I just completed building the 8600s.It has all top of the line componets including WE 300B's. It took me about 50 hrs to complete. I took my time and paid very close attention to soldering ! The kit was well packed and organized. The instructions were excellent and very easy to follow ! Victor has been a Saint ! That man is dedicated and very professional ! He was always very prompt in responding to any questions !
The final step are the voltage checks ! My test results were all within spec but I had no left output ! I could not find any issues after inspecting several times ! Thanks to this forum and found a thread that described this very same problem. The ALPS potentiometer had a very tiny solder thread on unit 2 CN308 GND and L1 (left channel output). Problem solved !
If anybody runs into the issue of all voltage checks in spec but no output (could be either channel) check the ALPS connection soldering points ! They are very close together !
This is a fantastic amplifier and fun to build ! My first ! Happy New Year !
The final step are the voltage checks ! My test results were all within spec but I had no left output ! I could not find any issues after inspecting several times ! Thanks to this forum and found a thread that described this very same problem. The ALPS potentiometer had a very tiny solder thread on unit 2 CN308 GND and L1 (left channel output). Problem solved !
If anybody runs into the issue of all voltage checks in spec but no output (could be either channel) check the ALPS connection soldering points ! They are very close together !
This is a fantastic amplifier and fun to build ! My first ! Happy New Year !
Congratulations! I heard a lot of good about those kits, but I haven't tried them yet.
Can you share any pictures with us?
What are you using it with?
How's the sound, any comparisons?
Can you share any pictures with us?
What are you using it with?
How's the sound, any comparisons?
Thanks ! I have some Tekton PS 2-10's and a pair of Rel T/7i's. I use CD but also vinyl of a Fluance 85 and Pro Ject Tube Box S2 (tubes)
I have compared this 8600 with my Wellsenton R8 (upgraded) in the 8600 sounds like butter ! So smooth and clean !
I have compared this 8600 with my Wellsenton R8 (upgraded) in the 8600 sounds like butter ! So smooth and clean !
Looks tight! Nice tubes too! Any possible upgrades in your mind?
It wouldn't run my speakers, as I have KEF LS50 Meta, but would be great for my headphones. Maybe, I'll start with the 6L6 amp from them, will see.
It wouldn't run my speakers, as I have KEF LS50 Meta, but would be great for my headphones. Maybe, I'll start with the 6L6 amp from them, will see.
Thanks ! I have the options available for this amplifier. I have reached the pinnacle of my quest for audio bliss ha ha ! This will keep me happy for my lifetime !
There is, always better but what matters is what your happy with ! We all have one thing in common and that is getting the most bang for your buck ! Good luck with your journey Brother !
There is, always better but what matters is what your happy with ! We all have one thing in common and that is getting the most bang for your buck ! Good luck with your journey Brother !
Likewise! It brings me joy to see people this happy with their builds! I see you're pretty fresh to this forum. It's a great place, with some great people. You'll find tons of fun here Brother. Cheers!
Yes this forum actually helped me solve my problem with no left channel output and yet all voltage checks where in spec on the main PCB. The ALPS volume control PCB is a tiny little thing and that tiny solder bridge had no adverse effect on the main PCB voltage check points. There was a thread about this years ago and fortunately I was able to find it ! Victor offered me to fix it if I covered the shipping to Canada. He's a great guy ! Glad I had that old post to read...saved me $$$
I am gonna sit back and listen to this amp ! Can't afford to do any more projects for a while...wish I could afford to...