WARNING: Tube/Valve amplifiers use potentially LETHAL HIGH VOLTAGES.
Building, troubleshooting and testing of these amplifiers should only be
performed by someone who is thoroughly familiar with
the safety precautions around high voltages.
The Heathkit AA-151 is an EL84 based integrated. You guys think it's worth $150 for the Iron, etc., to try my first amp build of a new EL84 or SV83 based amp design?
My own opinion - I'd put the $150 into Hammond transformers. If I were using parts from an existing amp, it would be one that isn't restorable, and I'm sure it wouldn't be $150.