Posted by elektratig [ 205.188.209.8 ] on January 11, 2004 at 07:31:20:
In Reply to: DIY amp kits posted by Wayne Parham on January 08, 2004 at 16:19:48:
Of the kits I've built, my favorites are the Laurel 300B monoblocks by Welborne Labs, which have been my principal amps for a number of years. Welborne has replaced the Laurels with a DRD kit. I haven't heard the DRD, but if it's good enough to oust the Laurels it must be quite an amp.
For a real cheapie, I can also recommend the Antique Electronics Supply K-502 kit, an integrated stereo amp for $139.50. I put one together in a couple of hours "bone stock", as they say, and it sounds great with a pair of diy speakers in my garage/shop. The only thing I'd change if I were using it as my principal amp would be to upgrade the pot.
One of the nice things about kits and parts companies is how amazingly responsive and high quality the offerings and people are. In my years doing this, I've only had one less-than-satisfactory experience, and that company is no longer with us.