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

@awise1961

enjoy! great choice!

we will look forward to your next linestage upgrade in roughly 2040!!  😉

Yes, 2040 or bust...

I'm anxious to start rolling tubes.

The main unit uses a total of four 6922's, two 12AX7s', and two 6SN7's.

The power supply uses a total of six 12AX7's, and two EL34's.

My dedicated music room is quite large but I'm sure this will add considerably more heat. My home has a dedicated HVAC zone for that room.

The EVO 400's with eight KT88's and six 12AU7's in each do a great job of that already.