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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
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Message started by Kamran on 04/11/22 at 23:35:46

Title: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by Kamran on 04/11/22 at 23:35:46

The amps web page also changed and now lists the SE34I.5 being retired in 2022 and also gone is the ‘Rachael’ designation and is $200 more then the previous version. Looks like a choke-filtered power supply is a new addition? Here’s what it says for the new version:

Model SE34I.6
Manufactured from 2022 to now.

A new power supply for even lower noise with speakers over 100dB and compatibility with 274B rectifier tubes thanks to a newly designed 4uf choke-filtered power supply.

Need to understand what this means for folks who are on the waiting list for the previous version.

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by Steve Deckert on 04/12/22 at 03:39:03

Everyone one the list for a SE34I.5 will have the option to take delivery of a SE34I.6. The biggest difference is that the SE34I.6 will not be available with dual volume controls unless it is set up with only a single pair of input jacks. We have streamlined the options on the new version to help with production and gave it a 274B compatible power supply.

-Steve

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by Kamran on 04/12/22 at 04:50:39

Thanks Steve. I’ve emailed Sarah separately as well with some more questions.

Curious: Do these revisions impact the sound positively or is the sonic output the same but built with better production efficiencies (which is definitely a good thing!).

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by Beerfab on 04/12/22 at 18:24:09

Just recieved my SE34I.5 a few weeks ago. Does it have the new power supply?

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by drford on 04/12/22 at 18:51:01

Curious to learn more about the new model - specifically, what's the boost in sound quality? Is it enough that one would want to upgrade from the SE34I.5? If so, what would that cost?

Super great news!

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by Andrew Allshire on 04/17/22 at 22:36:51

I thought that the SE341.5 already handled the 274B as long as it could handle a 47uf capacitor in the first section of the power supply. I just got a Sophia Electric Aqua 274B specifically for my SE341.5 which is on order because Sophia Electric designed the Aqua 274B rectifier tube to handle 47uf. Apparently the Aqua 274B can directly replace 5U4G in most amplifiers with great sonic improvement.
Can I assume that my SE341.5 can still handle this 274B?

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by Lon on 04/17/22 at 23:52:17

Yes, the Aqua are fine to use. I have been assuming that Steve is gearing the new model to handle the other, original 274B rectifiers which are not the same electrically as a 5U4G.

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by Carlsbad on 04/18/22 at 17:03:52

I second what Lon said. In another thread Steve stated that the Sophia Aqua 274B is designed by valve art and can handle the 47uF capacitor in the power circuit. Other 274B tubes may not be able to handle the larger capacitor.

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by Steve Deckert on 04/18/22 at 17:16:12

Quote:

There is really no difference in sound quality between the two models, at least nothing obvious. Extended comparisons suggest the original to be a bit more lush while the new one is a touch firmer.

This new model simply has a few less options to help streamline production, and is now compatible with the original 274B and similar rectifier tubes.

People with the SE34I.5 on order will have the option to have an SE34I.5 made just the way they ordered it, or get an SE34I.6. The biggest difference between them is that the I.6 will no longer have the option for dual volume controls if you have more than one pair of inputs.

Steve

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by thevinoman on 04/19/22 at 18:12:18

Steve, I would like to stick with my original order of a 341.5. What is the best way to inform you folks of that? Thanks very much.

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by Dr3wman on 04/19/22 at 18:16:18

My suggestion would be to call Sarah or Veronica at Customer Service.

(309) 822-5255.

There is also a "Contact us" email option you can use from the webpage.

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by thevinoman on 04/20/22 at 20:33:11

Thank you. Just spoke with Sarah and she placed a note on my order.

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by drford on 04/21/22 at 01:52:51

Thanks for the details Steve. I love my amp... for me, it's pretty close to perfection, so I'm kind of glad it's not a major change as I don't want to be without it even for a few weeks.

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by Rhtubes on 05/02/22 at 01:16:54

Steve,
Does the SE34I.6 still require 2.5v for maximum power output like the SE34I.5? Thanks!

Great question, and the answer is no. It is closer to 1.5 volts.

Title: Re: SE341.5 changed to SE34I.6 on Home Page
Post by hdrider on 05/02/22 at 02:07:17

RHTubers- I would bet that it does. I started without my CSP3 and just went straight into the amp, worked fine. Added the CSP3 and it went to another level. Being able to adjust the balance and gain on different sources or records is something I'll never be without. Rachael is total game changer if everything else you have is up to speed. Happy listening, Chris.