Always long for (upgraded) first love: Sonic Frontiers Line 3

It's like I want to spend a weekend ex-gf from years ago that got some augmentation before moving on to the young hot one...lol

I appreciate both of your comments as previous owners who underwent the upgrade path. I do love the sound that is neutral and details but I enjoy the sparkles and organic sound of tube. Line 3 is really for my fond memory of SFL-2/Krell KSA 150 combo twenty years ago. My current amp is musical fidelity KW550 integrated amp with RCA red base tube which sounds fine to me. I have been interested in BAT Sex as well. You guys probably save me from upgrading Line 3 which is going to cost a bit. 
I recently acquired a pair of single ended triode 300b/805 monoblock from a small company called TS Audio inThailand during my visit there. Although the finish is at best a nice DIY quality, the sound however is very nice, better than Cary 805 that I listened to so I figure Line 3 would be quite fun to play with this thing.

+1 to BRF's comments.  I also owned a Line 3 with SE+ and Dueland copper foil caps installed as well (they barely fit).  pcX and I coined it the 'Platinum Plus' Line 3 :-).  Still retains the 'too neutral' sound- bass is decent, but missing the organic qualities of top quality competitors.  IMHO, the volume control is a major problem, and is digital-relay in design- likely as a cost-saving design parameter- too bad.  I sold it and won't go back- my current BAT Rex kills it in every parameter.  **However, all this being said, for the price, if you want a fully balanced, quiet and neutral-sounding pre, it's tough to beat.

@goldeneardoc, as a former owner of a Line 3 who then had it upgraded all the way to the SE plus status, plus I rolled countless number of tubes in all positions, the Line 3 retains it original character as you follow the upgrade path as a very very neutral preamp.  No one has ever described the Line series of preamps as lush.  If anything they are closer to a SS sound than tube.  

I tried everything to get the Line 3 sound right in my system.  It was a frustrating process which resulted in me selling it. Imho, there are countless number of modern preamp that better the Line 3 based on my listening preference.  YMMV, good luck. 

I only wonder how do updated Line 3's sound quality compared to modern tube preamp since I have not listened to new tube preamp in years.

SF preamps were great.  Like the remote too.  Only issue I (and others had) was that relays would get stuck sometimes. 

Well, Chris Johnson from Partsconnexion has Line 3 coming in and he offers for $2,500 with full inspection, testing and cleaning with replacement of all age related/sensitive materials and umbilical cord if worn out. With warranty to 1 year at this price, I decided to go for it.
With additonal $500, I can get 10 Siemens 6922 tubes, I might do that later.

Well, I agree that CAT has a clean look that goes along with its clean transparent sound. You can’t go wrong with one and I’d imagine that since they are still in business, it would not be difficult to replace the aging parts like capacitors of needed.
The phono is what makes this legendary though since you get a built in not-the-after-thought awesome phono and eliminating additional pair of IC.

Sorry, I meant CAT. :)

I don't need a phono section, but I am considering getting something tubey even if just for the nostalgia.

I must say I really like the look of the CAT too. :)

Best,

E

CAT appears to be in business still. I had extensively listened to both (sfl2 and CAT SL1 reference) although long time ago. Both lacked the characteristic of slow, fat, overly warm tube sound but maintained the glorious mid and upper octave with great sparkles. CAT has a legendary phono section. SF doesn't. Imo, bass was well controlled and deep with SF to my liking more than CAT. I read the review saying Line 3 is a significant step up from sfl2

p/sis different not sure what else he means

g-ear - at 20 years old the electrolytic caps may be ready to fail - so add that cost in

So the OP Mentioned BAT, as well as the Sonic Frontiers 3.

Is BAT still in business? They seem to be legendary, but keep a very low profile online.

Wondering if anyone can give me an idea of affordable used BAT vs. SF 3 and how they sound.

Best,

E

Perfect time for my dilemma: with the same amount of money, will I get a better sound quality and/or reliability from say less than 10 year-old tube preamp (putting memorabilia aside for a minute)? Although price is not very cheap for 20 year-old gear, it's not unreasonable either.

@ randy-11

well, I have a Line One & replaced it with an ARC LS25 Mk II, but not sure I want to sell it - it may become part of a bedroom system

but you might consider finding a One and modifying the P/S to get a 3

The Line 3 has a completely different circuit compared to the Line 1

well, I have a Line One & replaced it with an ARC LS25 Mk II, but not sure I want to sell it - it may become part of a bedroom system

but you might consider finding a One and modifying the P/S to get a 3

I have found great happiness in obtaining those older units that got you started in this hobby.  Part has to do with the memorabilia of it all.  Hope you find it soon.

I believe that one was just listed on new today adds, today.

Oh yeah that's right I forgot about this shop. Many thanks.

It is worth keeping an eye out or getting on the mailing list for Parts Connexion:

http://partsconnexion.com/

They often trade in used and upgraded SF gear.

Best,

E