Thanks for the link. I think I did see this one, but it’s from 2002 so each of the models has gone through several upgrades since then. Now I think both amps use the same output transformers which brings the sound closer together than previous iterations. I think they’re working on orders from a year ago currently. My indecision added many months to my wait. I think upgrading my preamp was the right choice though. I was sure about that, and it made a bigger difference than switching between amps does.
Any direct comparisons between Decware SE34I.5 and SE84UFO2?
I’ve been unsuccessful finding many listening notes contrasting the character and tone of the 2 models. With the current long lead times I guess I could just order both and then easily sell one, but I’m not ready to start buying amps 2 at a time yet. (And if they’re any where near as good as the individual reviews claim, I’d probably end up keeping both.)
For my personal set up I’m not overly concerned about the power output difference. Either should be fine with Zu Soul Supremes. I have a Primaluna now so I have a few EL34 compatible tubes I could use, but I don’t have a benchmark on how different the same tube in a different amp would be. I realize both amps are using a pentode tube as a triode, but I’m not sure how different that is from a true triode SET.
There’s an element of ongoing exploration here. The easy answer is to try everything, but time and money are limiting factors. Is triode mode on the Primaluna giving me an idea of what to expect from a SET amp? Seems like having at least one of these is worthwhile even if some fancy boutique 300B monoblocks might be in my eventual future (the exception to the rule against buying 2 amps at once).
Please chime in with firsthand (or even secondhand) anecdotes, links to reviews I’ve missed, better search terms, cat pictures, or knock-knock jokes. Thanks.
Showing 4 responses by cat_doorman
My experience is fairly limited because I'm basically a hermit and only ventured into tube amps a few years ago. Another little Class A amp that a few people have recommended is Inspire by Dennis Had. There are probably a few threads about it or other amps he's designed over the years. He sells on eBay now. https://www.ebay.com/itm/154825814217?hash=item240c5670c9:g:YA0AAOSwco1fV~aS |
Perfect examples of the amp I have is outstanding, but I haven’t heard the other one. I’m more appreciative than that sounds. I’ve just sifted through lots of individually superlative reviews. I have found a very few direct comparisons on different forums, but since the amps also have nicknames (Rachael and SuperZen) and search engines generally return results by the page instead of by the post, it can get complicated to get the right combination of search terms and then sift through and find direct head to head comparisons. The results also depend on the speakers and room and the tubes and the music. General impressions I’ve gotten are that the SE34 is a little warmer and laid back, but makes up for it with more power. The SE84 is more dynamic and precise but can run out of gas (which makes sense if you’re trying for more volume than 2W can get through your speakers). |
@jacano that sounds like exactly the scenario I wanted to avoid. I had almost made up my mind when I realized that rather than buying more different amps, what I really needed was a better preamp since I’m still using a Schiit Saga+. As it turns out the new pre I ordered is also an integrated amp. Might be interesting to compare a 1W LTA MZ3 to a 2W Zen someday. I never thought to look for that comparison. There should be a special word for a group of amps, like a gaggle, pride, parliament, clowder, or herd. Enjoy your growing collection. |