Kit amps in the UK

graeme uk · 16th February 2006, 09:13 AM

Can anyone recomend any kit amp companies in the UK?
Im very new to electronics so i want to try building a kit first to gain experience.
Im going to use my old speakers temporarily, they are mission 733's.
I guess im going to need somewhere around 20-30w.
I need a phono stage and at some point ill add a headphone amp.
I guess that means i need a pre/power combo and a seperate phono stage.
Ive never had a seperate headphone amp, do they go between the pre and power? Or can you route from the pre to either ther headphone amp or power amp?
Anyhow, i need a decent company in the uk, making decent kits, that do the stuff i need.
I was going to go with World Audio Design, if they are till going.
I supose i can spend about 1000gbp.
Thanx

EC8010 · 16th February 2006, 09:32 AM

A phono stage requires the best construction skills - not an ideal first project. Conversely, a headphone amplifier is an ideal first project - have a look over at Headwize. Alternatively, the WAD power amplifier kits look reasonable.

pinkmouse · 16th February 2006, 09:43 AM

I'm just getting into valves, and to be honest, I'm suprised the WAD kits don't get more coverage here. I suspect, because of the way the internet works, that actually means they are quite good, no-one feels the need to complain or upgrade.

As EC said, a headphone amp is a good place to start, usually simpler and with lower voltages involved, (you might want to read the safety thread at the top of the page), though the WAD amp kits look very straightforward, and once you have had the practice then should go together very easily.

Keep us updated with your progress!

andyjevans · 16th February 2006, 10:29 AM

I have some nearly built amps that just need finishing off - excellent componants like teflon caps, motor run PSU caps, and good valves (6SN7 types). Good transformers too. Minimum effort required - it's mostly just tidying up the output valves wiring. Also have a very nice looking project on an old Beard chassis - wooden base and anodised gold top. I already built and sold one of these and it sounds great. All loctal, equivalent of 6J5 into 6SN7 into parallel push pull 6V6GT in triode. I'm interested in offers for all the above, which would be cheaper and better parts than WAD. I'm in London, Kensington. Andy aeatartsandmedia~at~aol~dot~com

graeme uk · 20th February 2006, 02:01 PM

Im confident i can build what i need, i was going to build from wiring diagrams, but im not quite confident enough.
andyjevans, your amps seem interesting, any more info?
Any pics?

andyjevans · 20th February 2006, 11:20 PM

andyjevans, your amps seem interesting, any more info?
Any pics?>>

I just bought a digital camera on ebay - waiting for it to arrive! Andy

16th February 2006, 09:13 AM	#1
graeme uk diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: essex	Kit amps in the uk Can anyone recomend any kit amp companies in the UK? Im very new to electronics so i want to try building a kit first to gain experience. Im going to use my old speakers temporarily, they are mission 733's. I guess im going to need somewhere around 20-30w. I need a phono stage and at some point ill add a headphone amp. I guess that means i need a pre/power combo and a seperate phono stage. Ive never had a seperate headphone amp, do they go between the pre and power? Or can you route from the pre to either ther headphone amp or power amp? Anyhow, i need a decent company in the uk, making decent kits, that do the stuff i need. I was going to go with World Audio Design, if they are till going. I supose i can spend about 1000gbp. Thanx

16th February 2006, 09:32 AM	#2
EC8010 diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Near London. UK	A phono stage requires the best construction skills - not an ideal first project. Conversely, a headphone amplifier is an ideal first project - have a look over at Headwize. Alternatively, the WAD power amplifier kits look reasonable. __________________ The loudspeaker: The only commercial Hi-Fi item where a disproportionate part of the budget isn't spent on the box. And the one where it would make a difference...

16th February 2006, 09:43 AM	#3
pinkmouse diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Chatham, England	I'm just getting into valves, and to be honest, I'm suprised the WAD kits don't get more coverage here. I suspect, because of the way the internet works, that actually means they are quite good, no-one feels the need to complain or upgrade. As EC said, a headphone amp is a good place to start, usually simpler and with lower voltages involved, (you might want to read the safety thread at the top of the page), though the WAD amp kits look very straightforward, and once you have had the practice then should go together very easily. Keep us updated with your progress! __________________ Al I conceive of nothing, in religion, science or philosophy, that is more than the proper thing to wear, for a while. Charles Fort

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16th February 2006, 10:29 AM	#4
andyjevans diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: London	I have some nearly built amps that just need finishing off - excellent componants like teflon caps, motor run PSU caps, and good valves (6SN7 types). Good transformers too. Minimum effort required - it's mostly just tidying up the output valves wiring. Also have a very nice looking project on an old Beard chassis - wooden base and anodised gold top. I already built and sold one of these and it sounds great. All loctal, equivalent of 6J5 into 6SN7 into parallel push pull 6V6GT in triode. I'm interested in offers for all the above, which would be cheaper and better parts than WAD. I'm in London, Kensington. Andy aeatartsandmedia~at~aol~dot~com

20th February 2006, 02:01 PM	#5
graeme uk diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: essex	Im confident i can build what i need, i was going to build from wiring diagrams, but im not quite confident enough. andyjevans, your amps seem interesting, any more info? Any pics?

20th February 2006, 11:20 PM	#6
andyjevans diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: London	andyjevans, your amps seem interesting, any more info? Any pics?>> I just bought a digital camera on ebay - waiting for it to arrive! Andy

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