[Sarmck]

It took a while to decide on the path I wanted to take, but here we go.  I finally got around to ordering the Bottlehead Paramount SE 300B/2A3 kit with both types of power tubes included.  They should arrive in six weeks or less.  That’s Bottlehead’s time frame not mine, but if it keeps the cost down (as per their website) I’m all for it.  Besides, I still have other toys/equipment to order, such as a soldering station, variac and all the other things to test, analyze and meter during this project.  Sounds like another on-line order or four to make.  Probably to CSI (circuitspecialists.com), according to some recommendations on other posts here on AC. 

My DIY skills are at the beginning level.  In other words, if I change the light bulb and it still doesn’t work, I end up writing a check to the electrician.  So, therefore, my advance apologies for any brownouts that may occur in the Midwest during the course of this journey.

The SET/DIY seed got planted after hearing some really impressive “flea-powered” systems owned by some of the local GAS gang members.  Don’t get me wrong, I liked the fantastic recreations a lot of the high-powered systems produced also (I own a high-powered system too, not necessarily fantastic though).  But it was something about those cute little amps and how those huge glorious tubes produced such a beautiful and involving experience at generally less than 8-10 watts per channel (ahem…in a manly way, of course).

I have already ordered and received shipment on a pair of Fostex FE206ES-R drivers, still in their shipping boxes.  I did take a gander at one speaker just to examine a little closer what will hopefully reproduce that glorious sound in my own DIY system.  These will eventually be installed in the recommended BLH enclosure. I have solicited help from a fellow GAS member and he has graciously accepted the task of creating the enclosures.  I do, however, anticipate temporary installation in some beautifully designed cardboard and duct taped boxes. Hey, this is a DIY project, right!!!  By the way, what color duct tape will bring out that glorious midrange? Oh never mind, I’m getting ahead of myself here.

ANYWAY, I will attempt to post and update as this journey continues however nice and smooth or rough (think Tina Turner here).

Hi, my name is Ron and I’m an audio addict.  And the small gathering of people possessing silver solder and odd pieces of little incandescent glass globes with funny shapes responded “Hi Ron”.

[mcgsxr]

Congrats on the fun!

Oh, and for the record, my experimentation with FR drivers in cardboard boxes leveraged the bland grey duct tape!

[zacster]

Packing tape sounds far superior to duct tape in every way, pacing is improved, more detail in the mids and highs, much deeper bass.  My ears bleed when I hear duct tape speakers.

My PACKING TAPE speakers:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=1076&pos=21

 

[DeadFish]

Ron, I'm really looking forward to your experience and  hearing what you cook up!!
Congratulations on having more nerve than me. 

Remember which end of the soldering iron gets hot and don't grab it! 

Bill

[JimJ]

...awaiting pictures 

[Scott F.]

.....as he rings his hands and snickers quietly........."We got our hooks into another one"

Congrats on the choice Ron 

[Sarmck]

mcgsxr and zacster-

Thanks for the info on duct vs packing tape.  Next question, is it directional???   

Deadfish-

Since beer and Prozac are not an option for me, I hope to grab the correct end.

JimJ-

Will do that when there's something to take pics of.

Scott F.-

I'm not gonna' say it's partially your fault.   There I didn't say it, I typed it.



Thanks guys.  I'm looking forward to this one.

[Blackmore]

Ron, you should start breaking those Fostex in right now. I'm in my third year of break-in on the Abbys.    This is going to be a fun adventure and welcome to the 'alternate pathway'. Can't wait to hear from Sturgus on this.  I can hear him now.................

[drummerwill]

   Good move, one/two words of adivice tough, always check your work "5" times before plugging it in and
  keep a couple extra fuses around.
   Post plenty of pics and........
    Have fun!

    Willie

[BRN]

Ron,

My 2A3 Paramounts are only three weeks old and sounding great. My first kit was a Bottlehead S.E.X. amp and it played the first time I turned it on. I even think the Paramounts are an easier build. I posted some recommendation on the Bottlehead forum about my inexperiences and what I would have done differently. When you get the kit check the parts make sure everything is there and read the instructions from cover-to-cover. I find the Bottlehead manual to be very well written and easy to follow. If you have any concerns post them on the forum and someone will probably have an answer. If not give Doc a call. You will be hooked, I am.

Brad

One of my new babies

[Sarmck]

Blackmore-
Sturgus already said something about "smoking from the pipe".  Whatever that means.   

Willie-
If you suggest checking it 5 times with the great work you produce in amps, I'd better double up on that for my own sanity/safety.

Brad-
I've been lurking in the forums over at Bottlehead for a little while now.  I'll look again for your posts once the amps arrive.  I do plan on cataloging some of the Paramount posts for future references.  Nice looking amp(s) on your build.

Ron

[BRN]

Updated link to post.

[MerRev]

So this is what it comes down to? 

Are you sure you weren't just sold on the picture?

Huge congrats Ron for taking that big and scary first step.  I think the flea powered Gassers are starting to outnumber the rest of the group.   

[Sarmck]

MerRev-
OK you caught me on that one.  I was actually thinking about ordering a couple of pairs of the interconnects too.  However, I don't think my wife would let me keep the display stands though.     

[BRN]

Not sure what happen to the link I posted, but I fixed it.
Link