The factory SE is definately better than the standard model, but the SE+ mod done by chris at partsconnexion is out of this worl. It brings the pre up to absolute reference quality. It will compete with ANYTHING on the market. This is my experience with the Line 3, 3 SE, and 3SE+. I never heard the Line 2 but i am told that others who modded their line 2s are just as satisfied as i am