2. amps-preamps
  3. 1086418042

Feedback on Sunfire Reference Preamp

I bought a B&K Ref 3 MK 2 preamp not knowing it did not have a phono stage. I found a great deal on Audiogon on the Sunfire Refernce preamp. I am buying it as I have had little luck finding a good , low cost phono stage. Therefore I wil be giving up the tuner function for a good phono stage. I have about 200 vinyl records that I miss. I just upgraded my cartridge to a Goldring 1042, tried a NAD PP2 with dissapointing results. The phono stage on the NAD seemed flat and the highs and lows seemed to roll off. Seems as though one has to spend a great deal on the phono stage to get good performance as the TT signal goes through too many "stations and the sound is diluted by the time I hear it through my Vandy 2 CE sigs.

Anyone with knowledge of the Sunfire unit? Am I trading down in sound quality.

Eagleman
eagleman6722
2 responses Add your response
eagleman6722 OP
217 posts
 
Tried the Sunfire for about a month. Soundstage was good, detal good but, sounded dry and hard. Sold it for about what I paid for it. Since then, bought a counterpoint SA3 and used as a phono stage through the B&K. Sounded so good that I ran my CD through it also. Decided that I was missing something by running through the B&K so I solds the CP and am selling the B&K. Boght an ARC SP9 MK2. Phono sounds excellent but, linestage not quite as good. Looing for some NOS tubes to replace the Grand Dragons that came with the unit. Selling my B&K power amp in favor of a McCormack DNA-1 that I picked up locally. Hopefully I can stop for a wile but, this is contagious.

Anyway, the Sunfire got great reviews but, it just did not do it for me...

Eagleman
foxtrot
211 posts
 
Did you buy it ?
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
McIntosh MC275 MK IV
80x80
Bryston BP17 Cubed
80x80
McIntosh C45