I just got an SE-40.

From what I had read they are supposed to be excellent for the price
range.

I listened to them and find that there is some smearing in the top
end.
I checked out inside and the 6sn7's have 7,5VDC!!! filament voltage.

I was a little doubtful about 5881 being used in class a se, since
they have always sounded dark and akward to me compared to
european-style pentodes. I guess I was right.

I biased the tubes as described in the manual and checked out some
other 6sn7's but I have a feeling that this amp is limited by the
power tubes.

Anyone have any Ideas on getting the best out of this amp?

maxdm wrote:
I just got an SE-40.

From what I had read they are supposed to be excellent for the price
range.

I listened to them and find that there is some smearing in the top
end.
I checked out inside and the 6sn7's have 7,5VDC!!! filament voltage.

It is doubtful that what you think you heard is due the excessive
heater volage level. Design incompetence such as that in 'modern'
tube amps is not uncommon though. That tube will likely have much
reduced service life because of it.

Switch to EH tubes for your output(matched). Your amp is one of the best
on the face of the earth.

maxdm wrote:

I just got an SE-40.

From what I had read they are supposed to be excellent for the price
range.

I listened to them and find that there is some smearing in the top
end.
I checked out inside and the 6sn7's have 7,5VDC!!! filament voltage.

I was a little doubtful about 5881 being used in class a se, since
they have always sounded dark and akward to me compared to
european-style pentodes. I guess I was right.

I biased the tubes as described in the manual and checked out some
other 6sn7's but I have a feeling that this amp is limited by the
power tubes.

Anyone have any Ideas on getting the best out of this amp?

I never cared much for that design but if you do, you can find a patch
for its troubles he http://www.soniccraft.com/upgrades/se40.htm
-Bill
www.uptownaudio.com
Roanoke VA
(540) 343-1250

"maxdm" wrote in message
...
I just got an SE-40.

From what I had read they are supposed to be excellent for the price
range.

I listened to them and find that there is some smearing in the top
end.
I checked out inside and the 6sn7's have 7,5VDC!!! filament voltage.

I was a little doubtful about 5881 being used in class a se, since
they have always sounded dark and akward to me compared to
european-style pentodes. I guess I was right.

I biased the tubes as described in the manual and checked out some
other 6sn7's but I have a feeling that this amp is limited by the
power tubes.

Anyone have any Ideas on getting the best out of this amp?

I also didn't care for the amp. It was kinda relaxing to listen
to music. But the amp was slow and fuzzy or softly focused.

A good used C-J or VTL would be a much better choice in a
tube amp. Got more guts too.

Dennis

"maxdm" wrote in message
...
I just got an SE-40.

From what I had read they are supposed to be excellent for the price
range.

I listened to them and find that there is some smearing in the top
end.
I checked out inside and the 6sn7's have 7,5VDC!!! filament voltage.

I was a little doubtful about 5881 being used in class a se, since
they have always sounded dark and akward to me compared to
european-style pentodes. I guess I was right.

I biased the tubes as described in the manual and checked out some
other 6sn7's but I have a feeling that this amp is limited by the
power tubes.

Anyone have any Ideas on getting the best out of this amp?