DAK Novo Headphone Amplifier Kit

This is my first post and I thought I would share my experience of building the Graham Slee Dak Novo Headphone Amp Kit.
The build instructions are pretty comprehensive and are well worth careful study (in a comfortable armchair) prior to getting anywhere near the various components making up the kit. Also detaching the circuit diagram helps as a reference. I more or less followed the instructions as to the order in which to begin populating the pcb, beginning with the resistors. As per booklet advice, I tested each with a multimeter and then placed them out on the workbench (dining table). Prior to soldering, I tested each resistor again, thereby minimising errors and keeping the pace slow. Following the fitting of each part, I marked off the appropriate entry on the Component List.
I then started soldering in the capacitors. I tested each one with a capacitor meter (bought quite reasonably for another project and has been invaluable). I realise that the more conventional electrolytics are easily identified, but the small ceramic and tantalum bead caps are hard to read, although a good magnifying glass is handy.
The transistors went in pretty easy, although I did reverse one, which only came to light when checking over everything once the build was complete. I used a magnifying glass to study the populated pcb and also the underside to ensure there weren't any joints that looked “under-cooked”. I reflowed some joints that appeared borderline. The remaining parts went in without difficulty, although the insulated flying lead had me scratching my head. The manual refers to “short solder-spills” and for the life of me, I could not understand what these were. Back to the circuit diagram, eventually figuring out which component lead was which and that the “spills” were elongated solder tracks. Cannot over emphasise the importance of referring back to the build instructions and double checking everything prior to connecting the PSU.
Now for the bit that almost had me flummoxed. The voltage testing. The fact that I am dyslexic when it come to reading a circuit diagram is a bit of a hinderance. Armed with a marker pen and a sheet of paper, I figured out which component lead I should be placing the + probe. Fortunately, all voltages were within tolerance. And no nasty burning smell!
Time to connect the RCA leads from the Novo to my valve amp and plug in the headphones. The sound was a little harsh in the treble, but the amp has to be allowed burn-in time. Experience tells me that sometimes anything between 100 and 300 hours is not unusual. In the meantime listening gets more enjoyable each day.
Many thanks to Graham Slee in designing a fine amp kit that can be built by anyone with reasonable soldering skills (mine are by no means perfect) and a willingness to regard the instructions as a tract that should adhered to without deviation. If I was to offer one suggestion, it would be to have the manual as a download as well, perhaps with better defined diagrams.

- forum member: "fareisle7" Brian Stone