Cheap ($235) SE Tube amp kit, transformer and chassis on ebay

[aspringv]

...I reckon I'll give that a miss then. I was mainly attracted to the full kit, as my failing is often in completing the chassis, hence a complete kit was pretty appealing. Given the constraints of getting decent performance out of it I reckon I'll be better off spending elsewhere. Shame though!

Cheers for the input everyone.

[costis_n]

No, on the contrary!! For this low price, you get a decent chassis too! Go for it and IF you do not like it, you can start modifying it.

[data]

Triode strapped along with better parts (Caps & Resistors) and it might be OK with sensitive speakers. Also you will get pointers from some of the guys here where improvements in circuit and layout are concerned

[tomchr]

My main concern with these kits is the quality of the output and power transformers. Those are the more expensive components, hence, the most obvious place to cut corners in order to offer a "cost effective" (read: cheap) product.

The Edcor OPTs are pretty decent. Not top of the line, but real good bang for the buck.

There are chassis options that don't require too much machining. They're not at scrap metal prices, but for the machining required, they're actually not bad... Check out Audio Catalog for example.

~Tom

[planet10]

Originally Posted by Alain Poitras

If you buy the transformers from Edcor, you will paid about 170$

For an amp like this it would, IMO, be a mistake to go to the higher power OPTs, the appropriate ones are ~$70/pr.

dave

[tomchr]

Originally Posted by planet10

For an amp like this it would, IMO, be a mistake to go to the higher power OPTs, the appropriate ones are ~$70/pr.

Curious: What makes you say that?

~Tom

[cjkpkg]

I went "partial" kit for my first amp...the Tubelab SimpleSE. Started with the PCB and bill of materials and LOTS of support here.

I started on the cheap with inexpensive iron, non-exotic resistors and caps and probably had only like $250-$275USD into it.

Since then I have upgraded certain components - better iron, better coupling caps, and decent tubes.

There are some great P2P amps that would be a great starting place like Mikael Abdella's KT88(spelling?) A super simple SE amp that would be a breeze to P2P up and has good reviews here and other DIY forums.

I highly recommend edcor iron. Lead time is a pain but well worth it for the price. For this type of SE amp I would really recommend the GXSE's and a PT that could handle at least 150-175mA.

[sharpi31]

Bought one, discussed the options here, some very good suggestions, not finished mine yet but hoping to soon.....

EL34B 6N9P 5Z3P amplifier kit - any thoughts on schematic?

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by aspringv

That was quite quick! FYI I'm not associated with the seller in any way, I'm just looking to get informed feedback before I consider a purchace.

It is a good deal or not depending on the quality of the parts. If they are generic Chinese parts then the price is to high. If the parts are Hammond, JJ, Belton and so on then it's a good deal.

A assume no one builds a tube stereo amp because they want to save money. It's because we want an amp that we can't buy. If that is the case why use cheap parts? The most important part of an amp like this is the output transformer. What one are they using? Do you like the way it sounds? If you don't know the answers then why get this one?

[scott17]

OR you could try the complete SE KT88 kit listed in my signature. Yes it's pricey but it is quality. Premium quality custom transformers made in US. Check it out.