Alright, problem solved!
Even though last time I thought it was a bad solder joint because the chopstick tapping test on the joint caused drops in output....what was
actually going on was those taps were vibrating to the nearby removable spade connectors. So now I realized that tapping the spade connectors was the culprit. Since I never used the removable spades to roll output caps anyway, I decided to now hardwire the caps properly.
No more drops when doing the chopstick test! And music is coming through steady and clear.
PB, I remember you said not to use the spades before I started my build saying they wouldn't be reliable lol. Well, after a couple years, you ended up being right as usual. Sorry for not listening! I was so excited to make this amp a tweaker's paradise. But now I realize the amp as is gets me lost in my music and that's more important. Next project will be adding linseed oil to my newer curly maple base. Cheers all.
