Have ~25 hours on my VAC SigMKIIa pre upgraded to SE and hearing similar improvements described from 160i to 160iSE. Blacker background, lower noise, improved transparency, organic, timbre, musicality ... a totally different preamp and for the cost of upgrade, HIGHLY recommended!
Their were minor circuit changes removing a pair of 12au7 ... according to Kevin Hayes, major change is using statement level Lundahl signal transformers. I assume 160iSE is also using statement level transformers?
I was talking to Kevin and he said 200 IQ can also roll KT120 and KT150. He hasn't roll KT120 but KT88 beats KT150 in factory and dealer demos. I wonder if 160iSE can also roll KT120 and KT150?
Two interesting videos. 200 IQ will trip before blowing a fuse if output tube fails. Now great tube sound with SS low maintenance?
Interview with Kevin Hayes on 200 IQ
VAC 200 IQ in action
Their were minor circuit changes removing a pair of 12au7 ... according to Kevin Hayes, major change is using statement level Lundahl signal transformers. I assume 160iSE is also using statement level transformers?
I was talking to Kevin and he said 200 IQ can also roll KT120 and KT150. He hasn't roll KT120 but KT88 beats KT150 in factory and dealer demos. I wonder if 160iSE can also roll KT120 and KT150?
Two interesting videos. 200 IQ will trip before blowing a fuse if output tube fails. Now great tube sound with SS low maintenance?
Interview with Kevin Hayes on 200 IQ
VAC 200 IQ in action