@ghasley @jjss49 I think some people just like to try new things, and they get bored of what they currently own. More people suffer from this than we like to admit. Huff does keep some stuffs he really likes like his Deville and the Pass. @jjss49 I recently started buying locally in the state and loving the experience. Kinda addicted really. Wish I had more funds to explore. |
I purchased the Billie mk2 about five months ago and I must say, it’s an incredible amp. It pushes my Pure Audio Project trio 15’s to excellent clear levels. The background is pitch black and not a hiss or sound from my speakers, dead quite. I believe when you pair a well put together amp, TT (td124, mitch cotter, Garrard 301) and dac(gustard)with fine speakers you can make beautiful music once set up correctly. I listen to many genres, rock, blues, jazz, soundtracks etc...everything I threw at the Billie were handled easily. What impressed me the most, was the tight base response. Wind and string instruments were also exceptional. The built in phono was also very good, and sounds even better if you have a great SUT. I’ve heard the pass lab equipment in my home, and yes it’s beautiful and expensive. The question should be, how much more are you really getting in musical quality with a 10, 15 or 25k dollar amp compared to a reasonably price 2k amp? I’ll tell you, not much. I’m a tube gear head, 300bs, el34s, kt120s etc...and my equipment is not cheap by any means, ive heard a lot and know when im listening to something special. This was my first experience with a class d amp and i believe adding the tube pre was genius in the Billie and how it was executed. All I have to say, is try it, I think you’ll be blown away. And yes, Huff is convincing, but I listened to him and that’s how I found out about the Billie. Don’t be caught up that a system needs to cost 25k for it to sound great, it’s synergy baby! |
Just a little experience with Itai (President of Heaven11). I bought his personal demo unit BillieAmp. He said he had it tested, replaced the tubes, updated firmware before shipping. Being a demo (allegedly his personal amp), no 30-day trial but did come with a 1 year warranty.
The thing hummed like a dozen hummingbirds. And, only on one source (analog)…even if no source was connected. Send Itai a vid of the amp humming. He agreed it was bad. Sent it back. His staff couldn’t fix it.
Again, under warranty, but he could not fix it. Wouldn’t replace it. And, to rub salt in the wound, made me pay for shipping to get the amp back.
I tried different receptacles, tried an eliminator, tried another power cord, tried it with and without sources connected. Tried two different set of speakers. Tried different speaker wire sets. STILL HUMMED LOUDLY!
I paid him 5 figures for a paperweight. He won’t even honor the warranty!
I think he bends over backwards for the YouTube folks. But, a cash customer? I’m stuck. If you get one that works, great! If not? Too bad, so sad! Buyer beware! |
@graphicguy Sorry about your troubles with the Billie folks. After they attempted a repair, did they say if the "hum" was still present? Have you tried the amp at a friend's house or maybe a local HIFI store to eliminate your house as a variable? I recently had a bad 60hz hum with a pre-owned tube preamp and I made a long thread about it trying to remedy it. I ended up opening it and found a ground wire that was broken from its terminal and now it's fine. Probably dislodged during shipping. If you'd like, I can try your Billie at my house - I'll pay for shipping. Bit of a trust issue I suppose but I'd be happy to help you trouble shoot it. |
