Maybe this is the winter you build something!

larsman,

 Understood, as I mentioned in my last post. Again, I have certain limitations such as being able to paint a decent picture. My brother, however, is unbelievably gifted, but don't ever ask him to frame the pictures that he paints, that would be my part of the job.

Promoting DIY is great, but please try to understand that some people (me being one of them!) just do not like DIY/building things and that does not make us wrong, just different. What's right for one person is not necessarily right for everybody.

I've never not understood this. I just want MORE audiophiles to build, but that doesn't mean EVERY audiophile should build.  The only time I take a really strong opinion on this is to those who think NO audiophile should build. 

The more builders, the more knowledge, and the more fun I think. :)

OK, I take it back a little. I do wish every audiophile would build at least 1 thing in their lifetime. :) I think it would be cool.  Like, trying shrimp at least once. :)

Erik, I love the encouragement and enthusiasm.  So I've done the things I'm comfortable with or need.  Equipment rack furniture, speaker cables and ICs.  But I could be nudged to go outside my comfort zone for an electronic piece.  Don't need it but would be fun.  Could give it to my son.  A few questions.  My soldering skills have only been KLE RCA connectors thus far.  Should I be more skilled first?  Second, what are some good-sounding tube amp kits and what are price-points (if you know)? 

@akgwhiz 

This depends.  There are like $30 kits on Amazon that provide high fun / dollar, For something more advanced, look around for Elekit kits.