Sonic Frontiers Line 3 pcX upgrade

Hi 833dave and Radicalseve,

Thanks for the comment. Compared to the other preamp (Herron) that I have, I feel the one thing that I want to improve on the Line 3 is the top end “air” that surround each instrument. The Herron just seems to have a little bit more separation among the instruments. I wonder if the SE+ upgrade improves on this area?

Radicalsteve, what tubes are you using in the Line 3? I have the same finding as you regarding NOS tubes. I have tried using a pair of NOS tubes (Telefunken CCA, Amperex orange globe 3708 etc.) in the most critical gain stage, and while the they sound cleaner (which I like), they also sound leaner from mid bass down (which I don’t like) than the stock Sovtek. I am kind of surprise at that, and I think I will try out some EH6922 next.

Thanks again

I retubed with Reflektor 6H23P-EB - very low noise. I agree that a a pair of some nice Bugle Boys or Siemens in the critical position will give that "air" and timbre but at the expense of noise as well as rythym & control which manifests itself as a loss of instrument placement - can't win!!

I had Chris perform the upgrade on a Line 3 a couple of years ago. I have been very happy with no problems. I would do it again.

I will be hand delivered my line 3 to pcX tomorrow to proceed for the upgrade. However, I spoke to Chris Johnson and he said that to me the components that they use are even than the original upgrade kit. I will post the upgrade components matrix later so that you can evaluate it yourself. So far, I think the upgrade is worth the price..

I'm owner of Line 3SE and std Power 3's. I'm interested in the pcX upgrades but note all exchanges on this forum topic dtd 2008. That's pushing almost 3 yrs ago. Does anyone have an update and contact info for Chris? No one ever mentions cost of shipping 300 lbs (for entire set) of audio hardware over a thousand miles (or much more for some of you) and across a border - as latter as it relates to turn-around time. Does pxX pay rtn shipping? Hopefully some of yoo are still chk'ing this blog.

Thanks,
Triller