I have in front of me a spreadsheet I put together of the possible combinations of SE84UFO models to power the custom Altec Model 19 speakers I am building. The speakers have brand new Great Plains Audio drivers and crossovers, with other mods should have 100 db efficiency, or better.  If the weather gets better, the speaker should be done in another month, so seeing what the waiting list is for new Decware amps, I figured I better order my amps now. But which to choose?

Due to my cabinet installation for electronics, the amps will be on a shelf over 4 feet high. This makes access to the meters and switches on the 25th anniversary model somewhat moot, especially for my wife.  So a pair of the mono block SE84UFOs minus the meters and volume controls makes sense. Plus, the model blocks fit better in my cabinet space and are closer to the speakers for shorter cable length.

But here’s my dilemma;
One SE84UFO25 = $3,395
Two SE84UFO3 = $1,295 X 2 = $2,590
Two SE84UFO3 with mods = ($1,295 + $690) X 2 = $3,970

Are the mono blocks with the mods that much better than a single  SE84UFO25?   If the mods were only $290 as on other models, the decision would be easy.  I can afford the extra money, but I don’t want to spend additional money for no reason other than it fits my cabinet better.

Thanks in advance for any information provided.

I have not heard a SE84UFO25. I have heard 25 hours so far of a SE84 with anniversary mods on a system with treated mains. I can go to that system just about anytime of the day and get 3D imaging with blacken backgrounds. At the 7 pm hour that system can blossom to create an out of body connection with the right recording. That said, the SE84UFO25 is a complete piece cleaning the noisy mains with its power supply scheme while having plenty of reserve power on tap. Of course the rest of the audio chain will be subject to the noisy mains. But an amplifier will amplify it. If it were me with 100db efficent speakers and an average size listening room it would be a no-brainer to pick up the SE84UFO25

John

I think the two SE84UFO3 are the best of both worlds. You can get the amps and decide to do the anniversary mods later down the line.

If your choice is driven by budget constraints, then the SE84UFO3 is the cheapest option. I would not go without the volume control myself, but I understand the appeal.

You have not talked about the quality of your sources, preamp, or power. Are you happy with those?

Are the mono blocks with anniversary mods better than the SU84UFO25? Yes, in my opinion. I prefer the channel separation, beefier power supplies, and extra power.

I downsized from multiple systems, so I use the SE84UFO25 more than anything else partly because of small footprint, meters, and ability to easily change the OD3 tube. I do not need the extra power now in my one system.

Thanks to all for the SE84UFO information and recommendations.  In answer to questions on the rest of my system components, with the exception of a reel to reel, I am starting from scratch.  The reel to reel is also more for tinkering with and visual atmosphere than a music source.  I sold all of my audio equipment 7 years ago, including my Cornwall speakers I had for 3 decades.  There was no room for them when we moved into our current mid century modern home, or so I thought.  After a few years of research, I designed some Altec Mode19s that could be built into an existing wall.

My wife and I have a decent vinyl and CD collection, but we will stream most of the time.  I purchased a used Direct Stream Junior, but the transaction may have fallen through.  If it does I will be looking for another.   I am still researching what turntable to get.  

As soon as I get a second post, I will be able to post a photo of my speaker project.

Interesting setup! My guess is that there would be no sonic detriment to that slope setting for the amp, or any other issue.

Could I bother someone who owns SE84UFO25 to post some photos of direct front and direct side views of their amp?  It appears tilting the amp so that it is easier to access and see the top may work well. But it would help to know the clearance I would have with the shelf above it. I can scale front and side view photos knowing the base dimensions.

Thanks in advance.

This may help, or not.  Good pictures though.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234424522082?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p206...