Building the Audio Note Kit 1 SET amp...

Map,

Yes, I agree that the Kit 1 needs to sit on a top shelf. I can't imagine that closing it up in any kind of a cabinet where it didn't have free air circulation would be a very good idea – I think the heat buildup could be dangerous to the amp (and the cabinet, as well).

What speakers are you thinking of pairing with the Glow Audio amplifier? Your Triangles or something else?

I would start with the triangles. They are small for that room alone though. I would probably either have to add a sub (the one I used to use with those died a few years back) or I might decide to try something new like latest Tekton Lore with titanium tweets.

John,

Thank you for your post. I am very interested in this whole issue of different 300 B tubes, the effect they have on the sound and particularly the break-in time needed for the tube to show its true character in a given amp. Is there a general consensus for how long it takes for one of these tubes to fully break in? I'm also not surprised that there are things you like about the "cheap" stock Chinese tubes that come with the Kit 1. I am quite happy with how mine sound, but of course, I don't have anything to compare them to.

But the thing is I am sitting here as I type listening to the setup I would change thinking I don't want tonloosevthis sound. I hear all the things that gets attributed commonly to a great sounding system. Why spend more money? My wife would like less clutter but is not complaining.

Maybe just because it's fun to try new things that work differently.

We'll see. In the meantime I ain't suffering by any stretch. 😉

Rebbi,
the Black Treasure 300b tubes have an unusually long recommended break in of 300 hours. In my experience most 300bs are well broken-in by roughly 100 hours. Many sound very good straight out of the box and just improve from there.No rush for you as you're getting wonderful sound already. In your case upgrading to the AN copper foil capacitors is likely cheaper than a lot of 300b brands. You have several really fine options/paths available.