WTB: Bottlehead Foreplay Tube Preamp

[JimOfOakCreek]

If you have one for sale at a reasonable price, I'd like to buy it.

Thanks

Jim

 

[groundLoop]

looking for a project, perhaps?

Jim,

I've got a Foreplay sitting idle at the moment. It was my first attempt at building a tube project, and it was not entirely successful. When it worked, I'd have to say it sounded fantastic. I've used it to front Rotel and Hafler solid-state amps, with really exciting results. Speakers auditioned included DIY full-rangers, Maggies, and KEFs. Honestly, I haven't heard a preamp yet that brough more life to music.

That said, its a finicky beast. I'm not exactly sure what the problem is, but if you just tap the thing, you get some major microphonics. Adjustments to the volume control are quite exciting.

In the last year my wife and I welcomed a baby boy into the family. I don't have the time to tinker anymore. I'm not too sure I want to mess around with high-voltage stuff much either (at least not until I get the life-insurance policy squared away). My next DIY project will probably be a CMOY amp for an iPod shuffle.

So, if you are interested in troubleshooting a Foreplay, knowing that you'd be picking up a project piece, I think I can offer you a serious deal.

I've also got a pair of ASL Wave mono-blocks that go very nicely with the Foreplay. The ASLs are in like-new condition.

Enjoy,
Paul

 

[JimOfOakCreek]

Yep! I'll give it a shot!

Yes, I's be interested depending on price. Do you have the original assembly instructions?

 

[groundLoop]

Jim,

I'll have to do some digging, but, yes, I do have the original instructions. I just turned up the original packing kit and invoice. I'll go find the manual and get back to you.

With the invoice in hand, I can give you some more details.

1x Forepaly Pre-amplifier kit
1x Alder Wood base kit
1x 20.5 GA Crystal Wire
RCA Gold Jacks (8)

Shipped that all added up to $180.50 in 2000. I have a replacement set of tubes I can through in too. What seems like a fair price to you?

Thanks, Paul

 

[groundLoop]

Got it.

Jim,

Ok. Dug up the original manual, wiring schematic, and wiring photo. I also have the invoice for the additional 12AU7 tubes, a matched pair of Electro-Harmonix 12AU7/ECC82 purchase from Triode Electronics in 2001. They came to $31.40 shipped.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[JimOfOakCreek]

Since it needs troubleshooting (and there are no guarantees) how about $90 shipped? I can pay via PayPal.

 

[groundLoop]

$100/shipped and you have a deal. I'll double box the whole thing with Dell Computer boxes. I send you a note with my Paypal address.

Sorry, I'm on baby-sitting detail for a bit. Time to offer my wife a sanity break. I'll check in again before 10:00pm EST, hopefully sooner; its all up to the little tyrant! He's not much for going to bed on time.

Thanks, Paul