Need to replace my Sonic Frontiers Power 3's


One of my Sonic Frontiers Power 3's just fried. I smelled something burning as it blew out. So, at this point, given their age (though I love them) I'm not sure it's worth putting a lot of money into them (curious what others think). If I were to replace them, I'm curious what people would recommend. I have Avalon speakers, and EAR cd player and a Conrad Johnson pre-amp. Any opinions/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

dkonstruction

SF uses sacrificial resistors to protect the amp from a failing tube.  It could something as simple as a burnt resistor. 

I had an Anthem Amp 1 , a SF product at the time.  Whenever a tube failed , it took out a cathode resistor.  I called Sonic Frontiers and Chris answered.   He was kind enough to send me a few resistors.  They were easy to replace.    Take the cage off and look for a burned resistor near the tube sockets....could be that simple.  Cause a flash, puff of smoke and a nasty smell.   I thought it was toast 

Given the age and original performance of these amps I would look at this as an opportunity to upgrade. I was familiar with Sonic Fontiers equipment around the turn of the millennium, I owned one of their CD players and one could do much better. I would have a look at CJ, Audio Research, and VAC amps.

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If you get that kinda bill, Please IM me. I might be interested to purchase as-is.

It should NOT be that high of a bill for a tube amp. It should be most-likely within $1k depending on parts. 

PCB can be re-ordered or fried part can be wired p2p and I see nowhere it should be $6k+

 

thanks. I brought one in for repair about a decade ago and the guy is still in biz so spoke him and without his having seen the unit he said I could be talking of upwards of $6-$10k (I smelled something burning in the amp just before it blew). No not sure that's right and I know it's problemmatic diagnosing the problem without seeing the patient but if that is what i'm looking at not sure it is worth it at this point given the age of the amps which is why I was asking for suggestions in case i need to or decide to replace them. Thanks for your response and suggestion.

I would take the effort to find out what needs to be fixed before deciding on a replacement.