sorry I haven't ever see a PAIA kit

I feel that a few of the other Kits and DIY plans available on the Net probably look more attractive

their tube mic-pre is NOT an all tube unit
and judging by the schematic it looks like the input IC is a SSM2017 INA217 sort of thing with a tube side chain for effect ... a dual IC output.

However it is a complete kit and could be a fun build

keep searching the net and make an informed choice

their Synth Kits probably do attract some attention

Their Fatman is really cool, easy to build and if you have any problems, their support is top notch.

I too was looking at building their mic pre as sort of a entry point into DIY stuff. I found [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.tapeop.c…"]this[/]="http://www.tapeop.c…"]this[/] which is gives a list of modifications you can make to the unit.

I still plan on doing it, just don't have the time for it right now.

I bought their mid-side mic kit and can vouch for their quality, support, and generally "hip" level of respect in other forums.

The preamp isn't a Hamptone or a V72 from seventh circle but it's extremely inexpensive and a great way to jump into DIY. And it's a useful pre. You won't be wasting your money.

You get everything they promise you and phone support is reliable. A true mom and pop operation. And since pop just passed away about 2 months ago (RIP John) you're getting a piece of American DIY history.

http://www.groupdiy.com

for more info and people that do a lot of this stuff
and my sites and pages for more info

I still rate the Green MK1 as the best first time project
and any of the Gain Block units from many supliers as the best type of DIY Mic-pres
and they tend to be the most simple

Seventh Circle and JLM have complete kits
Gain Units (DOA) from Hardy Forrsell JLM SC Purple ... and many more
Old Colonial Sound ... or is it Old School ???

A simple point to point Tube mic-pre based on the Altec., Telefunken or the LA2a make up stage are all very sweet units.

And I have a re-work of Scott Hamptone FET Mic-pre at one of my sites.

Lots to choose from and lots of help out there.

we love our DIY

I used to assemble the old PAIA synthesizer kits many eons ago. John Simonton has brought the company a LONG way! I hadn't heard of his passing away, but that's too bad because he was a unique enterpeneur in this business.
If you are serious about building a decent mic pre, you probably ought to look at some of the stuff Kev lists. That's mainly because the packaging that PAIA has used in the past isn't very good. I have read more than once about people complaining about the RFI the mic pre's pick up from the inferior metal boxes that PAIA uses. But they do make some unique noisemakers...