I'd strongly recommend a three-way volume control. The gain of most Aikidos is fairly high and it helps to have one volume control for each channel, then a stereo master volume control. This also give you control over the channel balance, which I need in my room.
Opinions Please on Tube Preamp Kits / Documented Build From Scratch Options
- Thread starter Troutbear
- Start date
I tried that gain-reduction trick of his but thought it didn't sound as good as the original.
Placing my order for JB's Aikido line stage 9 pin version this weekend. Comments on the Noval stereo pcb vs the 9 pin dual mono boards? Are dual mono's adding complexity not worth the squeeze or not a big deal? Looks like the PS-21 is suggested for the stereo Noval board. What would I use as a PS from his site for the duals? Comments on his attenuator, power 3 position switch, input selection switch boards? Transform recommendations for either of the above from folks who've built them? Thanks
Chops54
Junior Member
I have a pair of noval boards from the diyaudio group buy some years ago. I built them and the power supply boards but struggled to find a suitable transformer. I put the project on hold for a while and they just ended up forgotten about. I’m planning on retiring sometime soon and they’re on the list 😆
This is unfortunately fairly common for half kits. I end up with a lot of these 1/2 to 3/4 finished projects getting sent to me for completion.
Well it appears that not having an Out of Stock note does not mean Available - as I tried to order the Noval PCB today. At least the PS-21 was clearly marked No Stock. Guess I'll fall into the check periodically and see game.
@Zach - Are you referring to the Attn-Ladder? Attn-Ladder Stepped Attenuator
@Zach - Are you referring to the Attn-Ladder? Attn-Ladder Stepped Attenuator
Well, yes, that's one solution, and quite a bit cheaper than three pricey stepped attenuators. I've been meaning to try one of those.
If you want a pair of these mono octal boards I mentioned, I'd be happy to send you a pair.
Any opinions in this group about the Elekit preamps?
definitely a good choice. it won't replace my Garber EVO (presently looking for a repair guy), but it wasn't meant to. I think Victor Kung is the importer; I got mine from Paul at tubes4hifi already assembled.
Transcendent Sound and then DIYAudio/Pass kits would always be my first choices. Transcendent for tube preamps,DIYAudio for SS, although I have heard pros and cons about the new Korg tube preamp that is also available at DIYAudio.
One other option that I decided to try - and it is a lot of fun - is vintage restoral. Currently I am resotring two Hafler DH-101s from restoral kits available on the Bay.
As per above also, you have a ton of great choices.
Actually have a DH-101 I assembled in '81 with a DH-200; have enjoyed it for years and it's on the eventual re-do update list but would still like to build a tube pre. After reflection on a couple of nice offers, I think I'll just wait out restock at the TubeCAD / GlassWorks site. Was close to simply ordering an Erhard Audio PAS NG line stage but read that Holger referred to his Aretha as a more sophisticated circuit so I'm guessing it may be closer to the JB Aikido.
As sometimes happens, after giving up the wait potential of TBD for GlassWare and ordering a SP-14 pcb yesterday I received an email reply from John B today that he was working pcb procurement and expected the PS21 and Octal Stereos to restock soon - possibly in 10 days. So one incoming and now waiting for JB’s to post so I can order them - likely will put them ahead of the SP14 but why not eventually build up both
