Kits - How to Get Started


Hi,
I want to learn how to build a high-end tube amplifier kit, but have zero experience. Before I buy an expensive kit, I thought it would be a good idea to buy a learning kit. I tried the web and it seems I either find doorbell kits or kits that assume you have soldering experience.

Can anybody recommend a kit appropriate for somebody who is reasonably intelligent (big assumption on my part, I know), but who has no soldering experience and whose long range goal is to build a high-end amplifier kit? I have access to a temperature controlled soldering tool.

The more specific you could be, the more it will help. Thanks in advance.
Jeff
jj2468
imo and what i did > build the bottlehead foreplay preamp first -- you will get the soldering experience you need --- it is also a very good sounding preamp besides being reasonable cost .

then do your tube amp kit ---- i did the audio note kit one.

for newbies, after getting the mechanics down(soldering etc) , the real key to success is how well the construction manual is written -- very basic with lots of pics is best ---- from there its like painting by number . Of course a web site with member support helps greatly also ........
Also consider Hagerman's kits. Before you tackle any kit, Google soldering or check [url+http://www.geocities.com/mistertippy/howto/desolder.html]here[/url]. Practise on any trashed component you find.
before you go for expensive tube kits you should check on velleman ones that would cost you in the $50 range.

they utilise simple preamps, balanced line converters, phono boards, input selectors, remote volume pots with the descent sound quality.
Building a chip amp would be a very inexpensive way to gain some experience... http://www.chipamp.com/ is one source and Peter Daniels http://www.audiosector.com/ is another.