I started my S3X build 6 days ago and I am happy to report that I am done with the electronics and just have to oil the base and apply badge. All voltage and resistance numbers checked out fine. Everything is working GREAT wired at 4 ohms; HE6se and DT1990 Pro driven very well, plenty loud.
The manual is superbly written. NO INFORMATION is missing. NO parts were missing. During the build I was thinking how incredibly lucky I am to get the opportunity to build such a high quality amplifier. The price, the experience, the support, the feeling of accomplishment. I can't thank Bottllehead enough, it's really quite an experience to arrive at the end of a build. I have done a fair amount of soldering but do not consider myself an expert. The S3X build was slightly more challenging than I anticipated. The best advice was "NO Prize for finishing quickly" and heeding it it paid off big time.
When I finished, I compared it to my Crack build and didn't realize how little guts the Crack has. The S3X is a beast of an amp. In all fairness they are both awesome performers.
I forgot how beautiful alder wood is and the S3X looked so good after I finished, I decided to sand the paint off of my Crack base and return it to bare wood. I feel dumb for putting paint over this stunning wood grain. Anyway liking it better now and I also like the bare metal silver metal look. I sanded both the bell and the chokes. Those chokes took quite a bit of work to get all the protective varnish off. Once removed, all of it was polished with Mothers Mag aluminum paste. I really like the brushed look and the end result.
I did have an issue with the left side tube not lighting and it turned out to be a broken red wire on the A12 socket pin. It passed the glow test earlier but no-go at the voltage check. The manual said to look at the wiring going to the B side and sure enough I found it but it was a bit more elusive because I had continuity from a side to b side. After enough poking around it finally just broke away from the pin. That was a relief seeing that as I knew I found the issue. Probably a bad wire strip???
I have NO plans to modify the parts or wire as I REALLY like what I am hearing. The only component of my own that I used was an Audio Note volume pot which has a really nice resistive, smooth feeling to it. I am not sure it sounds any better than the Alps pots I've used, but it is working very well.
Anyway, sorry for being long winded. I am ecstatic with the amplifier. Building the kit is very satisfying and like the Crack, I will never get rid of it. There are two things IMO with Bottlehead kits that are a must. Build your own kit or learn to build it, AND never get rid of it unless absolutely necessary. Thanks so much for a great experience that will last my lifetime ..............
