Help in deciding which tube preamp to replace my old SFL-2


I'm a long time audiophile. I am finally admitting that it is time to upgrade my tube preamp. For many years it has been my beloved Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 which was upgraded at Parts Connexxion about eight years ago and five years ago I changed out the 6922's to Siemens Rohre CCA tubes. Still sounds wonderful, but it's time. I am exclusively a vinyl listener and my system is: Nottingham table with Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum cartridge. Aesthetix Rhea Signature phono preamp fed to the SFL-2 via  balanced interconnects. Primaluna EVO 400's as monoblocks with new KT88's and vintage European small tubes. I also still have my Levinson 27.5 and 23 SS amps. Speakers are Avalon Acoustics Opus. All cables are Transparent Audio Ultras. Musical preference is mostly classic rock; Steely Dan, Dire Straits, Cars, Eric Clapton, etc... but have over 3,000 LP's and do listen to Sinatra quite often. Love string guitars. I plan to buy used, and my budget is around $10K. I've narrowed it down to the following: VTL 7.5 (III), CJ GAT, AR Ref 5SE of Ref 6, Concert Fidelity CF-080 LSX V3, or an Aesthetix Callstio Eclipse.

I respect all comments, criticisms, and suggestions. Thank you.

awise1961

Showing 1 response by glennewdick

The new McIntosh C2700 has totally impressed me with the sound and all its features. Easily one of the better deals in hi end audio. Not your older MAC sound its very neutral and clean sounding. The phono stages (one MM and one MC ) in it are quite nice and very quiet specially considering its all tube (I had 105db speakers on it for a while). I also run a koestsu Black gold line as well as some nice MI carts and the phono stage has not let me down yet. I replaced my dedicated outboard phono stage as the one in the MAC was better and more flexible with loading options. Its on par with my friends Allnic H-1202. 

Recommend you have a closer look and listen.