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JDWarner
349
Nov 7, 2013
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Quick note for people as these arrive:
Building it stock and then adding upgrades is definitely the way to go. But if you're doing a really great job on the stock build (winding/crimping wires, good solder practices, minimal extra leads, etc.), it's actually possible to make your life harder when installing the upgrade(s).
This happened to me with the Crack; I had a really clean build but I couldn't bend a couple of caps out of the way to make room for the Speedball. It resulted in a very difficult and lengthy desoldering job. Everything is good now, but that alone took me longer than the entire remainder of the Speedball upgrade.
So my recommendation is to read the upgrade manuals thoroughly before soldering the stock kit. That way you know what will come out later, what might need to be moved to make room, and can plan accordingly. Just one example: you can fasten the plate choke & output transformer using the Impedance Switch standoffs during the initial build to save you time later.
Nov 7, 2013
andrew.b
261
Nov 9, 2013
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JDWarnerThanks for the heads up! How are you liking it so far?
Nov 9, 2013
JDWarner
349
Nov 13, 2013
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andrew.bFinished the build today! The build is more demanding than the Crack, but I only had a single minor issue along the way including both upgrade kits. I took a bit of extra time to paint the transformer bell end and lay everything out just right inside.
I'm loving it. The clarity, finesse, and - yes - power from the HE-500+S.E.X. combo just surpasses anything else I've heard, and I've heard a lot. Apparently, you can have it all.
I'll say this: the S.E.X. has more than enough power to drive the HE-500s. Actually, almost too much if you wire for maximum power. I got the impedance switch upgrade, but for anyone that wants to use this combo who did not... the 32 ohm secondary option from the OT-2 transformers may actually give you too much power. My volume knob starts around 7 o'clock, and I can't turn it up much past 8:30 before it has too much power from the 32 ohm taps. Even from the 4 ohm taps, I don't range past 12 o'clock.
Nov 13, 2013
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