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05/01/25 at 08:37:53

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Finished first build - so happy (Read 2510 times)

jakemidd

Verified Member

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
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

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 Posts: 363	Re: Finished first build - so happy Reply #1 - 02/10/22 at 02:48:03 Well done! Looks great!
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one6180339 Verified Member 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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one6180339

Verified Member

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 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
Back to top	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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