Addicted to building kits

[Knightstick]

So I just finished my crack kit, and it sounds absolutely amazing. Now I have the bug to build another kit. I like the look of the SEX kit, and had a few questions before I purchase it. I know in the details it said you can run it mono at 4 W per channel. Can you run 2 in mono and configure it for a stereo output? I would love to know as I have pretty efficient speakers (96 db) and some lower impedance headphones I'd like to drive. Would I also need a pre-amp or something? Any direction on this would be very helpful as l am new to the tube world. Thanks in advance.

 

[Paul Joppa]

When you wire the amp for mono, the gain control only controls that channel. You could in theory adjust each channel  separately to change volume, but that would probably get old very fast  :^)  so a preamp would be a better approach. A so-called "passive preamp," basically a separate stereo volume control with source selector switch, is easy to make and can be inexpensive to buy - Schitt make one for $49.

Note that the bridging puts the outputs in series, so you lose the ability to drive 4 ohm speakers - the bridges outputs can be set for 4 watts into 8, 16, 32, or 64 ohms.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

For what you're doing, you might want to consider the Stereomour instead.  It makes about twice the power that the SEX does and will be quiet enough with the DC filament upgrade to drive really power hungry headphones. 

 

[canonken]

Not adding anything new here - but I am in the same boat.  Had a blast and learned a lot building the Reduction, and want to build more kits more for the fun of it than anything else.  Going to try and shift my Reduction and put those dollars towards an Eros.  Also have my eye a 300B or similar kit.

It is like Lego's...I love building them, but would rather...build another after I finish one!

 

[EricS]

Its fun for sure, but after a few decades, you start to run out of places to put amps and speakers  ;D

 

[Clover]

Its fun for sure, but after a few decades, you start to run out of places to put amps and speakers  ;D

Ha, I'm still have plenty of room and would happily provide additional storage for you should the need ever arise, free of charge of course. 

 

[EricS]

I think my wife might be ready to take you up on your kind and generous offer

 

[johnsonad]

Mine too