Available now.

The UFO upgrade for the SE34I is $400. It involves two new transformers, new mounting holes as well as a switch to change between 4 and 8 ohms!

Additionally there is an BIAS MOD for the amp as well.  It involves an upgraded bias supply for the output tubes that will mill the tubes up to around 48 mA. The mod also includes relocating the bias meters in the circuit closer to ground which improves the sound.  Cost $100

Either mods are well worth it and make a more than noticeable improvement to an already great amplifier.

Anyone wanting to get in on this can send their amp in using the RA form located here.

https://www.decware.com/newsite/service.html

Turn around time will of course be somewhat dependent on our current stock of UFO transformers, but on average the amp will spend a week here.  The BIAS mod is not reliant on stock so a week or less for that.

Presently all new SE34I.4 amplifiers come standard with the BIAS MOD and offer the UFO output transformers as an option in the shopping cart.  This is while we still have inventory of the original SE34I transformers.  Once we run out, the price of the SE34I will be raised and the UFO transformers will become standard.

I would love to see a photo of a modified Rachael and hear some comments from owners as this progresses. Question for Steve, what are we looking at in terms of re-breaking in our beloved Decware amps? Ours is now into month #7 and is good on turn on, great at about 45 minutes and into the Holy Crap This is AMAZING thing after dinner and 2 glasses…Do the new trannies take a similar amount of time to season? The thought of sending her off for upgrade is akin to sending my last daughter off to school….

4k- Actually Laura…one of the great things in my mind (that should raise questions right away) is that the Decware/Omega music system is SO musical I have gotten off the lust/want/obsessing band wagon that I had when I had the other gear. I know that something can always be better, and I will do some upgrades but the basic building blocks are so dam good as it is I don't want to futz with it. Although I could sent Rachael to Steve's when we are in Kauai and I wouldn't even miss her….Happy listening, Chris.

Guys guys, let's be rachenal, er rational here! There is no cause for alarm. Your amps are a beautiful thing already, pack, pack pack. Think this move over before you do it, tape tape tape....I mean it doesn't mean that first is best   address/stamp/drop off.

Does this mean kt88 is a more viable option now? I've been reading folks going down to 43mA with no advisers effects but what would they bias out to in this circuit?

Can we keep the old transformers?

There are only (2) capacitors in this circuit correct? One on each channel. No place to stick some Jupiter 600v .47uF I bought by mistake!?

I already have VCAPS in mine, just looking for a home for these extra Jupiter copper foil.

Anyone know what value the caps are used in Rachel?

Ok, so you are 'the one'. You will be responsible for telling us the story (before and after) and what it means. You have no idea how tempting this is, yet, I might be one of the exceptions who first has the bias mod done and then the tranny swap at a later date.

Sent it in 1 month ago, no word yet. summertime.

Still wondering if KT88 would now bias better and be more viable. Maybe I should pick up a pair? Anyone have a set I can try?

She's bbbbbbbbbbbbback.

Left it running at home after lunch with wife doing some cooking. I used all new tubes from Upscale Audio as Steve said I had an output tube short and included a bad resistor in box. Confused about that as I used the amp no problem right until shipping.


Anyway, they biased up nicely with bias mod and the UFOs sound good out of the box.

I replaced Tesla EL34 NOS + Pope Amperex 7DJ8 with SED Winged C + Tesla 6922 NOS.

I may roll back the Pope. My weekend starts here in 3 hours so I plan to listen a lot. Stay tuned.

Hifi-  What's your evaluation of the UFO and bias mods??  Is it worth the $500??

Rachel sent in for UFO & bias surgery. Will confess all when she returns.

I wrote a piece yesterday on this thread, only to have it all erased because of technical difficulties. Technology pisses me off in a regular manner, so it wasn't until now that I decided to try again. This time I will keep it short and to the point. What I like about the new sound has to do with the decay of notes/music. Steve suggests that this due to the greater resolution that the transformers have. Now of course, it is up to me to pick some tubes that I might like best. I ran GE 6DJ8 tubes for awhile, but they won't my favorite tube. Now I am trying original stock AR 6DJ8 tubes and find them to have an honest sound. I will try others just because I have on hand, so stay tuned. One thing to note is that EVERYTHING now makes a difference, And I am more careful as to my choices. In the end, this sound suits me quite well, and I imagine that most people would agree.

New flooring has been completed in my listening room and no doubt the sound changed considerably. I am happy to report that I am enjoying the new sound more than I would have thought. I have always have had carpeted listening rooms and that made sense. This room now has a double thick wood floor (New floor over old floor). As expected, the sound is more live than before. The upgraded Rachel is a wonderful match for the acoustics. As I have mentioned before, the new amp is still breaking in and the sound continues to impress me. I wouldn't go back even to compare.