For the amp builders...Firefly or P1-Extreme?

[therecordingart]

I was totaling up the parts for a Firefly build and before tubes, sockets, chassis, and PCB I'm looking at about $150 (the Hammond transformers got expensive!). I'm wondering since I'm already blowing my budget should I just go for the P1-Extreme kit?

[DougH]

What is your criteria?

[therecordingart]

I don't really have that many "wants".  Something that can break up and get a little aggressive on it's own or can take pedals to do heavier stuff. Something that can work well in the studio as well as the bedroom. I more or less want to learn a little bit about tube amps and have a project to work on. Cost is my biggest factor right now.

[DougH]

Either one will do that. It depends on how loud you want it.

[Hanglow]

firefly with the ECC99 output stage and a slightly better ot than the 125a would be my choice

[therecordingart]

What other transformer options do I have for the Firefly?

[Hanglow]

I think people on ax84 found that the slightly bigger ones in the 125 series were better, but it's been ages since I checked it out, so I'd do a search there. there might well be other options

I made mine with the 125a and it sounds fine but if the bigger ones make a difference it's only a few more $$

[Derringer]

how many watts is the firefly?

I've always equated greater headroom to better pedal handling.

I have a P1Ex that takes pedals very well.

[davent]

As far as OT's people have been saying good things about the OT5PP available here. http://www.musicalpowersupplies.com/3.html  

For power i used a couple small cheap Hammonds, a 164G120 with a voltage doubler for the High Voltage Supply and a 164G12 for the heater supply. (Currently $8.57cdn each from this supplier, http://www.active123.com/store.cfm?CKEY=CA&lang=eng)

Whichever one you decide to build, they're both way too loud to be considered bedroom amps, they'd wake my neighbours in their bedrooms.
dave

[punkin]

+1 for the OT5PP