Well...what's the stock situation

[auralman]

Did you get the parts in yet?
BTW -the parts list pages don't work for any of the pres either. I was getting ready to break down and buy the minimal and hit up digikey, but I can't get a parts list!
Can I feel some love? I'm really looking forward to getting these!

[tpryan]

We're still waiting for transformers to arrive from Carnhill. The parts list page for the A12 isn't up yet, but the N72 and J99 work fine here. You need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the pages.

-Tim

[auralman]

is there an alternative to using Carnhills that fits the PCB?

[tpryan]

The main alternative in small quantities would be Sowter, but they are mechanically different and won't mount on the PC board easily. They should work fine, however, if you're feeling adventurous. We received our parts from Carnhill yesterday, however, so the "real thing" is now available. The site will be updated shortly.

-Tim

[Sender]

The main alternative in small quantities would be Sowter, but they are mechanically different and won't mount on the PC board easily. They should work fine, however, if you're feeling adventurous. We received our parts from Carnhill yesterday, however, so the "real thing" is now available. The site will be updated shortly.

-Tim

I was curious what the staus of the transformers are? You posted that the site would be updated shortly and that was a little under a week a week ago. I was wondering how it was coming?

[tpryan]

The transformers are here, but the new chassis are taking longer than expected. Hopefully by the end of next week!

-Tim

[Sender]

The transformers are here, but the new chassis are taking longer than expected. Hopefully by the end of next week!

-Tim

If I just wanted to order the ful kit and not the complete kit, would that be possible?

[tpryan]

Of course. You'd order the N72KF, $295 plus $15 for 2 or 3 day shipping. If you want a quote for UPS ground or US mail, send me an email.

-Tim

[auralman]

How about now? Is everything back in stock? Are you updating the web site?

BIIG question - everything not included in the minimal kit can be easily gotten - EXCEPT the transformers, which are totally proprietary carnhill parts - what's the deal? I'm itchin to get started on this, but I'm starting to get worried??

[tpryan]

Well, a day or two after the transformers arrived, we sold out of rotary switches. Grayhill is shipping on the 26th or 27th, so we'll be able to ship minimal and full N72 kits a few days after that. Chassis should finally, finally, finally be here next week as well. Sorry for the delays, no one is more frustrated about it than I.

As for difficulty obtaining Carnhill transformers, all I can say is that yes, it's difficult, and that's why we offer the full and complete kits. In fact, I'm seriously considering dropping the "minimal" N72 kit altogether, since I spend so much time answering e-mails with questions like, 'how much do the rest of the parts cost,' and 'where can I buy the transformers,' and 'what parts can I substitute', and 'does it sound better with X capacitors or Y resistors', etc., etc., etc. If you don't already have the transformers, don't buy a minimal kit.

If you don't already have the transformers, scraping the parts together on your own won't yield much savings, anyway. The last time I bought transformers in small quantities, I paid nearly $150 per set. Add $89 for the N72 minimal kit, plus the Digi-Key parts, plus tax and shipping, and you might save $20. I'll say it again, if you don't already have the transformers, don't buy a minimal kit.

-Tim

[auralman]

I'm rooting for ya - thanks for the update Tim.

I was thinking about getting the J99 kit in the meantime to tide me over -I could definitely subdue my appetite by building a few of those - are those chassis in?

[owel]

Tim,

I understand your frustrations but please don't drop the minimal kit. I bought one minimal kit as a test project. I have 2 pairs of transformers so I need to get one more minimal kit.

But you are right about the full price kit of $295. People, this is a very good deal. - no headaches looking for parts, and that's priceless. I wish I saw that price! Somehow, I missed that and instead saw the $599 price for the single channel preamp (but didn't realize that includes the power supply and chassis.)

With the UK pound and USD exchange rate going on right now, the $295 is a bargain and a FAIR price for a full kit.

Thanks for providing this kit to the DIY community.
Owel