s-5 tube kit from Antique Radio Supply?


I have recently built the s-5 tube kit from Antique Radio Supply. It is only $139.00, but I added some modifications to bring the total closer to $220.00. I want to know if anyone else has had the wonderful experience I have enjoyed with this amp. With a Music Hall MMF CD-25 as a direct source and a pair of Audioreview DIY speakers (90db), this amp, at 8 watts, is incredibly quiet and dynamic. It has really floored me, and I have been through much, much pricier gear in my past!
jvmonta
What mods did you make? I am thinking about putting one togeather and am interested in what changes you made and how it changed the sound and/or reliability.
The first mods I performed were those recommended by s-5 themselves. This involves a couple of bypass capacitors and if you're mounting on a non-metal chassis as I did, a couple of grounding wires. This kept hum way down and prevented high frequency oscillation. The best mod I made was replacing the cheap pot with an Alps Blue potentiometer sourced from Angela Instruments. Quieter background and better low level detail. I replaced all the .22mfd signal capacitors with Dayton Audiocaps, great cap for a low price. Now things are getting special! Replaced the cheapie output binding posts with heavy duty gold, and added a larger power cord and a toggle switch. But the key to this amp is that the transformers included in the kit are of good quality, and the 11ms8 tube is a real gem as an audio tube! I did put two 3/4" o-rings (temperature resistant types are available at most auto parts stores) on each tube to prevent microphonics. Viola! I am EXTREMELY pleased.
Good Luck!