A truly musical preamp -- plenty of detail but also engaging. Tremendously fun and engaging to build.

Your significant other may not like it. The stock kit lacks tape in and out.

On the assumption that you will read or have read the other reviews posted here about the Foreplay, I will not start from scratch. The genius behind Electronic Tonalities, Don Schmalle, a/k/a Doc Bottlehead, also operates a web site, www.bottlehead.com, that includes a forum, populated by helpful and devoted converts to Doc's products. After I stumbled across the site, I became hooked by the enthusiasm voiced by scores of dedicated music lovers. I was particularly struck by how many of the posts emphasized the flexibility of the Foreplay -- you can build the stock kit, you can build it with ET's upgrades (or add them later), or you can add or substitute you own parts or designs to your heart's content.

I had built several kits and was trying to read some electronics book, but had (and have) no background in science or electronics -- your basic Liberal Arts major. I decided to use the Foreplay as a first step on the bridge between kit-building and true DIY -- basically, I decided to use the kit as a base, but replace many of the parts. From ET, I got the basic kit ($99), the pieces for the wooden base ($15) and an upgrade called Anticipation (I forget the price -- about $45?). From other sources, I got an upgraded power cord (the basic kit comes with a two line cord -- I got a grounded cord), better electrolytic capacitors for the power supply, Hovland caps for the output caps, Holco resistors and ceramic gold-plated tube sockets. Finally, and insanely, I substituted expensive stepped attenuators (in kit form, from Welborne Labs), for the standard volume pots, which probably cost more than everything else put together. I used solid copper teflon-coated 18 gauge wire, also from Welborne. It's difficult to manipulate, but it feels right (and teflon doesn't melt when you're soldering the wire). By the time I was finished, I spent probably $500 on the kit and separately-purchased parts.

The entire preamp is built on a small metal plate, which becomes the top plate when it's later placed on the wooden base. The design is so simple that while you're constructing it you just can't believe it's going to work, much less put other equipment to shame. The instruction manuals (the kit has a manual and the Anticipation upgrade has its own) are first rate, and on top of that, for a different perspective, one of the forum participants, Quest, has posted illustrated step-by-step instructions on his own web sit (linked to the Bottlehead site). Finally, the participants who post on the forum are eager to help. I figured out, for example, how to attach the grounded power cord by reading posts on the forum.

As noted, I built "my" version from the outset, so I can't tell you how the sound differs from that of the basic kit. I can tell you that it is shocking how good this little preamp is. To begin with, I can tell you what there is not: there is no buzz, hum, fuzz or grain. The sound is absolutely clean. What there is, is sound that is detailed but at the same time rounded, warm, and non-fatiguing, from treble to bass. I have several albums and CD's that I use to test for treble "screech" -- e.g., Rosenkavalier and Cyndi Lauper's Blue Angel. The Foreplay passed with honors. My hair stood on end, as it should, but at the same time there was no sibilance or distortion, the high notes were three-dimensional, not electronic. Likewise the bass was full but not bloated. And, most importantly, voices, piano and the like were realistic and musical throughout.

I have lived with preamps by Classe and CJ, and now also have a Welborne Reveille (with parts upgrade), also built from a kit. It's in a different system, with very different amps (single-ended 300B's vs. an EL34 push-pull for the Foreplay), so it's hard to compare. The Welborne is a beautiful preamp, and it's probably even quieter and more palpable than the Foreplay -- as well it should be, since it's almost three times more expensive than even my hot-rodded version of Foreplay (and 13.5 times more than the basic Foreplay kit). On the other hand, maybe it's those 300B's. The bottom line is, the Foreplay is a beautiful preamp and a steal.

Although I'd recommend the Foreplay highly to anyone who enjoys music, I recommend it in particular to anyone who has any interest in building a kit and trying to understand at least the basics of how amps and tubes work. Because the circuit is so simple, and because the wiring is point-to-point, you can really follow the voltages and signal flow. The Foreplay is "starter" kit, a fun educational experience and a truly world-class musical preamp, all in one. How often in this world, where even relatively simple goods are beyond the understanding of even educated lay people, is it possible to say, "I made it myself"?

Similar Products Used:

Welborne Labs Reveille Preamp

Linear, uncoloured and tight. You get to build it yourself.

Low Wife Approval Factor. Some folks might not like dual volume controls.

The Foreplay preamp is one of the hidden marvels of audio. This little giant killer has the potential to change your most basic assumptions about "hi-fi" equipment, and is an experiment you can do at very low cost. Anyone who is serious about sound owes it to themselves to build one of these kits.

Retailing for US$99, the stock Foreplay is a DIY kit which comes with all required components. The circuit is constructed onto a single 10x6 inch baseplate, which can then be mounted into any chassis you like. Bottlehead Corp. also supplies a DIY wooden chassis for $15, which can be finished as you choose, and two standard component upgrades. With all upgrades & the optional base the kit costs about $200. For a small extra charge it can also be purchased in completed form, so those who are a bit wary of DIY projects can still join in the fun. The kit can also be the basis of further custom upgrades and modifications.

The sound? Magnificent. I would unhesitatingly put the Foreplay up against any preamplifier, regardless of manufacturer or price. It could possibly be bested by some esoteric and expensive models out there, but it would be embarrassed by none. The sound is open, spacious, detailed, and extended. Bass is tight and accurate without any trace of boominess or roll-off, and highs are extended up past where the birdies sing. The soundstage is wide, deep and high.

The circuit is a model of good design philosophy. Simple point-to-point construction and practical layout provide the low-noise, high-fidelity performance. The baseplate is not crowded with components, but could look a little daunting to those used to working on PCB kits - don't be put off, it is easier than it looks. The manual is clear and easy to follow and is pitched at complete novices. Astute and friendly help is available to all from the tube gurus who hang out at the Bottlehead forum at Audio Asylum - novices are particularly welcomed & encouraged.

Subjectively, the Foreplay has let me appreciate my music collection all over again. I'm hearing things I had never noticed before, even on recordings I thought I had known well. It's that good, and I've learned something about my equipment during the process (both how it works and that $$$ do NOT necessarily equal good sound).

The basic kit + chassis is fantastic value by itself, but the two main upgrades are highly recommended. The "Sweet Whispers" stepped attenuators (which replace the standard volume controls) remove a layer of veiling from the music, and the "Anticipation" active tube loads (4 small solid state devices, each of which replaces one resistor in the circuit) give a definite improvement to the already excellent sound - adding them in is like adjusting the focus on a projector from pretty good to crystal clarity - everything snaps into place and tightens up, dynamics are improved, and detail is enhanced.

A wonderful product, great sound, a friendly & helpful company, and a terrific support website - what are you waiting for? 5 stars is not enough.

Similar Products Used:

Audio Research, Golden Tube, Audio Note, Cary, Forte, NAD, Pioneer, Rotel, other DIY.