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Let's say a noob wanted to build a SET amp

Wes_in_VA

Wes_in_VA

Super Member
I have some great HE speakers and I've been thinking I'd love to try a 2A3 SET amp.
As I've gotten more into DIY and have honed my soldering skills a bit, I think I'd really love to try building one myself.
It'll be a while before I actually tackle this but I'd like to start getting some feedback here at AK. I've been doing some research and reading here and elsewhere.
I can't read a schematic so I'm looking for something like a kit with step by step instructions. I've been looking at some stuff over at tubelab.com but wonder if there are other options out there?
Also, cost is an issue. I'm thinking my budget will be $300-$500. Doable??

I'm aware of safety concerns so that will of course be paramount in the quest.
 
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Your budget's on the low end for a 2A3 amp (stereo, I presume!) but probably doable if you shop carefully and find a couple of screaming deals along the way...

No kits at that price, but building from scratch is cheaper and more fun.

I'd encourage you to figure out how to read a schematic first. It might sound intimidating but it's really about learning a handful of symbols, translating them to real life parts and then connecting Thing A to Thing B. The beauty of an SE 2A3 amp is that there don't have to be many things in there...
 
Right, but Wes could build an amp of very similar quality at close to his budget if he sources the parts himself. Kit prices include overhead and a profit margin. That's not a bad thing, but it's a consideration.
 
Yeah - it would be pretty cool to find some very good free and readable instructions - then go on the scavenger hunt to find all the best parts and prices. Now I want to do it!
 
Redboy said:
Actually, I might know a project that would fit the bill - is SE45 an option?
Click to expand...

I'm open to about anything.
The only SE amp I've heard is my Decware SE84B. I've run SV83's and EL84's in it and have loved both. I think it's the single-ended magic in general I'm attracted to.
 
Take a look at the Bottlehead SEX amp, it's a little more than your budget-$569. I have two and they both sound great. Very easy to understand assembly instructions, inexpensive tubes, fun to build and easy to do upgrades.
 
Yep, looks like the GSG is it. I like the cost, and I love the amount of support there is and all the info on tweaks to the build. It looks like it's within my skillset, too.
I may even order the board today.
 
I have a Maggotbox SET pull that is very tight underneath and well beyond my soldering skills. My plan it to use the iron from it on a Parks "Budgie". I started a thread on their forum asking for advise. Parks himself seems to check the forum regularly and is very forthcoming with advice.
 
I've started doing a lot of research into the Get Set Go and I'm really excited. This sounds perfect...except that I can't find any info on using it with 4ohm speakers, which both of my main sets are.
Any insight?
 
AndyB said:
Got a 300B GSG. Good amp, you won't be disappointed. Great support also.

Thanks,
Andy
Click to expand...

I've looked at the mods for using the 300B or the 2A3. This whole thing started with me wanting a 300B or 2A3 amp so I'm considering those as options for sure.
What made you go the 300B route?
 
I really like the circuit board approach of these amps. No "birds nest" of wires. I'm sure it is easier to assemble and test also.
 
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