[Nick B]

I recently learned of the Golden Tube Audio line and of the Sonic Craft mods by Jeff Glowacki and mods by Loc Vu at the GTA forum at Yahoo. So I am very interested in the SE 40 modded amp. Today I saw an ad for the SEP 3 preamp, which I had never heard of. The SEP 1 does not have a good reputation, but I would like to know if anyone has any experience or knowledge of the SEP 3. It is a remote controlled unit with a separate and quite large power supply.
Thanks,
Nick

[galyons]

The SEP 3 is a 6DJ8/6922 based 5 input line stage. There is an optional 6DJ8/6922 based internal phono board. The gain is 30dB. Noise -85dB.  Input impedance 10K.  The functions are remotely and touch button activated, the control done through an EPROM.  The external power supply uses a 5U4 tube rectifier.  It is a very nice sounding unit and some simple parts swaps can improve the sound.

The SEP-1 is good line stage.  All GTA products were high value for their price point.  To keep the price down, some components were under spec'd.  Again some simple resister & cap swaps yield big benefits.

The SE40 is perhaps the best bargain, now and at introduction.  It is a parallel single ended 6L6GC design capable of amazing sonics.  The SE40 can be configured as stereo or  monoblocks. The available mods both address the stressed parts. The Sonicraft replaces coupling capacitors with their own branded metalized polyprop caps.  The Loc Vu mod is cheap and DIY.  It is far more extensive, solving the reliability issues, replaces PS cap, uses PIO caps for coupling and PS and negative bias circuit.  Loc's modkit (MY BIAS! I am a PIO cap guy and I install the kit for folks!), elevates the sound to compete far above the price point. 

Go join the GTA Yahoo group.  There is a wealth of knowledge and expertise in it archives and membership.

Cheers,
Geary

[Ericus Rex]

I have heard the stock SEP-3 and stock SE40 pair at a shop several times 15 or so years ago.  Considering what was in that room at the time I probably heard them through any or all of the following;  Meadowlark Kestrel, Totem model 1 or Totem Manitu (or is it Mani-2?).  I remember the sound always being very good (spacious, resolving but still warm, very musical overall) no matter which speaker they were driving.  I must admit that I haven't had any long-term or serious listening sessions with the brand.  If the price is right (under $500 I'd guess) I'd say you could do alot worse...but probably not much better.

[Nick B]

The SEP 3 is a 6DJ8/6922 based 5 input line stage. There is an optional 6DJ8/6922 based internal phono board. The gain is 30dB. Noise -85dB.  Input impedance 10K.  The functions are remotely and touch button activated, the control done through an EPROM.  The external power supply uses a 5U4 tube rectifier.  It is a very nice sounding unit and some simple parts swaps can improve the sound.

The SEP-1 is good line stage.  All GTA products were high value for their price point.  To keep the price down, some components were under spec'd.  Again some simple resister & cap swaps yield big benefits.

The SE40 is perhaps the best bargain, now and at introduction.  It is a parallel single ended 6L6GC design capable of amazing sonics.  The SE40 can be configured as stereo or  monoblocks. The available mods both address the stressed parts. The Sonicraft replaces coupling capacitors with their own branded metalized polyprop caps.  The Loc Vu mod is cheap and DIY.  It is far more extensive, solving the reliability issues, replaces PS cap, uses PIO caps for coupling and PS and negative bias circuit.  Loc's modkit (MY BIAS! I am a PIO cap guy and I install the kit for folks!), elevates the sound to compete far above the price point. 

Go join the GTA Yahoo group.  There is a wealth of knowledge and expertise in it archives and membership.

Cheers,
Geary

The asking price for the SEP 3 is $900 with the Loc Vu mods. I am concerned about the EPROM failing at some point and if the remote would still work or at least the front buttons could still be operated manually. I would hate  to lose remote volume control. I also wonder if there are better used and modded alternatives than the SEP 3. A great sounding phono board would be nice.  I sent pics to Jeff at Sonic Craft if these mods are his and how extensive they are. Have yet to hear back. I just joined the GTA Yahoo group and there are a ton of posts there. If this doesn't pan out, I will take you up on doing the Loc Vu kit for me on other GTA units .

[Nick B]

I have heard the stock SEP-3 and stock SE40 pair at a shop several times 15 or so years ago.  Considering what was in that room at the time I probably heard them through any or all of the following;  Meadowlark Kestrel, Totem model 1 or Totem Manitu (or is it Mani-2?).  I remember the sound always being very good (spacious, resolving but still warm, very musical overall) no matter which speaker they were driving.  I must admit that I haven't had any long-term or serious listening sessions with the brand.  If the price is right (under $500 I'd guess) I'd say you could do alot worse...but probably not much better.

The asking price on the modded SE 40 is $595 which seems like a very good deal. The board looks great...very nice workmanship. From the research I've done, either the GTA modded amp or mods by Bob and Gary at RHB Sound Dezign, but those would be quite a bit more expensive. The search goes on...last tube gear I had were the VAC 90's and Modjeski RM 9