How similar sound wise is the Blowtorch to the JC-1?
Rare find Blowtorch Audio Preamp
Went to one of my local dealers today to buy some used records and on the used audio shelf was a Blowtorch Audio Preamp in excellent condition. This was built by 3 people back around 1997 by John Curl, Carl Thompson and Bob Crump. John designed the circuit and power supply. Carl Thompson created the optimal board and Bob Crump selected the parts. The Preamp and power supply were housed in billets os Aero-Space grade aluminum. Some build features include teflon insulated silver wire. A fully symmetrical circuit. Gold plated circuit boards. Toshiba NOS Jefets and Hitachi NOS Mosfets. It's all hand soldered w/silver solder.. It has 2 separate volume controls and a phase reversal switch. John Curl called this preamp his finest effort. New in 1997 it was $20,000. The production number on the unit was 0004. Dopey me I forgot to ask the price. Very impressive and rare.
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The same CTC BlowTorch Preamp with the one Volume Control for 5000 https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa1aj3-ctc-builders-blowtorch-solid-state?creative=305983658573&gclid=CjwKCAjwg6b0BRBMEiwANd1_SFp6aCPG85rbDAuyQQCidfvdDudA3CMsdVDMEyzsslmB_MNy36kobBoCDTsQAvD_BwE&keyword= |
“The circuit design by John Curl with layout by Carl Thompson and final assembly/burnin/voicing by Bob Crump is a storybook of the best parts working in the simplest symmetrical, direct-coupled configuration. PC boards are teflon, as are the capacitors. It takes three months to build one unit. If you think the price is high, do the math: three guys divide the profits of about $7500 per unit. 90 days work is required. That figures out to $833 per man per month, below-poverty-line wages. There are no dealers, no dealer pricing, no phony discounts. You want one, call Bob Crump at 713-721-4756 and send all the dough in advance, then wait. You'll hear from Bob eventually.” >>>>>>Well, actually you won’t hear from Bob Crump since he passed away around 15 years ago. |
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