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January 2, 2006 - 2:36pm
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Derek
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Joined: Dec 26 2005 - 2:01am
Sony "SE" series

My main system amplifier/receiver is a Sony STR-SE501.

I've done some research, and it seems there were only two models above it during the "SE" days, the SE581 and SE591. Both have phono inputs, while my SE501 does not.

Currently, everything Sony has is their new "DE" series, along with their "CE" line of CD players.

What I'm trying to do is find a complete listing of information regarding the old "SE" line of products. For instance, if I could confirm that an upgrade of one step from my SE501 to the SE581 would fulfill my requirements and attain the on-board phono preamp that I desire, then I could search more vigorously for one.

It would also be nice to know what line of CD players went along with the "SE" line of receivers.

Basically, the crux of my conundrum is this: would it be better to keep my SE501 and spend between $50 and $190 on a separate phono preamp, or take that same budget and simply upgrade my receiver, thus eliminating the need for a separate phono preamp?

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January 2, 2006 - 2:57pm
Jeff Wong
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Joined: Sep 6 2005 - 3:28am
Re: Sony "SE" series

Some of that will depend on if you think the upgrade bug will bite you or what kind of options you wish to leave yourself. Plus, are you happy with the sound you're getting from your current Sony? If you buy a nice separate phono preamp at the upper end of your budget to use now, you can still use it later, should you opt to get a better amp in the future. The degree of improvement by getting another Sony in the same line might not be that large; you might benefit more by going for an amp from a specialty audio company at a later date. Are you certain you want to build an all Sony system? There are many more options out there, and arguably ones that are far superior.

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January 3, 2006 - 9:03pm
Derek
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Re: Sony "SE" series

Right..

Well, the "upgrade bug" won't exactly be welcome to bite me. At least not for a long time. I'm in college and getting married soon.

I was blessed several years ago to get almost my entire system for free. Sony STR-SE501 and the crappy point-source speakers, totally free of charge. Since then I've slowly upgraded here and there, mostly by way of getting better speakers. Next up, a new center channel.

The reason I'm looking at going two steps up the line to the SE591 is because of a two-birds-with-one-stone approach. I'd get a slightly better receiver, plus I'd have phono amplification, plus I'd gain at least one more (hopefully two more) S-video inputs on the back of my receiver. That, and I can probly find a used one for around $1-150, as opposed to shelling out an unaffordable amount for a specialty receiver..

So yes, I am happy with the sound I get from my system. Considering I am stuck playing CD's on it through a crappy DVD player... The upgrades I'd like to achieve this year are basically: 1) get a MH turntable, 2) be able to use it on my main system, 3) get a new center channel, and 4) get a dedicated CD deck.

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