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Firebottle
08-07-2015, 17:34
As part of the AoS community I like to give a little, apart from (hopefully) getting a handle on the ultimate quality of my latest creation.

Would anyone in the West Midlands like to hear the KIN line/phono preamp in their own system?
It accommodates MM and MC cartridges apart from standard line level inputs.

Shout up and I'll see what I can arrange regarding a visit :)

struth
08-07-2015, 17:37
I got the first word matched

Firebottle
08-07-2015, 18:03
What? :scratch:

Ali Tait
08-07-2015, 18:04
Think he means West. :-)

hifinutt
14-07-2015, 18:37
yes sir , I am in west mids and would like a listen . time permitting

Firebottle
15-07-2015, 06:21
PM sent :)

Firebottle
08-08-2015, 17:59
**ck me! What can you say when something is just so gobsmackingly good?

Went round to Jimbo's who now has the Firebottle KIN line/phono amp on extended loan.

Talk about synergy :eek:
2M Black providing the (startlingly good) music signal.
Firebottle KIN line/phono preamp.
Croft 7 power amp.
Spendor SP2 speakers.

THE most 3 dimensional sound stage I have ever heard, absolutely stunning.

It's provided me with a benchmark to work up to, the most important being the source 2M Black I think. We did try a different power amp but on putting the Croft 7 back in the 3D came back in startling fashion, so a big :thumbsup: for the Croft 7 performance.

Stunning, stunning, stunning (sorry I'll stop now) performance,

:D

Gazjam
09-08-2015, 11:02
Keeping my eye on the separate Kin phono stage Alan.... ;)

Firebottle
09-08-2015, 19:22
You mean the Firebottle Tri then Gaz?

You heard it here first.

:cool:

Gazjam
09-08-2015, 20:50
That'll be the one Alan. :)


You mean the Firebottle Tri then Gaz?

You heard it here first.

:cool:

symon
10-08-2015, 00:23
Oooh!

Jimbo
10-08-2015, 12:02
Another great session with the Firebottle KIN with some extremely good results and synergy with the rest of my system.

One or two tracks via the VPI/2M Black were indeed gobsmacking!

As I have said before the phono stage via the KIN preamp in Alans latest creation is certainly a notch up from previous models but this is probably in conjunction with Alan's new line stage and linear circuit, optimising valve technology.

Further extended listening to come via the Firebottle KIN with a full review/ write up soon.

Jimbo
16-08-2015, 12:34
I have now had a good opportunity to listen extensively across a broad range of music to the Firebottle KIN Preamplifier. I used this in my system with the VPI Scout/ 2M Black ortofon cartridge up front and the Croft Series 7 power into my Spendor SP2's. I did not listen via the linestage as I do not have a digital set up.

The Firebottle KIN has 3 linestage settings and a built in phono stage which is a more advanced version of the Firebottle 2 Phono using Alan's Linear valve technology which translates into reduced distortion. This is certainly audible compared to the stand alone Firebottle Phono stage. The added detail and air around instruments and vocals is more obvious with a very open and transparent presentation.

However the most pronounced feature of the sound presented is its space and 3D soundstage. This is simple superb. It is big and seductive to listen too with great natural presence especially with acoustic instruments and vocals. This is indeed up there with some of the best pre amps I have heard. The acoustic space and reverberation in the 3D soundscape is extremely good. The overall presentation of the sound is both natural and dynamic and very easy on the ear. The Gain can be cranked up without any audible nasties, it simply gets bigger, fuller and more dynamic.

On some of the recordings I have it sounded stunning. The lack of grain in the treble gave it a very smooth but detailed sound and where as some vocals could sound a little harsh the KIN simple allowed them to sound natural and full. It is this lack of distortion, especially in the top end that makes the KIN stand out from the Firebottle phono stage. Alan has also worked some magic on the linestage which I think helps here. There is definitely a synergy between the phono and linestage which makes this a great preamp.

For anyone wanting a preamp with a fantastic phono stage I strongly recommend listening to the Firebottle KIN.

Alan has asked if I could bring this to NEBO6 for anyone who may want a listen in November.

Firebottle
16-08-2015, 14:41
Hi James, your inbox is a bit full :(