Thats right, I remmember that article, he built it on a piece of wood and used an input transformer as a driver if I am not mistaken. You have brought up a very good point, some of these DIY amps can run into serious money. Matter of fact I bet you would pay more for parts for that Cayin than you paid for the amp; at least close anyway. Now that I think about it; there doesn't seem to be much point in building unless it is something rare or exotic. Amps have become so inexpensive as of late. Let me see; 160$ for a good power trans, 400 for a pair of opt's... HMMMM!( Lets don't forget 120$ worth of tubes if not more.)