Personally, I don't have a clue. When my Technics 200W amp packed it in on one channel a looong time ago, life and kids and job consumed everything and music was not a priority for quite a few years.
Finally I had time, but didn't want to spend megacoin, but of course wanted the best sound I could get. I found Bottlehead, bought a FPII (11+ years ago now), assembled the proper tools like a temp controlled solder stn, good meter, etc, and built my first kit ever. I can read and follow instructions very well, and the support forum convinced me I could do it. And damn, it actually WORKED!!!! I went on to do some tweaks based on info on the forum, and then built a set of Paramours and a Seduction based on my success with the FP. And they worked too, and continue to work to this day.
A few months ago I bought Doc's Vinyl Lover's Deal and am now building a whole new system - Eros, BeePre, and Paramounts. I still have no clue as to how this really all works. My friends and family are all amazed at the results and the awesome sound. As am I of course. I love my system, and I am extremely proud that I built it.
I remember when I first got things running, my youngest son had some friends over and they were listening and he said "Look at this guys -- no tone controls!!!" A very interesting observation I thought.
If you really want to get overwhelmed, try reading some of the digital forums, even on this board. Yikes, analog is so simple in comparison.
Aural Robert.
... PLAY LOUD ...
Origin Live Calypso TT w String Theory arm & Shure V15VxMR, Eros or BH DAC -> BeePre -> MonAmor 2A3s w JJ's => Blumestein Bamboo Tritons on Blumenstein Bamboo stands, AND Enhanced SEX w Sexy spkrs and subs in the WAF zone. DIY Belden 89259 w Eichmann interconnects throughout