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KT88 SE Basic or Master Kit

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#61
Hello chaps,

Myself and a friend are going to have a crack at this kit, with just a couple of minute changes... Thinking of replacing the tube rectifier for SS, and because I have a couple of NOS 6DJ8 available was thinking of using that in place of the 6N1P. I also will be using NOS KT88 from GEC. So am expecting big things from this amp. The only other difference is the kit will be built inside an enclosure and not on a chassis as provided with the kit. Any suggestions you may have please let me know thanks. (Looking forward to class A triode sound) 😀
 
#63
I listened to Dave's amp yesterday for about 6+ hours and it was, as he noted, dead quiet! We turned it all the way up (with no input signal) and I couldn't hear anything with my ear practically glued to the speaker.

As it's Dave's project, I won't say anything further, other than I was very impressed.
:cheers:

Best Regards,
TerryO
 
#64
I am amazed.

Originally I thought I should spend a few weeks listening to this amp before making an assessment on it, but I think it’s appropriate to comment now.

From the first few minutes of listening, my immediate impression was how clean, smooth, and dead quiet this amp plays. That assessment holds now after a few full days of operation, and I’m sure for quite some time to come.

I’ve listened to a variety of different types of music, and the sound is absolutely amazing. I have a bookshelf pair of speakers that I’m very familiar with, using my SS amp to drive them. On this tube amp, the difference is stunningly more detailed and smooth. The imaging is improved as well.

I’ve been building speakers for over 15 years, and about two or three years ago I became serious about building a tube amp for myself. Through my homework and research, I ran across this SE KT88 kit offering. This is definitely one time I was in the right place at the right time.

This kit is very good for anyone looking for that wonderful SE tube sound – the manual has excellent details, the parts are good quality and kitted together nicely, and the performance is very good. Even for a first-timer like me, I found everything to be straightforward.

If anyone is looking for a good solid SET amp, without hesitation I’d recommend this one. It simply puts a smile on my face. 😀

Thanks, scitizen17 for all of your hard work to make this available.
:cheers:
 
#69
#74
I agree - you will be glad when it's done. 😀

I've run 6550 tubes for several weeks, and couldn't be happier with the performance. Out of curiosity, I thought I'd try some EL34's. I've only used them for a few days, and haven't made any real one-on-one comparisons. However, it seems that vocals are somewhat improved (if that's possible!) with the EL34's.

Dave
 
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#75
regiregi22 said:
What manufacturer makes the custom transformers?

Best regards,
Regi
Click to expand...

My sincere thanks to everyone for the great comments. I really appreciate it.

The transformers were custom manufactured for me by Heyboer. If you will notice the specs, special attention has been given to the output transformer with it's 58 Henry primary.

FYI: I'm still planning on shipping your kit tomorrow. I'll send a PM with details.

Thanks,

Scott
 
#76
I would like to know, if it is possible, the size specs of the enclosure. While the kit is coming, I want to prepare the outer protective layer.

It is my first tube amp; but as far as I am concerned, I am pretty sure that I will not leave a HOT light bulb charged at those god-only-knows potential difference waiting for any clumsy person (read, me) to beat them. That's considering I am pretty careful person. Think about the persons hanging around my house and not being tech-concerned. The only thing that may prevent them to beat the valves could be hanging a warning post, a big one, as big as physically preventing them to beat the valves 😀

Sooooo.... I am thinking in placing some kind of mesh around the amplifier, as a cover. Being not familiar with the tipical approach to this problem in the valve world, I think that one of the most cost effective solutions could be to use a bird's cage of the same size and screwing in to the chassis. That's why I would like to know chassis measures.

What other ideas are commonly used to avoid physical contact with the HV components?

That's another question going around my head: being valves a so dangerous area with those so high voltages, I see no one concerned about exposing transformers and valves in a so explicit way. Some may even call it a pornographic way 😀
Coming from the low voltage SS world, I would be called crazy if I even dare to expose to the outside a MINIMAL spot of a transistor, resistor, capacitor.... everything goes covered and outside the (pre-assumed) unconscious user's physical access.

Making that long story short, I am thinking in using that, of an appropiate size:

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
 
#80
regiregi22 said:
It would be great if i was able to match one of those covers (or other mfg.) to the provided chassis with the kit:

Hammond Mfg. - Perforated Chassis Covers (1451 Series)
Click to expand...

Oh yeah! I found something that should fit as a d*ck in the *** (spanish's expression), perfect match. It is P/N 1451-30, a mesh that measures 17"x10"x5.2". Footprint of the supplied enclosure is 17"x10", and Hammond is the manufacturer too, so it should match perfect!

Bad news are the footnotes:
*NOTE: These chassis covers are NOT compatible with any of our wood sided chassis.
Click to expand...
I think I can always remove the side panels, their only end are aesthetics....
 
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