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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifier (Tube) by krisjan Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here. |
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65.90.36.214
Model: Line 1 Category: Preamplifier (Tube) Suggested Retail Price: $2600.00 Description: Tube Preamp Manufacturer URL: Sonic Frontiers Model Picture: View
Review by krisjan ( A ) on February 28, 2006 at 12:07:24
IP Address: 65.90.36.214Add Your Review
for the Line 1
I recently purchased this preamp used and have equipped it with a sextet of EH 69922's. I am completely and utterly impressed with this preamp! It is laden with nice features and I particularly like the phase inversion button which can be very revealing depending on how a particular recording was done. It has both single-ended and balanced inputs/outputs and all preamp functionality can be controlled by a really cool circular remote unit. I also like the fact that I can keep the unit in standby mode (tube filaments lit) so that warm-up time is almost non-existent when turned on.Most important, however, is the sound - it is terrific. Not only does this preamp deliver the wonderful midrange that is the hallmark of most tube designs but it also delivers at the frequency extremes as well with impressive, deep and tight bass and extended, delicate highs. Compared to my previous Anthem Pre-2L, the frequency extremes are more correct and coherent with the SF Line 1. I would say it is a tubed pre without the common tube preamp failings.
Sonic Frontiers also produced two further upgraded versions of this preamp (Line 2 and Line 3) which I imagine bring their own refinements to this design. All I can say is that the Line 1 floats my boat. A terrific preamp.
Product Weakness: None identified so far. Product Strengths: Great midrange with solid, deep bass and extended high end. Lots of nice features.
Associated Equipment for this Review: Amplifier: ASL Explorer SET monoblocks Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Sources (CDP/Turntable): Cayin SCD-50T Speakers: Spendor SP-1/2e Cables/Interconnects: Audioquest (various) Music Used (Genre/Selections): classical - 95% Room Size (LxWxH): 13 x 12 x 8 Room Comments/Treatments: none Time Period/Length of Audition: one month Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Sunfire True sub; Monster 5100 power conditioner Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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Topic - REVIEW: Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifier (Tube) - krisjan 12:07:24 02/28/06 ( 12)
- Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifier (Tube) - MDavis 18:10:02 02/28/06 ( 11)
- Re: Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifier (Tube) - pocketchange 03:34:34 03/15/06 ( 0)
- Re: Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifier (Tube) - perose 20:39:11 03/2/06 ( 0)
What kind of improvement? - Audio Snob 10:30:37 03/1/06 ( 3)
- Re: What kind of improvement? - MDavis 15:22:38 03/1/06 ( 2)
- Thanks much! (nt) - Audio Snob 17:43:31 03/3/06 ( 1)
- Re: Thanks much! (nt) - pocketchange 22:43:57 03/8/06 ( 0)
Re: Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifier (Tube) - krisjan 05:49:58 03/1/06 ( 0)
I would love to try this upgrade... - mdl 19:18:15 02/28/06 ( 3)
- Re: I would love to try this upgrade... - MDavis 21:02:16 02/28/06 ( 2)
- Do you know what sockets to purchase? - mdl 22:30:12 02/28/06 ( 1)
- Re: Do you know what sockets to purchase? - MDavis 00:51:51 03/1/06 ( 0)