It seems convenient that you are in Scotland and it is fairly close already. PM rmcin626 with your details and you can try it next.

:cool:

rmcin626

27-12-2016, 15:26

Hi there,

Is there a chance I could join the queue to audition the Firebottle valve phono-stage please? I'm living in Central Scotland (Alloa, close to Stirling).

Best wishes;
Peter

Peter
I am in Greenock so maybe we arrange a meet , drop me a pm

macvisual

27-12-2016, 19:21

Peter
I am in Greenock so maybe we arrange a meet , drop me a pm

Hi there, I'm in Alloa, close to Stirling. What's the exact Firebottle phono-stage model you have in your possession can I ask?

Cheers;
Peter

rmcin626

27-12-2016, 20:01

Hi there, I'm in Alloa, close to Stirling. What's the exact Firebottle phono-stage model you have in your possession can I ask?

Cheers;
Peter
The Firebottle MC/MM

Shadow Moses

23-01-2017, 16:50

Is the loan unit still up in Scotland?

rmcin626

23-01-2017, 17:35

Yes, still with me hope to have it posted to you this week.

ianlenco

26-01-2017, 09:20

Hi Allan,
Not sure how long the list is but can I be added to it?

Ian

ReggieB

26-01-2017, 09:33

And me please. I'll be happy to pop down to the magical land of Glos, to pick it up from ianlenco when he's finished with it.

Firebottle

26-01-2017, 10:18

OK it seems the loan unit is with rmcin626 at the moment and due to possibly be picked up by Macvisual.

After that (or instead of) the list is as follows:

Shadow Moses
ianlenco, then pickup by
ReggieB

Allow a little time to evaluate then everyone gets to know the Firebottle flavour :D

rmcin626

28-01-2017, 10:16

Just waiting on Shadow Moses's address and it will off to him.

OK it seems the loan unit is with rmcin626 at the moment and due to possibly be picked up by Macvisual.

After that (or instead of) the list is as follows:

Shadow Moses
ianlenco, then pickup by
ReggieB

Allow a little time to evaluate then everyone gets to know the Firebottle flavour :D

Shadow Moses

01-02-2017, 21:17

Received the loan unit today Robin, Thank you

It's rockin in this house tonight!!! :guitar:

rmcin626

01-02-2017, 21:22

Received the loan unit today Robin, Thank you

It's rockin in this house tonight!!! :guitar:

Enjoy Neil, its very good

ianlenco

28-02-2017, 10:48

The Firebottle is now in my possession. Well packaged by Neil.

Thanks.

Firebottle

08-03-2017, 19:37

OK Ian, hope you are enjoying it.

After ReggieB gets his mitts on it, can he send it to Clarkey555.

Cheers

ReggieB

09-03-2017, 09:54

No problem

Mikeandvan

10-03-2017, 00:36

I'd like to try this, any guidance on price? Is it mm/mc? Thanks.

Firebottle

10-03-2017, 07:12

Hi Mike, I put you on the list. The loaner is MC/MM, current model is the Firebottle Plus which is an improvement. MC/MM £499, MM £399.

Loan list now:

ReggieB
clarkey555
Mikeandvan

:)

Mikeandvan

10-03-2017, 17:36

Thanks, Look forward to it, always wanted to try something with valves.

ReggieB

10-03-2017, 23:39

Ian - your message inbox seems to be full. Your suggested meeting place and time suit me fine. See you tomorrow.

Mikeandvan

24-03-2017, 11:37

Any update on the movement of this?

rchinn

29-04-2017, 16:40

If you've tried the stage and want to snap up a deal, or want to jump straight to purchase, I have an mint condition MM/MC Firebottle Plus for sale in the exhibitions thread.

ReggieB

29-04-2017, 16:45

I passed it on to clarkey555 a few weeks ago.

Mikeandvan

01-05-2017, 13:04

Has Clarkey gone awol?

Firebottle

03-05-2017, 17:00

Hi Mike, just had a message and have asked clarkey555 to send the unit down to you.
Pm him with your address.

Cheers,
Alan

Avinunca1

03-05-2017, 17:11

Could I join the list for the Firebottle please.

Mikeandvan

03-05-2017, 17:43

Will do, cheers.

Avinunca1

21-05-2017, 13:17

Could I join the list for the Firebottle please.

Am I on the loaner list guys?

Firebottle

21-05-2017, 13:38

Hi Michael, you are the next so send Mikeandvan your details for when he has finished with it.
:)

Mr.Nic

22-05-2017, 09:11

Following my loan last year, I've been living with my purchased Firebottle Plus for a good few months now. I'm using it on my second system, MM only and yesterday I had one of those 'f*ck me, this is brilliant' type moments. The more it's been used, the better it's got and yesterday I realised what a truly great stage this is for the money. I was lost for words for a moment, properly moved by the music.

I'll class this as a belated review, needless to say I'm very happy with this purchase and Alan couldn't have been more helpful during the whole build process.

Highly recommended!

Mikeandvan

30-05-2017, 20:30

Where and when do I send this onto? The stage has revealed hitherto hidden grooves!

Firebottle

31-05-2017, 06:15

The stage has revealed hitherto hidden grooves!

Glad to hear it Mike :)

Get in touch with Avinunca1, who has requested a loan.
Sometimes at this time of year delays can be experienced due to holidays.

Yomanze

31-05-2017, 16:18

May I try this too please. Thanks. :)

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Mikeandvan

20-06-2017, 18:34

Whoever is next on the list PM me with your address, cos this has been boxed up and ready to go for a week now.

Firebottle

25-06-2017, 10:22

Whoever is next on the list PM me with your address, cos this has been boxed up and ready to go for a week now.

See post #408.

HackneyRF

25-06-2017, 12:53

I'm a little late to the party, but could I join the list and have a try out please Alan?

Avinunca1

28-06-2017, 12:58

Where and when do I send this onto? The stage has revealed hitherto hidden grooves!

Hi Mike,
Sorry for the delay. We have been away. My plans have changed so I will drop out of the queue for the moment. Thanks.

Firebottle

28-06-2017, 15:56

OK, Mikeandvan the next two on the loan list are

Yomanze
shaman
Tapid

Perhaps Yomaze you can send Mikeandvan your details to get this on the move, cheers.

shaman

08-07-2017, 22:17

Could I be added to the list please Alan?
Thanks

HackneyRF

10-07-2017, 16:52

Alan could I remove myself from the list for the moment? My father in law has just passed away so can't really give the Firebottle the time and attention it requires for the time being.

Cheers

Loz

walpurgis

10-07-2017, 16:56

Sorry to hear that Loz!

YNWaN

10-07-2017, 16:57

Which of your phonostages are you offering for loan Alan?

Firebottle

10-07-2017, 17:40

It's the Firebottle Plus valve based MC/MM stage that is doing the rounds.

I will be sending a loan OTP Mk 2 out soon, exciting times.

karma67

10-07-2017, 17:42

ian and i would like to try that one alan please :)

HackneyRF

10-07-2017, 17:42

Sorry to hear that Loz!

Thanks Geoff

tapid

11-07-2017, 06:52

Firebottle

11-07-2017, 08:25

List now as shown in post #414.

Sorry to hear of your loss Loz.

HackneyRF

11-07-2017, 09:04

Another latey to the party but is it possible for a loan Alan ?. Also, I notice Loz lives in London ( sorry to hear about his sad loss) it s just a thought
but if I could jump the queue in front of him I could
personally deliver this to him after usage ( free travel pass ) and save on postage. Otherwise if its possible to put me on the list somewhere it would
be appreciated. Loz that would be in agreement with you of course, and also would just like to send my condolences to you at this sad time. b.w.

Thank you Brian and Alan. That's a really kind offer Brian. The good will and friendliness of AoS members never ceases to amaze me. If I may I'll keep in touch with yourself and the others to see how the next few weeks pan out for us.

All the best

Loz

tapid

11-07-2017, 09:58

Thanks Alan. Will keep in touch Loz.b.w

Mikeandvan

24-07-2017, 17:57

Has anybody got any orange juice?
Has anybody got any orange juice?

tapid

24-07-2017, 18:13

Mikeandvan

25-07-2017, 08:30

Does anybody want any orange juice?

Mikeandvan

28-07-2017, 22:35

Does anybody want any phono stage?

tapid

29-07-2017, 06:58

Yomanze seems to be next on list it seems ?

tapid

29-07-2017, 07:02

Then shaman, then me ( rubbing his hands together excitedly ! )

karma67

29-07-2017, 08:42

Has anybody got any orange juice?
Has anybody got any orange juice?

Does anybody want any orange juice?

Does anybody want any phono stage?

wtf are these posts about???

mikeyb

29-07-2017, 08:56

wtf are these posts about???Bumps perhaps [emoji5]

Bigman80

29-07-2017, 09:01

Odd at best lol

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

Mikeandvan

29-07-2017, 09:04

You need to be familiar with a certain episode of The League of Gentleman. It concerns one of the characters auditioning for the role of 'orange juice girl', for an advert selling orange juice, and that is the line she speaks. I also ask in vain 'does anybody want any phono stage', as no one can be arsed to contact me about sending this unit on, its been in my cupboard for about 3 months. Hope that makes sense!

Bigman80

29-07-2017, 09:56

Ah I get it!!! Yes, very good

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

tapid

29-07-2017, 11:55

mikeyb

29-07-2017, 12:06

CageyH

29-07-2017, 12:08

Have a look at the posts in this thread back in May. ;)

tapid

29-07-2017, 12:32

Not really mike s fault though if nobody s contacting him ?

mikeyb

29-07-2017, 12:38

Not really mike s fault though if nobody s contacting him ?

perhaps, but would you have stuck it in the cupboard for 3 months :scratch: :D

Bigman80

29-07-2017, 13:46

Any phono stage in a cupboard is a waste lol.

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

HackneyRF

29-07-2017, 13:49

Perhaps if you don't hear from yomanze or the next chappie on the list by monday mike I could pm you my details
and take it from there. Also, after my sesh I was going to run the p/stage around to Loz as he s fairly local to me
and I have a free travel pass ( if thats still okay with him still). b.w

Cheers Brian, there is potential for that, however we are upping sticks to St Leonards on Sea fairly soon. Just exchanging contracts so I reckon we only have something like six weeks left in London. Let's see how long it takes to reach you.

Cheers for now

Loz

tapid

29-07-2017, 15:21

The countdown begins, goodluck with the move mate!. Where are you now as a matter of interest ?

Mikeandvan

29-07-2017, 16:56

Perhaps if you don't hear from yomanze or the next chappie on the list by monday mike I could pm you my details
and take it from there. Also, after my sesh I was going to run the p/stage around to Loz as he s fairly local to me
and I have a free travel pass ( if thats still okay with him still). b.w

The first person to pm me their details gets it, if that's you, fine, the others have clearly forgotten.

Mikeandvan

29-07-2017, 16:57

Might have been an idea to post that fact in here earlier [emoji6]

Especially when there's a queue [emoji23]
Yeh I did.

HackneyRF

29-07-2017, 16:57

Walthamstow Brian. Overland from Gospel Oak? to Walthamstow Queens Road.

tapid

29-07-2017, 17:44

P.M sent mike. Perfect Loz.

Mikeandvan

29-07-2017, 22:02

I'll get it off to you early next week Brian, cheers.

Mikeandvan

06-08-2017, 12:29

P.M sent mike. Perfect Loz.

Your orange juice is on its way.

tapid

10-08-2017, 05:51

Orange juice received, its quenching my thirst already !. Loz, have sent you pm.

HackneyRF

10-08-2017, 14:13

Cheers Brian.
Replied.

tapid

19-08-2017, 06:54

P.M for Loz

HackneyRF

19-08-2017, 18:47

The FB arrived today via special delivery i.e. Brian (Tapid) brought it across London in person. Spent a really nice few hours in his company playing records and chewing the fat. Thanks Brian. I don't believe I've heard valve equipment before so it's a very new experience. This evening I've the chance to sit back and listen to King Crimson - 'Red' and Vangelis - 'Blade Runner. Early days yet, but early impressions are good. Looking forward to some more time getting to know it. Thanks for the loan Alan.

Cheers

Loz

tapid

21-08-2017, 11:28

Loz, it was lovely to meet you and spend a few hours in your lovely flat. Yes, my Mahler 6th Lp ( decca Solti ) sounded quite superb
I particularly liked that huge drum strike early doors through the Kef s, which of course gives a good recommendation to Alan s fire bottle ! as well.
I really liked the clarity and general expansiveness of the sound, the Thoren s 160 deck deserving of its reputation, me thinks. Thanks also for cleaning
the 2 records mate, I can clearly hear the improvement. Thanks also to Alan for the loan. best wishes B

tapid

22-08-2017, 06:30

Think I mentioned it saturday Loz, but anyway Shaman is keen to have a go after you. Better rev the bike up though its mid wales !

Firebottle

14-09-2017, 16:38

Much appreciation for the thanks expressed for the loan unit.

I have decided to discontinue this particular model, the loan unit has done sterling service with visits to many members here on AoS.

The demand for a loan has dropped off so I have now sold this particular unit.

If anyone is keen to try out a Firebottle phono stage I have an OTP moving coil/moving magnet stage that can be sent out.

:cool:

Alan

spikey_w

08-10-2017, 17:41