Hi everyone.
I just joined diyAudio. I wanted to gain a better understanding of the principles of tube amplifier design, construction, and operational theory. There is a wealth of knowledge here and many great examples of DIY builds. I am excited to be a part of this community.
I have been addicted to DIY audio for many many years, but just recently decided to give tubes a try. Based on the minimalist design and great sound, I wanted to start out with a single-ended-triode (300B) kit that could be modded rather than going full-on scratch-built as my first experience. I spent considerable time researching and I found myself torn between Sun Valley, Sun Audio, Elekit, and Audio Note. Not a lot of comparison reviews out there for these contenders. Buying an amp without hearing it or touching it can be stressful. I ruled out the ones based on circuit boards and eventually decided on the Sun Valley 300B (SV-S1616D) with the Hashimotos. My decision factors were point-to-point construction, price, and footprint (aesthetics), and the great experience I had emailing with Victor at VK Music. I just received the kit and the tubes last week and the quality is exceptional. I went with the V-cap ODAM upgrade, and I have a few other upgrades in mind as I get into the build - upgrade the IEC to 3-terminal to add earth ground, upgrade the volume pot, add audio grade tube sockets, perhaps better quality hookup wire, maybe upgrade a few resistors, and even considering the idea of a hardwood front panel. I bought the GZ34 rectifier tube so I can experiment with the sound difference between tube vs SS rectification. I am looking forward to the building and learning experience.
Thanks for reading my intro and happy DIY'ing to you all.
I just joined diyAudio. I wanted to gain a better understanding of the principles of tube amplifier design, construction, and operational theory. There is a wealth of knowledge here and many great examples of DIY builds. I am excited to be a part of this community.
I have been addicted to DIY audio for many many years, but just recently decided to give tubes a try. Based on the minimalist design and great sound, I wanted to start out with a single-ended-triode (300B) kit that could be modded rather than going full-on scratch-built as my first experience. I spent considerable time researching and I found myself torn between Sun Valley, Sun Audio, Elekit, and Audio Note. Not a lot of comparison reviews out there for these contenders. Buying an amp without hearing it or touching it can be stressful. I ruled out the ones based on circuit boards and eventually decided on the Sun Valley 300B (SV-S1616D) with the Hashimotos. My decision factors were point-to-point construction, price, and footprint (aesthetics), and the great experience I had emailing with Victor at VK Music. I just received the kit and the tubes last week and the quality is exceptional. I went with the V-cap ODAM upgrade, and I have a few other upgrades in mind as I get into the build - upgrade the IEC to 3-terminal to add earth ground, upgrade the volume pot, add audio grade tube sockets, perhaps better quality hookup wire, maybe upgrade a few resistors, and even considering the idea of a hardwood front panel. I bought the GZ34 rectifier tube so I can experiment with the sound difference between tube vs SS rectification. I am looking forward to the building and learning experience.
Thanks for reading my intro and happy DIY'ing to you all.
