getting ready build first amp, newbe questions

[j_dunavin]

I'm going to build amp project number three out of the "high power audio amplifer construction manual"

The auther does specify what size of resistors ( power rating) to use in the last stages, like 2W resistor here, 5W there. So should i just use 1/4 W when not specified or should i go with 1/2 W? And what do you guys use for resistors, just plane ol carbon resistors?

[XEAGLEKEEPER]

I'd go with 1/4 watt metal film unless otherwise specified.Metal films are not as noisey as carbon resistors.

[j_dunavin]

really metal film hu? and 1/4W will be fine?
Another question i thought of was, since this design in the book is just a power amp, can i place like a 10K pot on the input for volume controll, or do i need to implement a pre amp stage? I really wish i could scan the schematic in , but i don't have a scaner. BUT the input stage doesn't look like it needs a pre amp to dilver enough voltage the output transistors.

[XEAGLEKEEPER]

What kind of power does this amplifier boast?

[XEAGLEKEEPER]

I am a preamp firm believer. But passive volume control is possible.But I think you will be disappointed with its performance.Have you checked out ESP http://sound.au.com. He (Rod) has some awesome amps. If you purchase pcboards from him he provides excellent and detailed instructions as well as tons of techsupport .

[j_dunavin]

see i duno about the power output. In the project before he says 150W then in the project after he talkes about 200W, so i would guess somewhere in between.
And yes i have looked at the projects over there at ESP. They do look nice and since i have no real experiance as of yet.... perhapes i should try one of his designs first. At least with the preamp.