Ceriatone #183 build questions...

[longislandrod]

Hi,

I'm an infrequent poster but a frequent reader here.

I've built a few amps in the past and now I want to build a 100w #183 using a Ceriatone kit as a starting point because it simplifies the parts sourcing.

Anybody here have experience with Ceriatone? The quality of parts, xfmrs, etc.. and service.????


Thanks in advance....

[T Wilcox]

Most of the guys here dont take the easy route and source most everything themselves.
I took the easy route
I cannot say 1 bad thing about Ceriatone quality.
My next project I think I will try to source my own parts.
I love the OTS that I built though, especially since its my first born. Unfortunately I have nothing to compare it to, its the only D-style amp I've played.
Todd

[The Tube Doctor]

I've worked on a few of Ceriatone's pre-built amps.
If the quality of materials in the kits is the same, there won't be
any problems. Nik is a good person to deal with. Prompt and attentive,
in my experience.

[rogb]

I would probably source the trannys and cab in the USA, as this will save you a load on shipping which you can put toward some nice US iron and woodwork

I think it's a great idea as parts sourcing can be very tough and Nik's boards and components are really good. I will never get my boards that neat in a million years

[bluesfendermanblues]

My first D-clone build was a Ceriatone.

Nik use all the right parts (like 6ps caps) in his builds and if upgraded to Mercury transformers, you get top quality amps from Nik.

Some people at this forum, tend to see Nik as some sort of pirate who steel designs from the ampgarage (such as the FM and #183) and sell these from his store.

IMO, Nik is no different than other companies (TwoRock, Fuchs, Bludotone), who have based their production on Dumble's designs. The only difference being that Ceriatone has a lower price point.

[The Tube Doctor]

I'm in Hong Kong, so Ceriatone doesn't cost a fortune for shipping to this part of the world.
Intellectual property rights are admittedly difficult to protect.
And yes, Nik's wiring is super clean.

[longislandrod]

This is good feedback, thanks guys.

[Homebelly]

I built an HRM style amp that i bought totally stripped from ceriatone.
I built all boards and did all the wiring my self.
Totally satisfying experience.
I used Nik's PT as it solves the problems of having to power the relay's, but i used my own sourced choke and OT.
Can't speak highly enough of Nik's help and advice during the whole process.
If this is your first D-Style build you could do a whole lot worse than going with Nik.