MOTM

>I'd send a deposit if you go the pre taped route. Though, I 
>wouldn't mind if you went to SMT boards if that made it easier (for 
>you), or cheaper and faster delivery for us.
>
>I remember a time when you asked about pre-stuffed PCBs -- I 
>wouldn't mind pre-assembled boards if that would help you in the 
>production side of it.

I agree with anything that saves Paul's time.  If he wanted a 
deposit, or even all the money upfront, that would be fine with me 
too.

If he offered kits with pre-assembled SMT PCBs and where we still had 
to build the front panel, then that would be fine with me as long as 
the schematics and theory of operation were included.  I would prefer 
that to having new modules only available as assembled (like the 
Cloud Generator).  Also, considering the price and availability of 
through-hole vs. surface mount parts, SMT might allow for a better 
design.

Otoh, Moe might have a point about "possible audio emasculation from 
shrunken down circuit paths".  On yet another hand, audio IC's with 
insides much more miniature than SMT sound perfectly fine.  There are 
also possible noise advantages using SMT due to reduced lead 
inductance and trace resistance.