[soitstarts]

Let me start by getting one thing straight, by no stretch of the imagination can I claim to have a large knowledge of things Hi Fi...   But... I do have ears and my hearing is still undamaged.

When I had the idea to build a kit amp I wanted to do it as much for the project as for the sound. I was going to go a different kit as I thought the Aksa was a bit too high end but the 'completeness' of the kit suited me as I have no electronic experience. As I built the kit I was realy frugal when it came to the case as I had blown my quote to the missus and I didn't want to spend too much more on something unheard.

I have lived with my 3 channel, 100 watt nirvana kit for some weeks now and I think I owe Hugh a bit of my (and your ) time.

I used no fancy additions to the kit. The hookup wiring is some solid core lighting wire and all the non supplied pieces are pretty much run-of-the-mill bits from Altronics and RS. The manual was very easy to follow and I had no hassles but whenever I had to make sure I was on the right track, Hugh answered my e-mails before I ran out of other things to do and always on the same day.

The sound... ahhh, the sound. I never, in my highest expectations, imagined the difference to be so apparent. My system is by no means fancy but it sounds magnificent (to me) now. when I listen music now I hear things that I never realised were there. The imaging is so much better than what I've ever heard and it all just sounds so much 'nicer'. The way I explain it to people is like this; I have always liked Cat Stevens' Sad Lisa but the piano used to 'annoy' me. Same as Aussie Crawls' Hootchie Gucci Fiorutchi Mamma. I used to put it down to the production values as I like Billy Joel and Elton John when they use the piano (I now think this has more to do with the notes played). I am discovering that there's nothing wrong the piano, quite the opposite, it sound fantastic... When it comes to diminishing returns, there is none in my case, its all worth every cent. I am absolutely wrapt...

I would like to thank Hugh for providing me with the expierience and a beautiful sounding amp. Also the forum members for the advice and knowledge shared.

Drawbacks.
I am a complete pain in the bum now if someone so much as thinks about music.
My wife is always worried about what I'll be asking for next (a GK1EL, of course)
The wife has to put up with an endless "Oh babe, listen to that. It sounds so much better"
You had to endure this long post....

I am currently building mark 2 of my case (it deserves better than what its got) and will the go to work on the GK1.

Thanks a lot Hugh..

[SamL]

Hi  Soitstarts,

Since you have 3 chn aksa power amp. Will you be building 3 chn GK1?

Sam

[AKSA]

Hi Martin,

Thank you very much for your great review!  Straight from the heart, Oi Oi Oi!!

I appreciate the effort you put in with little experience of audio electronics;  the willingness to 'have a go';  the absence of any resentment when you were confronted with something you didn't fully understand;  the preparedness to give praise,  and the trust and confidence to buy the product.  All this is terrific from where I stand, and I thank you for it.

I hope the AKSA gives you many long years of enjoyment in one of Australia's hottest areas!

Cheers,

Hugh

[Carlman]

Your experience is what this kit is all about.  I think you did the absolute right thing and made it as close to your budget as possible with bits you had or could source cheaply.  You can always change those later as you go to the MKII or even III sometime down the road.... and you will get incremental benefits.  

However, I really enjoyed reading this.  It made me re-realize how much I learned and how much attitude affects your work.  To me, 'Soitstarts' has an excellent attitude and reaped the benefits that come with a positive state of mind.

My hats off to you!!!  I fully understand about the missus... Mine doesn't hear the differences of anything and hates when I ask.  I'd like to say they get used to it... but that day hasn't come for me yet.

Best to you and hope you enjoy your new gear for a long time.

-C

[soitstarts]

Thanks for the time reading the waffle and for the well wishes.

Sam L, No, the GK1 will just be for music while I'll still pre-out from my processor for movies. I believe this won't be too hard to do...

Hugh, no worries. It was heaps of fun for me and I learnt a lot. I started with a set of kit speakers and thats how I found my way here, I like the internet. There is no way I would have the speakers or the Aksa without it.. The way its been this year, I don't know how many more years I can stay here. It's been unusually hot without the usual amounts of relief from rain. I don't feel guilty taking home my pay when I spend 12 hours in 45 degree temps and my boss tells us to roll down our sleeves and button them up.

Carlman, my wife is happy for me, problem is every time I get another bit I tell her it's the last piece    I think she has realised that this still has a way to go. (I just found a kit CD player ) she thinks it sounds cleaner, but she doesn't realy listen to music..
I think I understand what brings us here, when I got my speakers, it was a revelation (I did have Bose 901s before hand, though ) I didn't think it could get THAT much better.. Then I got the Aksa, WOW heaps better. Now, if I get the GK1, I wonder...... This is good fun.

Martin

[PSP]

Hi Martin,
I really enjoyed your review too.  It reflects my experience, almost exactly.  I have always loved music and fine sound, but have never been able to stomach the haughty attitudes and prices that come with (supposedly) good  commercial gear.  So, I began a DIY path maybe 4 years ago.  A good friend pointed me to Hugh, I ordered an amp, then a couple more, then the TLP, the GK1, and finally the N+ upgrade to one of my 55's.

I'd suggest that you listen for a while, and enjoy.  Build a little audio nest egg, and then do the GK-1 and the N+... both are absolutely transformational in their impact.  Nothing I can say could possibly  prepare you for the music you will eventually hear.... but you have a pretty good taste now.  There is more, and it is phenomenal.  No need to hurry though... enjoy the journey.

I also want to second your thanks to Hugh for the happiness and beautiful music that his designs have brought to my house.  

By the way, I am extraordinarily lucky to have a wife who has supported my audio habit just because I enjoy it so much.  She never commented much on the sound however until the GK-1 went into the system... that definitely caught her attention!

Have fun,
Peter