JLH 2003 Class A - how good is it?

There are way better class A amps out there, Luxman ,Pass labs, Sungden all make excellent class A amps. 

this kit is very inexpensive and IMO you pay for what you get specially in class A where heat management is a major issue.  $44. is nothing in Audio and I'd question the reliability and safety of a Class A amp like that. that said if your looking to build a kit maybe its a fun project but i'd not expect much from it when its done. 

Well, I can replace these cheap components with better transistors, capacitors and resistors, and the sound will probably get better from this.
I do not know anything about the heating of this amplifier, but I think that he needs massive radiators.

Buy a second-hand First Watt F5 clone by Tim Rawson. I have one! Forget that bag-o-parts Ch*nese kit! The John Linsey Hood is an ancient (1967) amp design!