Kit1 Classic or Kit1-10th Anniversary

The Audio Note Kit1 became an instant classic when it was launched back in the 1990’s and introduced hundreds of audiophiles to the sound of single ended 300B zero feedback. It is a favourite at ANK , and we have continued enhancing the kit with each production run. The original Manual was written by Peter Q which we have rewritten several times over the years as we have made many mechanical enhancements!

The Kit1 is the classic 300B integrated amplifier 8.5W that has been sold all over the world for 25 years now – in the 2000’s we went about improving the mechanical aspects with a robust aluminum chassis and improved heatsinking and over all layout – in the late 2000’s with our C core technology we released the Kit1-10 which is the large triple c core output transformer version of the kit1 which has proved to be extremely popular over the years

The kit is divided into several sections including the Power Supply PCB, the Driver PCB, the Filament PCB and the 300B hardwiring section. Also you will install the Mains transformer and hook up the IEC /rocker switch section.

We upgraded to a thick 3mm aluminum chassis, enhanced the filament heat sinks , added Bakelite valve bases , a new faceplate, elma selector switch , Takman non magnetic  Resistors , silver gold oil film caps and a gorgeous copper insert plate are some of the many enhancements.

Gorgeous Powder coated 3mm aluminum chassis and copper insert plate!

The mechanical aspects of the kit are gorgeous – silver RCA’s ELMA selector switch , ALPS pot or khozmo upgrade! – Copper insert plates , Stainless steel metric hardware throughout – its the same classic kit1 designed in the mid 90s at audionote but we have improved all aspects of the kit building quality and experience!

Kit1 circuit layout

Simple & effective with three PCBs.

The Kit1 circuit has not changed since the 90s , a testament to the integrity of the original design. But we have continually improved the kit building mechanics , and parts quality at every turn – along with a continuous developement of the manuals – SEE bottom of page for downloadable manual and wiring graphics .  It’s layout is beautifully simple with 3 PCBs containing top quality components. Signal paths are kept to the absolute minimum and the boards layout has been designed for ease of assembly and soldering.

Triple C-Cores – the impact of the transformer

The new Triple C-Core single 300B output transformers supplied with the Kit1-10th anniversary edition are some of the latest in C-Core techonology. These transformers are manufactured to exacting specifications allowing us to take the Kit1-10th to an amazing level of sonics.
Increased definition, authority and high end information allow piano and vocals to strike right in the heart! The already amazing single ended sonics of the Kit1  matched with the Triple C-Core output transformers provide an audiophile experience reserved for but a few!

Kit1-10th Anniversary Edition

UPGRADES

We have provided a kit with high quality components through out including the Takman Non Magnetic resistors , Mundorf Silver gold oil film caps , Rubycon electrolytics, PTFE silver plated copper wire – SInce its a DIY kit many customers will take advantage over time to purchase various upgrades resistors , capacitors , tubes etc.. from our partners at the Parts Connexion and Hificollective – Both companies have a huge inventory of upgrade parts and paths for your kit1 as the time and budget become available !

How does it sound ?

The kit1 is the classic single Ended 300B zero feedback design but with a few interesting design strategies . First of all a very large Mains transformer  takes care of delivering the current for this thirsty amp – then again we are powering a 5u4g rectifier , 2 x 5687 drivers , a 6sn7 and of course a pair of 300Bs – this amp can run hot were it not for  the large Mains that can handle the task – Next a large choke designed specifically for 300B is mounted on the front of the chassis right next to the rectifier Board – the 6sn7 acts as a pre-amp driver stage and really adds a magical element to the kit1 sound followed by the Volume attenuator – an interesting design strategy that keeps the input impedence of the amp fixed ! – the next stage is a pair of 5687s driver tubes that are basically at unity gain but providing a strong current supply to drive the audio signal into the 300Bs – Of course massive output transformers bring it all together and the result is a jaw dropping single ended 300B experience that you will spend many evenings enjoying!

Specifications

Click here for kit1 schematic 

Check out our ON LINE Manual and Wiring Graphics  below by clicking on the pics