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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifier (Tube) by krisjan

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REVIEW: Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifier (Tube)

65.90.36.214


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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: 65.90.36.214
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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)