Hi Nick,
I should explain that I quoted $AUD250 for LABOR to build an AKSA 55W! The price of the kit was additional, $AUD430, so all up, assembled, biased and tested cost was $AUD680, around $US400.
I need to point out that I can only do this for so long; eventually I'll reach a point where I need four hands because the product line is steadily growing, and my life becomes more complicated!
But while I can, I'm delighted to do this, as long as it's not more than one or two a week. More than that and I'm in trouble, and at present I'm not willing to give this job to my workers, who don't yet have the experience to do it to the necessary high standards.
Georgio,
I am quite happy to supply the amp modules, but for two reasons supplying the complete amp, ready to roll, is beyond me. These are:
1. At least as much time is spent on metal work and wiring as building the modules. This is prohibitive.
2. Inventory requirements for all the metal work, painting and fitting are huge and expensive. This is not high tech work, but it is demanding and it requires a LOT of time and effort I can't spare.
3. Weight and space requirements for the complete amp are high, particularly the transformers, and shipping abroad is very expensive. All these bits are available overseas, often at better prices than Australia, so I have decided not to supply them.
4. The full amplifier, ready to plug in, must be UL/CE certified in all countries where it is sold. I fly in under the radar if I sell a kit, and until I can build sufficient capital to permit full and complete production, I'm better off to sell into the DIY market.
If you would like to own an AKSA, and I would be delighted to help, I'd suggest finding a friend with experience in this area, negotiate payment of a few shekels, and buy the complete, tested modules from Aspen. If you negotiate well with your friend, you might find it's relatively cheap and straightforward. Others I know have done this, and been very happy with the result. Assembly of the completed modules/heatsink into a box is not too difficult for someone with basic metal working skills.
Hope this is helpful,
Cheers,
Hugh
Cheers,
Hugh