Building the Audio Note Kit 1 SET amp...

Tubegroover,
Thank you so much for the kind comments. Out of the house right now with the amp playing a CD on repeat for some easy burn in time. Again, will communicate impressions when things start to settle down.

Look forward to reports as the unit burns in.

Rebbi,
I sent you a PM a couple of days ago.
John

Rebbi, you certainly know how to execute a "cliffhanger". :^)

Everyone is tuned in waiting to hear how this turns out.

WHo shot JR?

Hey, Folks,
As Mapman wrote, it's been a little while since I posted in this thread so here's an update.
A few things are clear:
First, the Audio Note Kit 1 has more than enough juice to drive my Reference 3A De Capo's to satisfying volume levels with excellent dynamics. That question is put to bed.
Second, this amp is indeed a MAJOR step up from the Manley Mahi push-pull mono-blocks I had used previously. I have no doubt now about the wisdom of making the move. I'll have more to say about this in a full review after the amp is fully broken in. What I will say at this point is that if the Kit 1 sounds this gorgeous with the stock, pedestrian Chinese tubes, I can't wait to hear what it sounds like with better glass. :-)
Third, I am having one sonic issue on certain musical material that Brian of Audio Note is convinced is a build problem. Either I miswired something along the way (unlikely) or I else got a bad tube or other part in the Driver stage or something similar. Brian has been great about support and troubleshooting. I hope to have this resolved shortly and then I'll give all of you (and the blog) a fuller report.
Talk to you soon and thanks for your interest!