george,
very nice of you to join in. your comments made for a good read too.
DIY for me is more of an interest, i enjoy the process of understanding that comes through building and the satisfaction when/if it works. in some masochistic way i also enjoy the figuring out of the issues that appear, though sometimes it doesnt seem it while its ongoing
after modding my SSL with some of the comments from here to address some areas i felt could be adjusted to serve me better, ive built a very nice passive mastering transfer console for my studio.
i decided an EQ would be a nice project to embark on next but wanted to try out something i though was an interesting design and a good sound rather than a more standard type or valve classic.
it was this that brought me on to the GML , i love the 8200 i have in my mastering room. a great sound and headroom, and then moved me on to the sontec from here.
a similar type it seems in many ways which would keep the interest factor for me but be much more accessible in terms of people to discuss with on here, schematics etc.
your point ref the discrete opamp is very interesting. it wasnt too much of a stretch to assume that these would be critical to the sound, especially given the high regard of the GML versions.
are there more stock 2520 type opamps that you feel would be better suited for this sontec type build? reverse engineering the 9202D i feel is beyond me at this stage though may be something i will try in the future.
anyone used the sc25?