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SUPPORT FORUMS FOR ZKITS >> ZKIT 1 Support forum >> Finished ZKIT1 No Appreciable Hum
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Message started by ZenithZero on 05/28/25 at 15:22:36

Title: Finished ZKIT1 No Appreciable Hum
Post by ZenithZero on 05/28/25 at 15:22:36

Hello,
Just wanted to share that I have a working Zkit amp! Currently listening to Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here. Listening over some vintage Kenwood LS-403As, but also worked with Klipsch RP-600mII, and even some Dayton Audio BS65 AIRs (has an AMT tweeter.)

For my build I subbed an Antek toroidal input transformer and did all of the Anniversary and Power Supply mods. I'm also running a Phillips ECC88 input tube. I'm running it in an old Dish Receiver chassis.

Clayton

Title: Re: Finished ZKIT1 No Appreciable Hum
Post by ZenithZero on 05/28/25 at 21:04:33

For reference my "Pre-Flight" Voltages were A:447, B:437 without tubes installed.
Then with tubes installed A:338, B:237, C:10, Dl:3, Dr:3

Title: Re: Finished ZKIT1 No Appreciable Hum
Post by ZenithZero on 05/28/25 at 22:00:20

Other system info:

WIIM Ultra Streamer --> SMSL D-6S DAC
U-Turn Turntable --> Onboard Pluto Phono --> Ortofon 05E

--> Schiit Saga2 Pre-Amplifier --> Decware ZKit1 --> Kenwood LS403As
--> RSL Speed Woofer 10S MKII

Title: Re: Finished ZKIT1 No Appreciable Hum
Post by ZenithZero on 05/28/25 at 22:04:48

Pictures are worth a thousand words. So how many are hearing worth? Currently Playing: Metallica - One

Title: Re: Finished ZKIT1 No Appreciable Hum
Post by Gilf on 05/28/25 at 22:23:10

That’s gorgeous and I love both the wood faceplate and the fact it was repurposed from a dish receiver.

Welcome. The zkit was my first introduction to the Decware sound and have built many since. Prepare for your musical tastes to change. :)

I’d love to hear more about the toroidal transformer as the circuit breaks in.

Title: Re: Finished ZKIT1 No Appreciable Hum
Post by ZenithZero on 05/28/25 at 23:30:37

Currently Listening to: Wynton Marsalis - Stardust (on the Hot House Flowers Vinyl)

Hi Gilf,
Thanks for the warm welcome I have been lurking so I've seen your posts. I hope to someday be at your level. :)

I will give a review of the transformer once the circuit breaks in (full disclosure I don't have a reference for it.)
It's an Antek 1T300.

Title: Re: Finished ZKIT1 No Appreciable Hum
Post by Lon on 05/29/25 at 01:05:59

I really like the way you carefully laid out the innards, and that wood front panel is BEAUTIFUL!

I'd say that Wynton Marsalis album should showcase the amp really well!

Title: Re: Finished ZKIT1 No Appreciable Hum
Post by ZenithZero on 05/30/25 at 20:03:22

Currently Listening to: The Lost Dog Street Band - One Shot to Wake

Hi Lon,
Thanks for the compliment on the innards. That took a lot of effort but now seems like the obvious solution. The wood is walnut, finished with Tung Oil (just Minwax) rubbed on with steel wool, then wiped with a clean shop towel.

Clayton

Title: Re: Finished ZKIT1 No Appreciable Hum
Post by Lon on 05/30/25 at 20:25:14

Thanks for the info on the wood panel. You did a great job--it looks killer.

Title: Re: Finished ZKIT1 No Appreciable Hum
Post by ZenithZero on 06/02/25 at 21:22:39

Link to Excel file with parts i used and how much they cost (when I bought them.)

https://1drv.ms/x/c/9bffc6da811b05e6/EeYFG4Haxv8ggJveCQAAAAAByUDYLhcDJ0UBiCJg0jQAXg?e=9Koffh