I would avoid complicating things with a slow start reg heater or a scamp type addon - just my 2c.
PS - there is a bit of a trick in using the off-board time constants network ('blue bird' network) as well as retaining the on-board large timing cap. It's worth doing if you have already installed that big, expensive 10uF wima and don't want it unused.
Basically a trace cut at the connector which goes to the 'attack' pot on the original schematic.
If you want to know more, let me know.
This is actually a fairly simple build conceptually - careful assembly and wiring I think is the main thing.
If you can do turret in a guitar amp you can do this for sure.
> ( who needs bypass? )
I do! i can't imagine not having it.
The PSU pcb is not that bad - just take some care and you should be fine.
Solder bridges, bad solders, wrong component orientation - the usual suspects.
Mount the higher power resistors a bit higher off the pcb. Mount the transistors not all the way down to the pcb.
Check your heatsink is properly insulated and not at hv.
If you blow the HV sections once, repair and incorporate the mods posted earlier.
A couple of protection diodes. It can help get the whole thing working for you.
I did only when 1 blew once
on one pcb. Not on 3 others. All 4 worked first time.
One blew because I was dicking about with it! Like shorted the HV while fartsing about with stuff. Big bang! (bang)
Other people have VERY strong opnions on the matter.
If anything, maybe get yourself a spare pcb in case.
As for reworking the psu pcb altogether - maybe that is good for you. Not something I would do.
In a dual unit, there isn't much room - it's the reason the psu pcb is 'compact' in the first place.
Trying to 'better' it in the same space would take more effort than making one work and having a spare.
At least that's how I see it.
And thanks for the 'pimped p2p' noticing - I got me some mighty troubles right now.
But I WILL prevail