Easy enough?

[wolfetan44]

Could a first timer build this amp, such as myself? Any people that built this amp as their first kit, and have thoughts/experiances to share? Thanks!

[Doc B.]

Most Crack amp builders are first timers.

[earwaxxer]

I would go for it! Take your time and enjoy the process. Great support here if (when?) you need it.

[wolfetan44]

Most Crack amp builders are first timers.

Yes, but do they really have no previous experiance?

[Doc B.]

Most Crack amp builders are first timers.

Yes, but do they really have no previous experiance?

At what? Seriously, why not take some control of your destiny and build something with your own hands? There is no greater satisfaction than having made something yourself. The worst thing that can happen is that it doesn't work the first time and you need a bit of help getting it running. Which is what this forum is for. As far as I know the only guys who might have kit that isn't working are guys who didn't take advantage of this community's support. And most builders have their kit working from the get-go, or maybe need just a little bit of help sorting things out.

Building these kits is about so much more than buying some audio stuff for instant gratification. Not only do you get gear that sounds as good as anything you can buy pre-made, you gain valuable life experience. Build one and you will want to make more of your own gear. It's a very satisfying pursuit.

[Laudanum]

To add to what Doc B says ...  If you build it, you can also fix it if ever required.   You can fix anything on this amp with the exception of a bad power transformer (which would be pretty rare).   Every part needed for repair is readily available either through Bottlehead as well as dozens of online vendors.   It's also upgradeable/modifiable should you ever desire.   Only thing I would recommend is some basic soldering practice before starting on the amp and using a soldering station with adjustable temp. (not expensive) instead of a cheap pencil iron.  Neither is necessary either but would probably make for a neater build the first time out.  This wasnt my first kit or build but it would have been a real good choice to be the first. 

Go for it.

[wolfetan44]

Most Crack amp builders are first timers.

Yes, but do they really have no previous experiance?

At what? Seriously, why not take some control of your destiny and build something with your own hands? There is no greater satisfaction than having made something yourself. The worst thing that can happen is that it doesn't work the first time and you need a bit of help getting it running. Which is what this forum is for. As far as I know the only guys who might have kit that isn't working are guys who didn't take advantage of this community's support. And most builders have their kit working from the get-go, or maybe need just a little bit of help sorting things out.

Building these kits is about so much more than buying some audio stuff for instant gratification. Not only do you get gear that sounds as good as anything you can buy pre-made, you gain valuable life experience. Build one and you will want to make more of your own gear. It's a very satisfying pursuit.

I'll think about it, thanks guys:D

[earwaxxer]

well said Dan! - footnote -  that was, I believe and excerpt from chapter 10 of Bottleheadology titled "Don't be a dork, just do it"

[adamct]

You can definitely do it. Read my post here: http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,4232.msg39266.html#msg39266

In that post is a link to a useful project to practice on before you tackle the kit (not necessary, but if you're going to practice, you might as well build something useful while you're doing it, and that crossfeed project only takes about 15-30 minutes to put together - no further practice is required).

Best regards,
Adam

[Grainger49]

There are always a number of posts in the Crack folder about build troubles.  There are far more kits that are built that work the first time but most of those builders don't post.

The instructions are clear, there are many pictures, one for every step.  Taking your time, checking your solder joints and verifying the components before soldering them are three steps that will make a difference. 

[wolfetan44]

I just need more solder, a lot more. I'm about out

[Grainger49]

I just posted about solder in this thread:

http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,4269.msg39810.html#msg39810

I can't recommend this stuff enough!

[wolfetan44]

I just posted about solder in this thread:

http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,4269.msg39810.html#msg39810

I can't recommend this stuff enough!

I can't find where to buy, the Cardas website doesn't have a buy option.

[Grainger49]

You are not alone.  I had a problem.  Here is a link:

http://cardas.com/solder.php

Looking at the page there is no pricing.  So it has to be bought from retailers.  Try Audio Adviser or Music Direct.  Both are the name plus .com.  The increment is 100g.

[KevO]

FYI,

Cardas Quad Eutectic is $24 from parts connexion 100 grams.

-Kevin