Building the Audio Note Kit 1 SET amp...

Wow! Congratulations, Rebbi, and kudos to Brian and Pete.

I've never heard or read of anything like that happening, but you might find the second from the last page of this paper to be worth reading, and possibly suggestive of something that might have led to the problem. It was written by Bill Whitlock of Jensen Transformers, who is a renowned expert on audio transformers.

Also, as you are most probably aware, a tube amplifier having output transformers should not be operated without speakers or equivalent resistive loads being connected (assuming the tubes are installed, that is). If perchance you operated the amp at any point without loads being connected (following the initial voltage checks that were performed sans tubes), I'm not sure that it could result in magnetization of the output transformers, but it seems to me to be a conceivable possibility so I thought I'd mention it to be sure.

Best regards,
-- Al

Wow, getting close Rebbi. Looks like the light at the end of the tunnel isn't a train after all!

Hi Rebbi,
That is good news, the problem is solved. Very interesting the high quality sound you heard despite the bad output transformers. Imagine the result with properly functioning transformers. I look forward to reading your follow up listening impressions.
Charles,

Congrats Rebbi,
It won't be long before your home is filled with music. Brian and Pete should be commended for superb support. Best.

Great news that they've finally gotten to the bottom of this. I hope your listening trouble free very soon! Thanks for the update.