Bottlehead has provided quality DIY tube amplifier kits to audiophiles for over 25 years. Since the beginning, the company has been under the incredible stewardship of its founders, Dan and Eileen Schmalle. We're excited to announce that on June 13. 2025, Dan and Eileen sold Bottlehead's assets and branding to Middle-Aged Kids Engineering (MAKE), a family of audio enthusiasts and Bottlehead supporters.
We'll be making some updates as the company changes hands. Most notably, we are moving the company's headquarters and distribution from Washington to the Greater Saint Louis area. We're also migrating the website to a new platform that we think will be easier to manage and help our customers find the gear they need.
On the product front, we're happy to say that we have a handful of products nearly ready for launch. During the transition we're also reviewing the current lineup and will be retiring some kits. Starting now, Bottlehead will no longer sell reel-to-reel tape equipment, including the tape path kits or tape variants of the Eros. We will also be selling our remaining stock and retiring the Pipettes, Subettes, Sublimes, Crackup, Solitary Confinement, and Bottleheadphone Stand kits but will be looking to replace those with similar products in the near future.
We're thrilled to note that Bottlehead's chief designers - Paul Joppa and Paul Birkeland - will continue on in their current roles. They're on board to help with product design and helping customers troubleshooting in the forums. Dan and Eileen have agreed to hang around with us as well.
We can't wait to speak with all of you. We're honored to carry Bottlehead on to its next chapter.
FAQ
I bought a gift card prior to the sale. Is it still usable?
Yes, we will honor outstanding gift cards. They probably won't work with the new website, so you'll need to reach out to info@bottlehead.com to place an order using a gift card.
Are any products being retired?
Yes, given that we'd require Dan's specialized knowledge in the area, we're retiring kits related to reel-to-reel tape. We'll also be retiring the Pipettes, Subettes, Sublimes, Crackup, Solitary Confinement, and Bottleheadphone Stand kits but will be looking to replace those with similar products in the near future.
Will the forums continue to function?
Yes, we will retain the forums as they exist today.
What if I need a replacement manual?
Contact us at info@bottlehead.com.
What's next?
We have a handful of products in the pipeline that we'll release when they're ready. Stay tuned!
More questions? Drop them in the comments below or visit us on the forums.
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Congratulations on the move to St. Louis, and new ownership. All of my Bottlehead equipment was custom built by Paul Birkeland for me, and has formed a fine tube system for enjoying my vinyl collection as well as CDs and DVDs.
Paul built-in several MQ transformers, including Cobalt B7s in the line stage, as well as including V-caps wherever possible. I wish you great success as you develop new pieces in the BH line. Cheers! Hank Murrow in Eugene, OR.