Moreplay Preamp by Bottlehead.

[Andre Garcia]

Hi to all.
Little late for the party but...
I finished my moreplay valve preamp.

This is a fun kit to assemble, the dimensions are compact you dont need too much place, the instructions are straight forward with no room for mistake. All tests passed flawless. The valves are Russians 6v6.
Moreplay can run easily those two MC7100 in mono configuration. Image, clarity and base is just top notch.
I am very happy with Bottlehead quality.

 

[nerdorama]

Bottlehead is good bang for the buck and good sound. Plus you get to build a kit and have that fun.

 

[gadget73]

Did they make the top plate thicker? I have an old Foreplay and the top plate is thin enough that it bends when plugging in tubes.

 

[Andre Garcia]

Bottlehead is good bang for the buck and good sound. Plus you get to build a kit and have that fun.

The assembly take few days and is totally fun. Soon I will start the Eros2.

AG.

 

[Andre Garcia]

Did they make the top plate thicker? I have an old Foreplay and the top plate is thin enough that it bends when plugging in tubes.

Hi,
The plate is 1/8” ,feel firm enough.
AG.

 

[gadget73]

I think mine is about half that, so nice improvement.

 

[Andre Garcia]

I think mine is about half that, so nice improvement.

1/16 is way too thin and some valves are tight fit.

AG.

 

[mrwood200]

Looks good!
I was aware of the Bottlehead Foreplay, but not this newer model. The reviews on this preamp seem to be very good.

 

[egellings]

Be sure that the amps don't overheat. The way they are stacked in the photo, getting adequate cooling air flow could be a problem.

 

[Andre Garcia]

Be sure that the amps don't overheat. The way they are stacked in the photo, getting adequate cooling air flow could be a problem.

Thanks for your advice.

McIntosh Amp run cold as cucumbers. The NAD I have is an oven with a light load.

Andre.

 

[egellings]

Thanks for your advice.

McIntosh Amp run cold as cucumbers. The NAD I have is an oven with a light load.

Andre.

Are the Macs switch-mode amplifiers?

 

[Andre Garcia]

Are the Macs switch-mode amplifiers?

Sorry I dont understand your question. Both are power amp with mono option for coupling.
AG.

 

[vinylkid58]

Are the Macs switch-mode amplifiers?

They appear to be old school class AB. 100w/ch into 8ohms.

jeff

 

[Andre Garcia]

They appear to be old school class AB. 100w/ch into 8ohms.

jeff

Hi, Jeff.
It is 100 W/CH @ 8 ohms or 300 W mono. people dislike this model because doesn't have autotransformer. the sound and quality is after all a Mcintosh.

AG.

 

[adnick]

Andre, beautiful preamp, looking forward to the phono section build


Andy

 

[Andre Garcia]

Andre, beautiful preamp, looking forward to the phono section build


Andy

I will add some custom details. The Eros 2 is a major soldering work, pretty exited.
AG.

 

[ceylon]

The assembly take few days and is totally fun. Soon I will start the Eros2.

AG.

this looks great.

id luv to see a build thread on here my friend. do u have time to do one?

 

[Andre Garcia]

I don't have a real sequence but here are some pictures taken during the assembly.
Parts received.


Custom pilot light.



Wood Frame gluing. I used a granite surface to ensue flatness.


Chassis and transformer bell painting.


Wood frame treated and mechanical component installed.


AG.

 

[Andre Garcia]

wiring start.


Soldering components and voltage test during the process.


Almost done.


Any question please feel free to ask.

Andre.

 

[adnick]

Andre:

Well done, appreciate you taking the time to document and love your “notes” on the back panel….

Andy