Dreaming of a DIY 8W Class A amp designed by Nelson Pass?

@erik_squires It takes around 8 hrs. to build two of ’em-- not much of an investment of time. BTW, for me an illuminated magnifier is essential for proper soldering.

I built a pair of the current 2.0 version for a bedroom system, substituting Audio Note electrolytic and ClarityCap film coupling caps, Welwyn resistors, and silver wiring throughout.  It's an easy build and a sweet-sounding and resolving amp.  Apart from its power limitation, it acquits itself honorably relative to the XA-160.8 monoblocks in my main system.

@jl35 Nelson conceived this as an entry-level kit.. The associated blog reveals that most problems result from bad solder joints. Most problems are remediated by re-flowing the joints. I suggest that you use a magnifier lamp or loupe and solder each joint on both sides of the PCB. The kit has a low parts count and good videos for guidance..

@auxinput I’ve had good results with the Chinese Zerozone LPS in other applications. It’s a modest gambit to order two and compare to the Meanwell SMPS. I’ll make that comparison and report back.

The power supplies are external and easily swapped. However if you want to try alternative resistors, caps, and internal wire, de-soldering the original pieces from the PCB is a PITA. Consider researching substitutes for the initial build. The schematics identify the necessary values. I used Welwyn RC55Y resistors in the 1/4W positions(excellent at @$2), an Audio Note Kaisei electrolytic in the large coupling cap position(in parallel with the largest film cap that would fit across the top of the Kaisei), a 4.7uf ClarityCap film cap in place of the small electrolytic at input of signal path, and Panasonic FM or FC electrolytics in the power filtering positions. The point-to-point wiring can be whatever you like.
No, I have not heard the amp equipped with stock piece parts.
These mods add a few hundred bucks to the build.
BTW, these amps have relatively low gain. A preamp with gain may be appropriate when matched with less sensitive speakers.

I enjoy most of Erik’s threads, which often raise unusual topics that break the tedium of too many repetitive threads. It’s irrelevant whether the OP decides to build the kit. A good thread is like a large inflated ball that we used to see bouncing across the crowd top at outdoor rock concerts. No one worried about the motivation that put it there. If it comes to you just hit it and keep rolling.

BTW, there are better forums for DIY than Audiogon, and more than a little bias against DIY found here. But members with an interest usually find a way to contribute something worthwhile in that niche.

I've also heard great reports on the Elekit tube integrated amp kits. 

@dutchydog  It develops around 16wpc when wired as a bridged or balanced monoblock.

I just ordered a pair of Chinese Zerozone 24Vdc/5A linear power supplies to compare to the stock Meanwell SMPS.  I've queried the ACA DIY forum thread for experience with LPS substitutions, but to no avail.  We'll find out shortly.  

@auxinput - Woops, the connectors are indeed Oyaide-- for the ACA, 2.5 ID x 5.5 OD (based on the Meanwell data sheet spec.)
I do a custom build to 10-11awg with a twist of 20awg .999 dead soft silver strands from Rio Grande on-line.  IME, with DC the higher the gauge and shorter the length the better.  For terminations to small connector tabs, extend 2-3 strands out of the bundle to make the solder junction.     

@auxinput  Thanks for this info.  In past projects I have build DC umbilicals with 10-11awg silver wire, Furutech connectors, and tinned copper braid shielding.  I'll keep all options in mind.

Upon returning from the CAF audio show with good sounds freshly implanted in the memory bank, I was greeted by two Zerozone 24V/5A linear supplies from Hong Kong.  Even without break-in they improve on the stock Meanwell SMPS. Increased dynamics. Weighty and extended LF. The slight opaqueness, politeness, and soft-focus of the stock unit is gone.  Soundstage is larger and more dimensional. Resolution is increased across FR.  Mids are supple and SET-like. There is a vivid tactile quality as heard with top echelon amps. Well worth the $450.