Hi Nickle,
As time goes by, I get to study the complete cycle of purchase, construction and ownership of AKSAs - I do the servicing as well by remote control, and I now know the problems people are likely to strike.
Here they are for your consideration:
1. Failure to interpret the instructions correctly. This could be my fault, or it could be the constructor, or it could simply be a language/culture barrier. All these things matter, and for many are very significant;
2. Failure to follow the setup procedure precisely. This is very important, particularly if something goes wrong, as a SS amplifier is very vulnerable at birth (aren't we all??);
3. Inadequate soldering skills, leading to bad joints and lifted tracks;
4. Complete mystification with the basic laws of electricity, and
5. Sheer misadventure.
From my POV, someone without experience who builds an AKSA sometimes gets straight through, but rarely. Some experience is mandatory. I do have a charter to educate in my instructions, and do a reasonable fist of it, but it's difficult to write simple instructions which cover all exigencies and which are not too long winded. Technical writing is something I enjoy, but black and white are not always interpreted correctly by different people. The best insurance is definitely experience.
If you don't have any experience with soldering, I don't recommend building an AKSA. If you have a little, and have always been interested in audio and have a passing understanding of Ohm's law and high school physics, then yes, it's worth trying, but only if you have a mentor, someone who's been there, to consult with as you need him/her.
I can solve about half the problems by email, but if something is seriously wrong I ask that the module be sent to me for specialized repair. Repair between two experienced techs is certainly possible by email, but not if one of the people, the constructor, has little electronics background. Even recognizing the components is an issue if the builder has no experience.
I should add that the amp assembly comprises four roughly equal parts. Building and testing the modules, then the power supplies, undertaking the metalwork, and then mounting and connecting up the transformers/power supplies.
If you are completely inexperienced in electronics, I really don't recommend it. You will find it very difficult, and if something goes wrong, you are likely to panic and could ruin other components. This in turn leads to extreme frustration, long delays, and resentment towards the amp and its designer. No one wins this way, and all that happens is the creation of a major psychological block, which means the amp could end up a piece of useless junk in your workshop.
Those of you who have followed my work over the last couple of years will recognise that I have changed my attitude a little; I will actively discourage the inexperienced from tackling the AKSA. Too much heartache if it should go badly.....
Cheers,
Hugh
