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Finished first build - so happy (Read 1680 times)
jakemidd
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Posts: 7
Finished first build - so happy
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 Smiley
  • 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
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IMG_2120.jpeg

Main system
Decware ZKIT1
**(Decware SE34I.6 on order)**
Cambridge Audio CNv2
Pro-Ject T1 (Ortofon 2M Blue)
Vincent Audio PHO-701 MM/MC Phonostage
**(Decware ZP3 on order)**
Klipsch Heresy IV

Office System
Pyle Amp
HiFi Berry RPi streamer
Wharfdale D
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Sean
Seasoned Member
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Posts: 285
Re: Finished first build - so happy
Reply #1 - 02/10/22 at 02:48:03
 
Well done! Looks great!
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Technics 1210G, AT OC9III, Cinemag 1254 SUT, ZP3, CSP2+, SE84UFO, Tekton Pendragon

Schiit Bifrost, Mac Mini, Roon
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one6180339
Verified Member
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Posts: 18
Re: Finished first build - so happy
Reply #2 - 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.
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IMG_4612.jpeg
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one6180339
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Posts: 18
Re: Finished first build - so happy
Reply #3 - 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.
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jakemidd
Verified Member
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Posts: 7
Re: Finished first build - so happy
Reply #4 - 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 Smiley
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Main system
Decware ZKIT1
**(Decware SE34I.6 on order)**
Cambridge Audio CNv2
Pro-Ject T1 (Ortofon 2M Blue)
Vincent Audio PHO-701 MM/MC Phonostage
**(Decware ZP3 on order)**
Klipsch Heresy IV

Office System
Pyle Amp
HiFi Berry RPi streamer
Wharfdale D
  IP Logged
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