Replacing Sonic Frontiers Line 3 SE

Just my 2 cents try some NOS early 60 tubes as I described in my earlier post. You did not respond and say what the Siemens tubes were you used, but I bet they were not the early 60s Siemens CCa tubes.
A small investment considering the system you have. Besides the way the prices continue to rise for NOS tubes if you don't like the sound, wait 6 months an sell the tubes and get all your money back plus....

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Jim

Jim, the Siemens came with my Line 3 SE from SF, they have falcon logo which should be decent. I have tried a few others in addition to what I mentioned, but none made enough of a difference so I never thought of trying the Telefunken especially the stiff price.

One question is Line 3 SE has a pair of 6GH8A that were never replaced since new. Not sure if an aged 6GH8A will dull the sound and what will be a good source for NOS 6GH8A.

Sutts, do you have a SE or SE+ and have you compared the two? How does it compare to other pre's?

I wish I can go out and buy a BAT 51SE to try while keeping the Line 3 SE, but that's a serious commitment on cash flow.

unless you just have to spend 5k, there really isn't much that compares with your sf. the words 'extremely happy' don't show up often here. your amp may not like the change either.

I owned the same preamp for three years (SE upgrade after a year.) I just went through the replacement dance the beginning of this year. Auditioned
Big BAT51SE - frankly it didn't beat the Line 3 at all
Big Boulder ($35K I think) very analytical etched and unmusical.
Calypso - Better but the improvement over the Line 3 was not worth the money.
Ayre K1xe - This is what I upgraded to. Better in every way. Although not tube equipment, its the best and most musical preamp I've ever heard. Only preamp I've ever heard with the harmonic lushness of tubes but the accuracy and detail of solid state. The best of the two worlds (balanced also.)

How about upgrading the 3SE at Parts Connection? Might make an already fine pre even better.