Sun Valley vs Sun Audio 300b

Hi all. I am new to this group.

I've been addicted to DIY audio for many many years, but just recently decided to give tubes a try. I wanted to start out with a single-ended kit that could be modded rather than going full-on scratch-built as my first experience. I spent considerable time researching and I found myself in a similar situation that was the catalyst of this discussion thread - torn between the Sun Valley, Sun Audio, Elekit, and Audio Note. Not a lot of comparison reviews out there for these contenders. Buying an amp without hearing it or touching it can be stressful. I eventually decided on the Sun Valley 300B (SV-S1616D) with the Hashimotos. My decision factors were point-to-point construction, price, and footprint (aesthetics). I just ordered it from Victor last week and it should arrive this week. I will say Victor is great to work with and passionate about this stuff. In our numerous email exchanges he always responded quickly, never more than a couple hours. He gave me a great deal, with a combo discount for buying a tube set with the amp, and he threw in the silver solder for free. I have a few upgrades in mind as I build - better hookup wire, better capacitors and resistors, possibly upgrade the tube sockets, maybe repaint the chassis, etc. I bought the GZ34 rectifier tube so I can experiment with tube vs SS rectification.

@beattyomatic Thanks for your write ups, they are helpful as I get started on this project. Great point about using a grounded IEC. I am curious about your mention that the rectifier tube can barely handle the voltage. From the 5AR4 type tube spec sheets I have seen the plate voltage can go up to 550V, and as far as I know the SV 300B is running the B+ at around 400V. I would love more detail on this if you don't mind. I was feeling like I wanted to be all tubes and use the tube reification for that "sound" but not if it introduces reliability risks.

I will keep you all updated with my build.

Hey clustrocasual, can you msg me please?

Great thread, stoking my DYI fires.  Hopefully someday when I have more available time.  I have taken a PC board soldering class, so feel fairly confident I can construct an amp kit, but I really want to understand how it works and how to upgrade components.  Maybe someday I’ll try to design simple amps for personal enjoyment.

Why not take a look at the Audio Note Kit????

Johnny

I strongly considered the AN Kit1, Kit1-10, and Kit1-15. Honestly for all the upgraded parts that are included with the Kit1-15 you can't really beat the price. In the end I was stuck on my own requirement of 100% point-to-point wiring (no circuit boards) and so I went with the SV. Probably nothing wrong with circuit boards and it was more a matter of personal preference than any sort of pragmatic choice. I also preferred the 12AT7 & 12AU7 tubes used by the SV as opposed to the 6NS7 & 5687 tubes used by the AN because of availability and cost when considering tube rolling. I haven't completed my SV kit yet so can't comment on its sound. Who knows, maybe in the future I will purchase the AN Kit1-15 to do a little comparison listening (if/when I have a $5K of mad money available).