[jetset]

I really want to build the best chime that i can. I'm kinda new to diy stuff so I'm not really sure what brands are good when it comes to parts. I was thinking of using black gate capacitors but they seem really expensive and i'm not sure they are even worth it. my understanding on resistors is that as long as they are the correct resistance anyone would work the same? but i could be totally wrong on that thou... and what are the best tubes and anything else i'm missing. basically what i want to know is if you had an unlimited budget what parts would you use in your chime and why? anyways thanks for any help that you can give me
scott

[Bernie]

Scott, I believe that all of the gear from this company is well engineered to be stable and good sounding. Yes,the choice of some of the passive parts can make a difference in how the units sound. Sometimes there is an improvement, and sometimes the sound is just different. My advice would be to build the unit stock, it will sound good, then research what are the best pasive parts to change to get the sound you are after. Sometimes it's all about flavour. How much salt here, and how much pepper there.

Bernie.

[Brinkman]

The only tweak needed for the DAC is to leave it alone.
As for the amplification circuit, you may want to try uprading the 220ohm grid leak resistors to carbon composition types (kiwame).
Consider NOS for the tubes, and even consider a 12BH7 sub for the 12AU7. If NOS isn't for you, consider the Sovtek 12AX7LPS or the now-defunct Techtube ECC83.
Lastly, the output cap could be upgraded to a fancy film & foil, foil & oil or polypropylene type.

Many could rightfully argue that this is a waste of money, while others would say I've only scratched the surface. Most would agree the tubes are the most sensible to upgrade.

[jetset]

Hey Bernie and Brinkman thanks for the advice it helps a lot. I think what i'm going to do now is get the chime with stalk parts like you  suggested and then change them out after i have it built so i can test it and see if it makes a difference to me. I really have no problem putting extra money into the dac. I'm really curious to know for myself if it makes it sound better or not. so if i just got good parts right away i'd have no way of knowing then.   i'll try those tubes out too , hey thanks again