Thanks for the update, Duane. Always nice to have another viewpoint.
Like Simi above, though, my experience has been the opposite of yours. The SE series components in particular seem to cross a threshold between the best solid state and tube gear. IME, they possess the magical midrange characteristics that tubes are typically known for, while creating believable scale and stage and remaining competent at the frequency extremes.
Of course, as always, YMMV.
