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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> SE84UFO2 >> Se84ufo2 vs Se84ufo25
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Message started by instinct2 on 11/12/20 at 18:19:05

Title: Se84ufo2 vs Se84ufo25
Post by instinct2 on 11/12/20 at 18:19:05

If one were to get the 25th anniversary mods done to the ufo2, what’s the difference from the se84ufo25?

Title: Re: Se84ufo2 vs Se84ufo25
Post by Lon on 11/12/20 at 18:35:06

There are many differences between the two amps and comparing the two product pages should allow one to discover that. Among the differences are the wood panels for the chassis, and the input placement and the dual volume controls.

Circuit-wise the major difference that will influence sound charcteristics are the fact that the "25" comes stock with the upgraded capacitors, and that the "25" has two voltage regulator tubes, one each for the input and output tubes, that the "2" does not have.

Title: Re: Se84ufo2 vs Se84ufo25
Post by instinct2 on 11/12/20 at 18:42:37

Thanks Lon, I did see the differences, just wasn’t sure on the modifications of how much difference the two would have. Appears that it’s still significantly better.

Title: Re: Se84ufo2 vs Se84ufo25
Post by Lon on 11/12/20 at 18:53:08

I haven't been able to do a direct comparison--years back I went from a "Select" Zen to several different of the pentode EL34 amps, and then came back to using a C Zen amp I picked up that had been modded by former forumite Eddie Vaughn and used that in an extra system. I also bought a Taboo Mk IV that I began to really enjoy, used mainly for headphones. Then when the "25" was in development I got very interested but feared the amp would have not quite enough power for me. Steve started developing Anniversary Mods for the SE84UFO3 Monoblocks and I decided to buy a pair of these with the mods, which includes two voltage regulation tubes so very close to the 25 amp.

I LOVE THESE AMPS. The mods definitely make a BIG difference in some ways that I have become very addicted to. I had the mods added to my Taboo and had a CSP3 built with the mods. The voltage regulation does impact the sound. I even use a power regenerator and there is still audible improvement.

A pair of the SE84UFO3 amps modded is not that far off from the "25" and if you could use a little more power they are definitely worth considering.

Title: Re: Se84ufo2 vs Se84ufo25
Post by alper_yilmaz on 11/14/20 at 13:54:54

Do you have the UFO2 already and looking for upgrades? Or are you trying to pick between the two?

If the latter, and if you're tight on budget, I would go for the plain SE84UFO (which is the same as UFO2 soundwise, AFAIK) and that is an amazing amp already. Over time, you can consider upgrading to the UFO25.

To me UFO25 is the ultimate you can get from the SE84 design. I previously had the UFO and after that amp, the betterment is significant. Yet, if it is worth the price difference, it is too much of a personal thing.

When I first heard the UFO, it was an orgasmic moment (please do not read this offensive). With the UFO25, it is a better and longer one! :)

Cheers,

Alper

Title: Re: Se84ufo2 vs Se84ufo25
Post by instinct2 on 11/14/20 at 15:14:53

No I’m just trying to decide which amp to upgrade too. I just have an old solid state amp and want get into the tubes. Have a very small space for a listening room.

Title: Re: Se84ufo2 vs Se84ufo25
Post by slop on 11/14/20 at 20:11:44

get the plain old ufo with the beeswax caps (not copper) stepped attenuator and beeswax bypass mod. it will be very very musical and you will be happy!

Title: Re: Se84ufo2 vs Se84ufo25
Post by E045717 on 08/25/23 at 00:03:20

Can anyone comment on the level 2 anniversary mods? My 2.1 has Miflex caps. Is that the upgrade or is there something different?

Title: Re: Se84ufo2 vs Se84ufo25
Post by CAJames on 08/25/23 at 15:00:51

I'm not totally clear on which cap goes where these days, but I'm pretty sure if you have the Miflex caps than you have the level 2 anniversary mods.

Title: Re: Se84ufo2 vs Se84ufo25
Post by E045717 on 08/25/23 at 15:22:51

Thank you!