ELEKIT TU-8900 2A3/300B (Stereophile Review Available NOW - July 2023 Edition)

[Toys4Boys]

I would love to but my health has been problematic, so not sure I'm up to it.

 

[findog3103]

Super excited: all my voltages are good after I finished soldering. Whew.

 

[Hifihunter]

findog3103 I see one thing you might want to look at. The little black capacitor next to the big Audionote coupling caps needs to be removed overwise i think it is in parallel with the Audionote cap. Maybe Victor can confirm this.

 

[findog3103]

You mean the two that are in between the tubes and copper audionote?

 

[Hifihunter]

Yes.

 

[findog3103]

Ok. I will wait for Victor to confirm.

 

[vkung]

yes.. you need to remove the stock cap 0.1. You either to use the audio Note Silver or o.1 stock cap..
This amp is deserve to use better 2A3..

 

[findog3103]

My voltages weren’t great after I took out the .1 stock caps. So I’m trying to resolder the audio note caps before putting it back together, but it’s not as easy as all the others. How does this look?

 

[findog3103]

My voltages are good except at measure point 9: .065 Vdc.

 

[findog3103]

I have a feeling it is the solder at the right of this photo. I had to cut and strip the wire and it doesn't hold the solder so well. Any advice?

 

[dcgibby]

Why don't you use the studs that came with the kit, then solder the cap to the studs? I found it much easier that way. Also, looks like you have way too much solder on those connections.

 

[findog3103]

Thought of using the pins if resoldering one more time didn’t work. However, resoldered and all voltages check out and tested it with music.

 

[findog3103]

Sounds amazing. Even better than the 8600s I built. Using it with the 2a3s right now.

 

[dcgibby]

Glad to see it worked out. I love my 8900 with 2A3s. I've got an 8600S, and an 8850 and I think the 8900 with Linlai Global Elite 2A3s may be my favorite.

 

[findog3103]

What small tubes are people using?

 

[Hifihunter]

This is what my 8600 looks like right now. Trying out some small tubes. All kinds.

 

[findog3103]

Zoinks!

 

[JoeyGS]

What small tubes are people using?

Just finished assembling my TU-8900 and in the process of running in. With 20hours run time, I hear better output with 12bh7a tubes than 12au7. Currently using Toshiba 12bh7a tubes

 

[Capman1961]

I only use the best cap made in USA - Vcap CuTF or Jupiter Copper

Hello Victor
what is the sound of Arizona green cactus capacitors ? Thanks

The Green Cactus Capacitors are Polyester/Paper/Aluminum foil

 

[Capman1961]

Do you mean the Jupiter ratio copper? are they only available from you if so how much are they?

Jupiter makes a few different types/styles of copper capacitors. Check out their website