How to convert S5 K-12g kit to dual mono?

[downward_dog]

I would like to build the S-5 K-12g tube amp kit (formerly the K-12m). This will be my first kit, so I'm kind of clueless. The kit is at:

http://www.s5electronics.com/tube.html

more info here:

http://www.siteswithstyle.com/VoltSecond/K-12M_AMP/K-12M_Push_Pull.html

Anyway, I'm interested in modifying the kit to be run as a dual mono design. Is this possible? What would it take? Would I be better off buying two of the mono kits (and connecting them both to the same pot) or buying one of the stereo kits (and buy another power supply)?

Thanks!

 

[aerius]

It's possible to modify it, but that'll take so much PCB hacking and rewiring that you're much better off buying 2 mono kits in the first place. I have the kit and I've hacked the PCB myself doing all kinds of power supply & circuit mods, it's not fun.

 

[downward_dog]

Thanks for the help. So if I buy two mono kits, send one channel of input to each, and wire the same potentiometer to handle both of the kits, is that all I need to do?

 

[gmilitano]

Do you want to strap the stereo kit into a mono amp so you get 16W instead of 8W?

 

[Sherman]

Thanks for the help. So if I buy two mono kits, send one channel of input to each, and wire the same potentiometer to handle both of the kits, is that all I need to do?

Yes, except you'll most likely have to buy a new pot since I would imagine the pots in the monoblocks are single units and you need a dual unit to control each monoblock. (You can of course just use the two separate pots controlling each channel separately.)

A good solution for you might be to build a "passive preamp". Just get a dual 100K potentiometer and mount it in a box. Add a 2 pole, 4 position rotary switch and four pairs of RCA jacks. That gives you a choice of four sources. Next take the "output" of the dual potentiometer to another pair of RCA jacks for your output to the monoblocks.