HiFi Kit Building- have you ever built any hifi gear?

There is not one item that remains as the original factory spec being used in my audio system.

All audio devices in use are substantially modified audio devices that, under the hood, no longer represent what the original design brief set out to achieve.

Then there are the custom-designed, commission-built devices.

What can't be seen for being tangible as a result of the designs in use are the very long-term relationships developed between the designer/builder and the end user. 

Such long relationships are much more attractive than the music that is the result of the encounters are able to create. 

TT levelling platform, shelving, absorption panels. More of a woodworker than electronics.

I have built lots of speakers, turntables (not arms), cables, and electronics.  Hafler amps and pre-amps, Dynakit pre-amps, tuner and amps,  Even a Scott integrated SS amp in the 1960s.   Shelves, isolation bases, amp stands...  Pretty much everything except a phono arm, cartridge and digital equipment.  

Hafler DH500, at the same time Tower speakers with help from a cabinet maker, then I f-up the expensive rosewood veneer. Glad I couldn’t hear that. 

Oh yeah! A Hagerman Bugle 3, and a Hagerman Cornet 3, two VTA amp mods to my Dynaco 70s (one of which was built as a Dynakit 70 by my uncle in 1964).  Also built a Hafler DH500 kit in the 80s, plus have done many non-kit DIY builds and mods. 

It’s a great way to learn.  The more you do, the easier it gets.