I see your point and I did answer the wrong question. Building as cheap as possible then designing around the shortcomings? Interesting concept. As cheaply as possible would probably get you a decent sounding amp; right? So are you suggesting that this be a way to upgrade that would allow people a low initial entry fee; or is it a way to find out what the possibilities are? My question is regarding the cost of building it is all in the Transformers and chassis with a little in caps if you use real expensive ones so where would you save except in using dirt cheap tubes?