Skill level ratings*
Skill Level 1 - the place to start
These kits are intended for the novice builder with no previous experience soldering or assembling kits. Detailed instructions are given about the craft of soldering, and the kit can be assembled with no knowledge of electronics beyond the basic ability to tell a resistor from a capacitor. The assembly instructions themselves are considered the most approachable and comprehensive in the industry. They are very detailed, with step by step written instructions accompanied by a detailed drawing of parts placement and/or a color photo of underside the finished kit . Additional construction assistance can also be found thru links to other kit builder's sites found on our Loose Parts links page. Level 1 kits are designed to be as simple as possible while retaining the sonic quality our kits have a reputation for. When you have finished a Skill Level 1 kit you will have learned the basics of soldering and discovered the profound effect that building you own gear can have on both your system and your pride.
Skill Level 1 kits
Paramour SE 2A3 parafeed monoblocks kit
S.E.X integrated amp/headphone amp kit
Skill Level 2 - the next step
If you have completed a Skill Level 1 kit or you have done a little soldering and construction elsewhere, you are ready for a level two kit. They have the same great instructions, but they are a bit more challenging to construct and will take a little more time to complete. You may find a bit tighter space to work in, and you may learn new skills, like stuffing and soldering printed circuit boards, or removing components to replace them with upgraded parts and circuitry. By the time you have completed a Skill Level 2 kit, you will probably be incurably hooked on Do-It-Yourself audio. It will be hard to keep from tearing into all of your gear to try out your newfound sonic powers.
Skill Level 2 kits
Sweetest Whispers stepped attenuator kit
Skill Level 3 - getting into the technique
To be honest, none of our stuff is that hard to build. But these kits might require a few more specialized tools to construct, they might be "partial" kits that require a basic understanding of electronics or woodworking and some supplementary construction materials, or they maybe just require a bit of extra care and fitting in tight spaces, that we wouldn't necessarily recommend for everyone's first project. Every bit of extra effort expended will pay off, as these kits incorporate some of the most refined design work we can muster.
Skill Level 3 kits
C4S kit (intended to be installed into your own DIY design, demands a basic knowledge of tube operating points or the copying of an existing design using the C4S circuit)
*Note that these levels are somewhat arbitrary and that we have established them only as broad guidelines. If you have never built a kit, and you want to build a Seduction, you can do it. Many other first timers have. We are only trying to give some general sense of the relative work involved at each level, and we are certainly happy to support first timers who wish to work on Level 2 or Level 3 kits.