AUDIOPHILE TUBE AMP & PREAMP KITS SINCE 1995
We're home to vacuum tube based amplifier, preamplifier and headphone amplifier kits, speaker kits, finished high end tube audio products, and one of the finest support communities on the web.
Bottlehead chassis, wood bases and speaker cabinets, transformers, and even that nifty little Bottlehead badge are all made to order in the USA.
The majority of Bottlehead kit builders are first timers – and many go on to build an entire system!
Come join the ranks of DIY audiophiles and find out how much better your system can sound when you invest your money in excellent design and high parts quality without having to pay for factory assembly. The Bottlehead Forum has hundreds of members ready to answer questions and offer support to your first kit build.
FEATURED PRODUCT
Bottlehead BeePre2 300B Preamplifier Kit
The Bottlehead BeePre2 is a 300B-based vacuum tube preamplifier that redefines what a line stage can be. Using directly heated triodes for voltage gain, it delivers breathtaking transparency, texture, and drive. The BeePre2 is a no-compromise centerpiece for serious tube systems—especially when paired with Bottlehead phono preamps and power amps.
We offer two upgrade options to make the BeePre2 even more versatile. The Bee2Quiet replaces the stock volume control on your BeePre2 with a stepped attenuator featuring stereo coarse and fine controls with thirty-six 1.5dB steps for a total of -52.5dB attenuation. Add the Hybrid Shunt Regulator and Low Impedance Balanced Output upgrade kit to lower output impedance substantially to about 400 ohms from the unbalanced output, and allow for the addition of balanced XLR outputs.
It typically takes anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks to get your kit ready to ship.
The Bottlehead BeePre2 has a universal power transformer and can be used worldwide by following the wiring instructions in the manual. Please note that international customers will need to provide their own power cord.
We're now including the square version of our badge in each amplifier and preamplifier kit. If you prefer the word mark version, please note that in your order.
PLAN YOUR BUILD
Bottlehead creates DIY tube amplification kits for the discerning builder. Over the past thirty years, we've perfected the art of helping our customers craft their dream setups at a reasonable price and without compromising quality.
To help you get started, we've broken our amps and preamps into three levels. Level One kits are where many people start their Bottlehead journey. More skilled builders love the challenge of putting together our Level Three kits. Whichever you choose, we're here to support you with incredibly detailed assembly manuals, and in our excellent user forums.
Level One Kits
Where most people start. These are excellent kits to get an incredible audio experience without breaking the bank. Advanced soldering skills not required.
Level Two Kits
Use this section to explain a set of product features, to link to a series of pages, or to answer common questions about your products.
Level Three Kits
These are our top-of-the line amps and preamps. These require more patience and skill, but the reward is worth the effort!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
What we provide
Every Bottlehead amplifier & preamplifier kit comes with a wood base, chassis plates, wire, and electrical components you'll need.
The tools you'll need
We provide the materials you need to create your amplifier, but you'll require need some tools, too.
Our detailed manuals
Our manuals are highly acclaimed for their detailed instructions, clear photos, and helpful construction tips.
Support when you need it
Stuck during your build? Looking for inspiration? No problem. We're here to support you through our user forums.
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Picking the Right Kit for your Skill Level
Bottlehead assigns a level to each product in the lineup to help builders understand which kits are best to fit their abilities. Read on to see what those levels mean for you.
BeePre Input Transformer Modification
Illustrated instructions for adding a balanced input to the Bottlehead BeePre 300B Preamplifier.
What Is a Headphone Amplifier? A Practical Guide for Music Lovers
Perhaps you heard someone say a headphone amplifier transformed their listening experience. Maybe you've wondered whether it's hype. Maybe you're trying to figure out if your headphones actually need one. Or maybe you're looking at your first tube amplifier and trying to decide where to start.
Read on to learn the basics.
Read moreabout What Is a Headphone Amplifier? A Practical Guide for Music Lovers