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question about preamp kits

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Submitted by Mckey on

So Ive gotta build a POS preamp for one of my classes, Im not expecting anything out of that. But it did get me wondering if there are nicer kits available somewhere. I wouldnt mind trying to tackle a much more complicated, somewhat higher end kit. Ive been searching google for a little time but most of the kits are cheap and cheesy. I just want to see if I can make one that actually sounds half way decent, itd be a good chance to really learn what goes into making a preamp. So if you guys know of a place pass on the word! Thanks!

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Kev

lots of good stuff out there



the seventh circle stuff is fine and on your side of the world



the JLM Audio stuff is great ... but I'm biased



other DIY stuff found at http://www.groupdiy.com



for the biggest learning experience

a Tubed Mic pre is a good one

and if you build point to point or on a turret board it will impress your friends



the Scott Hamptone one was nice



the DOA style opens the door to John Hardy, Fred Forssell and other gain blocks



lots to choose from so do your research before you start

Mon, 09/07/2009 - 01:41 Permalink
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Mckey

Thanks Kev! Yeah I was hoping to get a tubed pre. I know its supposedly dangerous, but I mean the worst that can happen is it'll shock me to death, I dont see the down side. Haha jk. I think due to budget restraints It'll be a longer project than I anticipated. Im prolly going to be buying one piece at a time every few weeks or so. Which is fine, Im not in any rush. Unless I find a complete kit in my budget, which doesnt seem to be the case at this point. But this should be fun!

Mon, 09/07/2009 - 10:08 Permalink
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Kev

my advice is that you don't need a kit

BUT

I do get why people want to start with a complete kit



the DOA style is very simple and a good way to start

the JLM and Seventh tend to be set for chassis style

this can up the price



I like the simple one and two channel and you can see this on my pages

The JLM Baby Animal is a nice package with some variant possibilities



for a complete kit on the Tubed side

http://www.hamptone.com/products.html



for a first attempt at a construction with a better than average result

the Green Pre Mk1 is one of the best

a useful sounding unit, cheap with an excellent chance of completion for a first timer

BUT

it is not sold as a complete Kit

Mon, 09/07/2009 - 15:11 Permalink
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Mckey

Oh man... so many choices now... I love the hamptone tube kit, but a grand... gonna have to make some magic happen there.



the JLM stuff looks great... I wish they had kits for Dual99v500... I think I have to have that thing...



A friend of mine suggested I might try a mod kit to a cheaper pre already assembled. I dont know about this route, but its worth looking into. I know someone fixes up behringers to be half way decent, but still... can you turn a pinto into jaguar? (cars, not animals)

Tue, 09/08/2009 - 11:55 Permalink