Sonic Frontiers Line 2 or 1 compared to new SE

Thanks to all for your thoughtful responses. I have had experience with all of the stock Line series pre-amps, and I also own a Line 1 that I use in a "sort of" HT set-up. But I've also used the Line 1 in my stereo system, and Jason is right in that there is not a big difference in music quality between the Line 2 and Line 1-- still, I prefer the Line 2 for music-- it's a bit smoother and more refined.

Mario; 2-3 years ago I did audition a Line 3 in my system for about a week and it produced that "big bloomy diffuse forward" sound effect that I dislike so much. I now have somewhat different components and wires, and I'd like to try it again, but it's difficult to arrange as I live out in the boondocks. Your involvement in the SE up-grades is interesting.

Re the SF website, the up-grade for the Line 2 is $999. USD, or $585. without the Seimens/Brimar tubes.

As of now, I'm leaning toward having the upgrade done and getting the new tube set too-- then if I don't like the new tubes, I'd hope I could exchange them for the stock Sovteks with SF. I've done some tube rolling with the Line 2, and keep going back to the very neutral stock Sovteks.

I may start another thread about what causes that "big bloomy diffuse" sound character that I don't like at all-- it sounds very un-natural to me. Any comments on this? I don't know what causes it, but I've had it happen with a Levinson 331 amp, SF Line 3 pre-amp, an ESP power cord, and two different set of NOS tubes in my Line 2. I have assumed there is some kind of weird electical reaction going on that produces it in my system.

From the above responses, it looks like everyone thinks the SE upgrade is worthwhile for any of the Line series pre-amps. David, thanks for the encouragement. In this hobby, we've always got to have the "next and final?" up-grade in the planning stage at least ;>). Thanks, and Cheers. Craig

Hi, Craig. How are you? As far as the Line 3 sounding forward, bloomy and diffuse, it sounds like you had a bad unit. No one has ever characterized it sounding like that; to the contrary, almost every reviewer has characterized it as having a somewhat recessed midrange, and a "cool" rather than "bloomy" sound.

If you have the opportunity to listen to one in your system, I would do it. And don't be foolish -- if you have the upgrade done and don't like the tubes, sell the tubes and buy the Sovteks from Sonic Frontiers. You'll come out way ahead.

I would have to concur that the Sovteks are very good tubes for SF preamps. They are damn neutral. I have settled with 2 Valvos and 4 Sovteks, which improves bass weight a bit.

Lneilb; That's an excellent suggestion-- thanks. I had a full set of Valvos (six) and didn't care for the sound when all six were used-- wish I had tried it with just two as you are doing. I do think my system could use a touch of warmth. Hi Kev; yeah, I'd like to try a Line 3 again. Cheers. Craig.