For the Amp Builders, 5E3: Weber or Mission?

I've been planning on building an amp for a long time now, and I'm finally ready to order parts and get started. In my hunting, I discovered the AX84 schematics, and initially wanted to start off by building the AX84 Single Ended Lead (basically the high-octane, but with an octal power tube), but though I've modded my Valve Jr to death, starting off building that seems somewhat daunting, and I decided to build something simpler to start, since I'd rather do it right the first time. After researching simpler circuits, I've had my heart set on building the Fender 5E3 tweed deluxe circuit, which brings me to my dilemma;

Is it worth it to build the 5E3 from the Mission chassis kit (which I've heard great things about) and deal with not having a cabinet for a while (I have a 2x12" cab so this wouldn't be too much of a problem, but I would like the Tweed as a combo),

or

to buy the Weber kit with the cabinet and all, and have the complete amp right away?

I've heard that the Weber kits provide some sub-par parts, and that many must be replaced for a reliable/quality amp, and I would rather just buy a kit with quality parts to begin with. One concern I have though is that since I have to purchase the cabinet and speaker separately from the kit, I'll end up paying even more than the difference between the Mission and Weber kits to begin with, so I was wondering if anyone has any experience with either, and/or knows if the parts quality of the Mission kit is worth the extra $$? I believe it will end up being ~$200-$325 more for the Mission kit, once it's been completed.

Thanks!

I have been dealing with Ted Weber for about ten years and have always had great service from him, but I have never built one of his kits so I can not comment on his parts quality in the kits. The only parts I am aware of that has gotten any complaints is the pots, and you can order his kit without the pots and supply your own.

I also have heard great things about Bruce's kits and his online tech support is seccond to none. But no cabinet.

So...

My personal suggestion would be to buy the Mission kit from Bruce and the cabinet from Ted and just pay the extra that it costs to get what you are comfortable with. Or buy Teds whole kit less the pots.

You could also build your own cabinet for either kit, or source your own parts and scratch build your amp.

i'd go with weber because even with upgraded heyboer transformers, neutrik jacks, carling switches, and a brand new 12A125 speaker on top of the one that comes in the kit, you're around $650 for the kit + extras from weber. you'd only need to buy 3 1 Meg audio pots to build that amp, at a cost of maybe another $10-12. get rid of the heyboer trannys and you're back under $600, just add shipping.

if you ask ted & crew, they'd certainly throw the 12A125 in the kit and remove the Sig 12S that comes with the kit and knock that off the price. not to mention IMHO his speakers are better than any of the jensen reissues that are out there.

the mission kit with cab and speaker is $719 + shipping

either way, do what you're comfortable with. enjoy it. it's highly addictive, so i know it won't be your last.

either way, do what you're comfortable with. enjoy it. it's highly addictive, so i know it won't be your last.

At the moment, I'm actually leaning towards Weber partly for this reason; I'll always have another chance to build one with different parts

I'm looking into some of the options you listed on the weber site right now also.

Thanks for the responses so far!

What ever you decide to do, good luck on your first amp build, have fun, and work safely, as "Procreatur" mentioned above it is addicting as hell.

AFAIK, mission also offers support when you buy one of their kits...Ted gives you a schematic.

Also, I would say that an octane isn't more difficult to build than a deluxe...

The nice thing about a kit though, is that you don't have to hunt down all the parts.