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Upgrading Sonic Frontiers Line 3SE to ???

Have owned the unit a few years now, think it's time to upgrade to something better. I am happy with the midrange, top end, soundstage, transparency and all are important to me. One area I think I can use more is bass weight and dynamic, but don't want to lose any of the strength. Also like to have both SE & XLR input/output.

Have considered the following:

BAT VK-51SE
Aesthetix Calypso
ARC Ref 2 Mk II
???

Rest of my system is in flux, but what will stay is BAT VK-75SE, SF Amati Homage, VPI SSM Signature w/ Shelter 901.

I might add a solid state amp like Pass XA or X.5 series and still keep the tube amp, might upgrade my SF Phono 1SE to something else as well if I change my pre.
semi

Showing 2 responses by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
This may sound too simple, but if you really like your BAT VK-75SE, and you've heard and enjoy the 6H30 tubes, why don't you just try/buy a BAT VK-51SE and be done?

FWIW, yes, I agree that the 6H30 tubes are more dynamic and powerful, however, they do seem to lose a bit of that midrange bloom that tubes are famous for, IMHO. They do blend solid state and tube attributes, though to some, this is not a good thing. Perhaps it's because there are no NOS 6H30 tubes to roll, as I've found Sovtek 6922's to sound a bit sterile as well compared to NOS Amperex/Mullards/Siemens etc.

FWIW, I would try rolling the 6H23's with the Valvo and Tungsgrams, since you already have them. It can't hurt.

Happy hunting,

John
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I think the polarity that you mention regarding the VK-51SE revolves around the 6H30 tube. Some people love it for it's dynamic's and power, certainly more dynamic than other tube designs. Others don't like it because of a sense that it sacrifices the midrange palability that make tubes popular. I owned a 51SE for awile, and I would not characterize it as dark, the warm side of neutral maybe, but not dark.

I believe the polarity is based solely on the 6H30 tube, which seems to be gaining popularity now that ARC and CJ are using in their top preamps too. For me, it is a very tough call. I did love the dynamics/transparency of the 6H30 tubes, but I did not enjoy the more sterile midrange presentation.

That's my take anyway. From those that I've talked to that hated the VK-51SE, most blamed the 6H30 tube itself. They laugh at the 'Supertube' reference and say give me my old 6DJ8/12AX7/6SN7 preamp and let me roll with NOS tubes. Since you won't find any Mullard/Telefunken/Amperex/Siemen's 6H30's, it's hard to say if it's the tube design itself or the lack of good NOS tubes.
If you had no choice but to run your Line 3SE with Sovtek 6922's, you would have some idea of the midrange sterility that I speak of. Of course the benefit of this is the price of NOS tubes is getting pretty outrageous, especially if you need 8-10 of them to fill your preamp....OUCH!!!

Just my $.02

John
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