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AUDIO FORUMS >> Reviews >> Decware newbie - SE84UFO upgrades worth it?
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Message started by Reptar on 01/30/19 at 22:46:12

Title: Decware newbie - SE84UFO upgrades worth it?
Post by Reptar on 01/30/19 at 22:46:12

Hi - I am looking to purchase the Zen SE84UFO. I just ordered and am waiting to receive Omega Compact Alnico Monitors. I am planning to feed the amp with a DAC, right now I have a Musical Fidelity V90 that is nice but would upgrade that too.

Question: does anyone have experience with the upgrades that are offered for the SE84UFO? - the copper Jupiter Caps and the stepped attenuator? Does it substantially change the sound of the amp? I think I would lean more towards the Cap upgrade but if the attenuator makes a big deal I would consider that as well. Any thoughts or experiences with the upgrades on this amp?

Thanks in advance

Regards
Steve

Title: Re: Decware newbie - SE84UFO upgrades worth it?
Post by Lon on 01/30/19 at 23:46:15

Steve, if you look around and use the search function you'll find quite a lot of opinion on the forum about these things.

The general consensus on the forum seems to be that the caps are a worthwhile upgrade. I bought one component with the beeswax caps. . . and then every one I bought after that I went for the upgraded caps. There is an openness and clarity to the sound that is NOT analytical and edgy sounding, but natural and revealing.

I tend to like stepped attenuators but confess that there is less of a difference with these compared to the "steeples" attenuators than there is between capacitor choices. Again I think I hear just a bit more consistent clarity at all volume positions and I do like to be able to count the steps with Monoblocks or components with dual controls.

Title: Re: Decware newbie - SE84UFO upgrades worth it?
Post by Reptar on 01/31/19 at 00:57:40

Thanks for the advice, I will try out the search function on the forum, I have been searching on the web.

The Caps seem like a worthwhile upgrade, but having just bought the speakers I would opt to save some money where I can. I share your opinion re; the stepped attenuator, but if there isn't a big sonic impact then I am not inclined to get that upgrade.

Really appreciate your thoughtfulness, time and effort helping me out. I did send a message to the person who has the SE84UFO (2) messages but haven't heard back. I am inclined to purchase new so I get the lifetime warranty as I hope to have this setup for a long time.

Warm regards,
Steve

Title: Re: Decware newbie - SE84UFO upgrades worth it?
Post by Archie on 01/31/19 at 01:28:57

This may be amp/system dependent but Steve didn't think I'd get any benefit out of a stepped attenuator on my ZMA. So there's a good place to save. Go for the caps though. Maybe not the Type II but certainly the beeswax.

Title: Re: Decware newbie - SE84UFO upgrades worth it?
Post by Reptar on 01/31/19 at 01:32:22

Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated.

Regards

Title: Re: Decware newbie - SE84UFO upgrades worth it?
Post by AdamsSam on 04/05/19 at 16:07:29

Thanks Lon, that helped me as well!