Posted by IkeH (A) on September 28, 2006 at 20:41:14

Dear All,

I am itching for a second AN kit project. I am thinking of Kit 1. I would appreciate if you could share your thoughts on:

1. Standard vs. PQ edition
2. 300B vs 2A3

I would be especially interested in impression on how they compare to each other.

Thank you!

• Re: Kit 1 - pet 09:08:15 09/29/06 (8)
  In Reply to: Kit 1 posted by IkeH on September 28, 2006 at 20:41:14:

  I hope this may help , I had orginally built the standard Kit1 but had the PQ upgrade this past year. I would definitely go with the PQ kit , considering the cost of of future upgrades and the vast improvement with the C-core trans.

  happy listening
  pet
  
  

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  • Re: Kit 1 - limono 12:35:06 09/30/06 (1)
    In Reply to: Re: Kit 1 posted by pet on September 29, 2006 at 09:08:15:

    Guys
    I'd be intersted in buying a a pair of your old trannies if you decide to upgrade to double c-cores as even the IE cored onnes are .much better that what I have now. Regards, L.
    
    

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    • Re: Kit 1 - Jean-Claude 01:10:17 10/01/06 (0)
      In Reply to: Re: Kit 1 posted by limono on September 30, 2006 at 12:35:06:

      Hi Limono,

      No problem , if I manage to install the double C-core on my current chassis, and if funds allow to get the double C-Core ;-)

      Jean-Claude
      
      

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  • Re: Kit 1 - Jean-Claude 13:51:38 09/29/06 (5)
    In Reply to: Re: Kit 1 posted by pet on September 29, 2006 at 09:08:15:

    Hi,

    In which extent is it a vaste improvement..I currently have the signature KIT one...?

    Regards

    Jean-Claude
    
    

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    • Re: Kit 1 - pet 14:36:47 09/29/06 (4)
      In Reply to: Re: Kit 1 posted by Jean-Claude on September 29, 2006 at 13:51:38:

      
      I was asked to write a review of my upgrade by a fellow member but I don't think I can at this time , I had only upgraded the trans in late March of this year. My kit was built back in 1999 , I had upgraded all the internal components thru the years , including copper foil caps , cerafine filament caps , AN-v cables , tantalum resisotrs , etc.... but the C-core trans was the only upgrade , IMHO , that had an immediate improvement sonically. I hope this was helpful , Jean-Claude .
      
      

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      • Re: Kit 1 - Jean-Claude 23:19:53 09/29/06 (3)
        In Reply to: Re: Kit 1 posted by pet on September 29, 2006 at 14:36:47:

        Pet,

        This is what I feared ! I built my KIT last year (standard version)and I upgraded the Driver board (harwired / copperfoil / tants), BG for filament board, BG for 300B, An-V between drvierboard and Elma switch, chrome shroud covers.
        But I am not sure to have enough room in the chassis to install the double C-Core trans ?

        Jean-Claude
        
        

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        • Re: Kit 1 - beto1 04:56:58 09/30/06 (0)
          In Reply to: Re: Kit 1 posted by Jean-Claude on September 29, 2006 at 23:19:53:

          Hi Jean-Claude,
          Brian has designed a 35mm wider chassis to use with the double C TX.
          Regards,
          Beto
          
          

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        • Re: Kit 1 - pet 04:42:20 09/30/06 (1)
          In Reply to: Re: Kit 1 posted by Jean-Claude on September 29, 2006 at 23:19:53:

          Jean-Claud ,

          I believe you will have no problem installing the C-core trans , I'm assuming you have
          the stainless chassis. I had to replace my chassis to accomodate the C-core trans but
          if you had built your Kit last year , I think you will have no prblems. Can you tell more
          about your hardwired driver board , it sounds like an interesting upgrade.

          Pet
          
          

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          • Re: Kit 1 - Jean-Claude 08:35:04 09/30/06 (0)
            In Reply to: Re: Kit 1 posted by pet on September 30, 2006 at 04:42:20:

            Pet,

            Indeed I have the stainless chassis which is 400mm wide by 300mm deep. Do you think it would be correct for the double C-core trans ?

            Regarding the hardwirer driver board it is a wonderful experience. I have first implemented the standatd version (PC board, but I had ordered at the same time the Hardwire version with AN copper foil cond and tant's resistors. I had to drill the board (8 to 10 holes were missing).
            The difference between the 2 boards is not subtle.
            It took almost 4 months until the KIT one revealed its potential.

            Jean-Claude

            
            
            

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• Re: Kit 1 - limono 05:00:48 09/29/06 (0)
  In Reply to: Kit 1 posted by IkeH on September 28, 2006 at 20:41:14:

  well
  I may not fully answer your question but if you have the money go for P.Q version as it is a very good value (in term on AN gear) for money as expensive as it seems. When you look at the new double C -core transformer price it is close to $1.5k a pair if bought separately. Count the rest of the parts (BG's and cooper oils silver wire etc) and it looks that it is priced VERY resonably. I'm fooling with AN Quest's (standard with EI cored trans 300 and rather average parts quality) and it easily trounces my DIY all cerafines, Black gates and jensen oil "Flesh & Blood" with lesser (but quite substantial ) output transformers. It is a trivial but often forgotten (also by me ) truth to start with opts and than add exotic parts. Regards, L
  
  

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