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SUPPORT FORUMS FOR ZKITS >> ZKIT 1 Support forum >> Finished first build - so happy
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Message started by Jake Middleton on 02/09/22 at 21:26:32

Title: Finished first build - so happy
Post by Jake Middleton on 02/09/22 at 21:26:32

Just a quick note to say that I finished my first ZKIT build and I'm beyond happy with the results.

Zero hum, zero distortion, not parts issues or smoke (thank god).

A called an audible on a few things that I wanted to mention:

I went with the 33uF 400V Mundorf caps instead of the Nichicon's - didn't't realize they'd be so big :-)
I wired the output transformers directly to the speaker posts instead of to the board - figured I'd take the middleman out of the loop.
I mounted the volume knob off the board and ran wires - this way I could position the control where I wanted it.

Once again - just wanted to say thanks to the forum for answering other's question - reading through was very helpful when I got stuck

A few pics I took
https://ibb.co/kS4t7J7
https://ibb.co/5BbBXsb
https://ibb.co/tmLDHxR
https://ibb.co/6tLsNKx
-Jake

Title: Re: Finished first build - so happy
Post by Sean on 02/10/22 at 02:48:03

Well done! Looks great!

Title: Re: Finished first build - so happy
Post by one6180339 on 02/10/22 at 05:18:11

Nice job! You were more ambitious than me. I went with a simple wood board build. Overall I am happy, but have a 120 Hz hum in one channel that I am trouble shooting. I believe it is the potentiometer and will be replacing it this weekend.

Title: Re: Finished first build - so happy
Post by one6180339 on 02/24/22 at 01:04:11

I replaced the potentiometer. Did not change the hum. Swapped the output transformers. Hum stayed with the output connection from the board, did not follow the transformer. Cleaned up a couple solder joints. Didn't help. Then I finally did what I should have done in the first place: swapped in a different input tube. The strong hum in one channel went away!

I grounded the case of the potentiometer and have it all back up and running.

Title: Re: Finished first build - so happy
Post by jakemidd on 02/24/22 at 01:29:45

Glad to hear the hum got solved! My guess is you’ll always remember to swap tubes first from now on :-)