K&K phono stage

To answer your first question the original K&K SE has a knob on the back that let you select different cartridge load settings. For MC if I recall it was limited to 100, 300, 1000, and 47k ohms. I had Kevin take the setting for 47k ohms and set up the circuit board so I could plug in resistors to configure my own setting for this position. The new version of the K&K SE has a lot more settings for cartridge loading from what I have heard so maybe this tweak is unnecessary now.

I cannot answer your second question.

Call Kevin, he is very helpful and will spend the time it takes to get you what is needed.

http://www.kandkaudio.com

From the web site:
MC load switching (25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1.6K, and 47K ohms) using Caddock MK-132 resistors and a custom Grayhill rotary switch

Thank you, both. Somehow I completely missed that specification on the web site.

A question for you kit builders: can you recommend an appropriate soldering station for a project such as the K&K kit?

Spend the money for a "temperature regulated" station. Weller makes one for about $125 or so. You will still need one of the clunky guns for soldering things like RCA jacks.

Re: soldering station for a project such as the K&K kit

Hakko 936-11 approx. $90
http://www.tequipment.net/Hakko936-11.html