I just found the specialized kit website with their "integrated" that looks very much like the AMP-STi. Is it the same thing (or very close)? How much for the parts? Wonder if any of you guys would like to assemble it for me?

thanks

One one hand, his Audio Zone amps have reviewed very well, with SixMoon ranking it higher than the original Gain Card. Peter's a machinist by trade and the metal work on his units are top notch. Brandname audiophile hardware is used throughout. I have not heard his amps but have seen them in a couple of Toronto area stores.

On the other hand, it's a gainclone, so it's based on a very simple design that most people with soldering skills can do themselves. Peter typically shares his layout on the discussion board, so you can even copy that if you want. What you're paying for is an expertly assembled chassis, beefy transformer, very expensive hardware, and his labour.

Whether you should do it yourself will really depend on what you're looking for.

regards,
Gar.

I followed some of the DIYaudio forum stuff just as he was creating Audio Zone a couple of years ago. The machining aspects of his amps seem a bit over the top for me. His original 40 wpc 1 input integrated was too expensive IMO at $2000 USD. he even bragged on forum once that the knobs ($60/pair) where the most expensive part of the build. But now with the recent introduction of the AMP-STi (40 wpc 3 input integrated) for $1300 USD I'm more interested.

Just wondered how much the parts would cost for the kit, if it was the same thing as the AMP-STi, and even if the guts and chassis kits were still available.

look at my concept. do you like it?
what do you think, Wayne?