Just wondering - a Firebottle budget amp?

[Firebottle]

Oliver has got me thinking with his 'query' for a possible budget KIN/AIR.

If I bought in something of Chinese origin then sprinkled it with FFD (Firebottle Fairy Dust) would that work?

Just perusing possible starting options:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Douk-Audio-HiFi-12AX7-Valve-Tube-Preamp-Stereo-Preamplifier-Marantz-7-M7-Circuit-/272097661158?hash=item3f5a48d0e6:g:-qcAAOSwX~dWjiH-

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nobsound-MS-10D-tube-amp-audio-stereo-power-amplifier-excellent-sound-AQ-hifi-/271655609495?&tfrom=271712356481&tpos=unknow&ttype=price&talgo=origal

Any thought chaps?

[Audio Al]

Quality or compromise that is the question

I think Quality is the answer ;)

[rubber duck]

Would it be a budget KIN/AIR if there is no direct lineage with the KIN/AIR?

[Firebottle]

The big plus would be to use a decent circuit and power supply mods similar to the KIN/AIR.

Would involve a fair bit of circuit re-construction.

[CageyH]

How about a Firebottle integrated?
You could call it the KIN L. :eyebrows:

[Firebottle]

I think I'll ignore that Kevin :rolleyes:

With further research it turns out that the Nobspond (that should be Nobsound - I've just had to pick myself up off the floor from laughing - damn the poor leyboard skills {see what I mean that should be keyboard} :lol:)

..now where was I (haven't touched a drop yet, honest occifer) the Nobsound is actually a hybrid with LM1875 chip amps, not bad chip amps actually.

[struth]

I think I'll ignore that Kevin :rolleyes:

With further research it turns out that the Nobspond (that should be Nobsound - I've just had to pick myself up off the floor from laughing - damn the poor leyboard skills {see what I mean that should be keyboard} :lol:)

..now where was I (haven't touched a drop yet, honest occifer) the Nobsound is actually a hybrid with LM1875 chip amps, not bad chip amps actually.

I had one of its early incarnations i think.. Was called a different name then but it looked the same..

[CageyH]

I thought you might, but it was my first reaction when I heard the AIR at Gordon's place.

If a budget Firebottle amp could be built, which retained the VFM your other products offer then it could be good, but you would need to retain the all important sound quality. The AIR already offers superb VFM for the sound it produces compared to other products, but how would a scaled down version perform? I also wonder if there is a demand for a cheaper "Pre" to sit below the KIN, to complete the family such as you soon will have with the phono stages?

I reckon a budget Firebottle system could be quite appealing, but I wonder about the market for such gear as people who get to know about this stuff are already into HiFi and probably already have a budget system. I personally see the market opportunity as more of a "first upgrade" target area.

[Bigman80]

My thinking.......

A budget Air and KIN would be within reach of aspiring audiophiles such as myself who don't have the resources to buy £1k amps. And while there are those who have the spare readies, do they have the inclination to by a Firebottle or go with a "brand" they know.

A budget range bridges that gap. A toe in the water so to speak. An opportunity to see what the AIR and KIN are all about. Some compromise is inevitable. Maybe less power ? Less AIR but that's why they would be budget.

I'm no expert but the AIR & KIN Alan has at his place blow my mind. And if I could get 75% of that sound at my gaff I'd be over the moon.

Yes my motives are selfish but i think a budget range and a run on Amazon/eBay could spurn some Alan some real capital. Especially with the recommendation from the aficionado's on here.

[Bigman80]

Also I'd stick with the already established look and save money on the materials of the case, badge rather than etch etc. Save money where it's possible but try to keep the components as good as budget range allow.

[Firebottle]

Thanks so far chaps, I'll keep me thinking cap on :hmm:

[farflungstar]

Dennis (as in Cary) has a wonderful little fire bottle amp on eBay at the minute.

[Bigman80]

Must have sold it as its not there now