2. amps-preamps
  3. 1017013155

PV-10, PV-11, PV-12, SFL-1 Sig or LS2? Help

I'm looking to sell my SS preamp and move to a tubed pre. I don't want to spend any more money than I am likely to get for my current pre (ARC LS-9) which is probably in the $700 range.

I'm looking for something that will be pretty euphonic, but not overly so.

All of the preamps that I have listed above can be had for the same or less than $700.

Even though my amp is tubed, it tends to be pretty analytical, so I'm looking for something that'll kind of "smooth" things out.

Here's the rest of my system for reference:

ARC CD-2
MSB Link DAC III with P1000, ModWright mods, Upsampling (Just purchased on the 'goN last night.)
Pre (to be determined) currently LS-9
ARC D-115MK2
Magnepan 1.6/QR

Thanks in advance for your help!
danheather

Showing 1 response by danheather

danheather OP
108 posts
 
Thanks for the information so far. I'm beginning to lean toward the Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 Signature. I've owned the SFL-1 with a Mullard tube and it was pretty nice. If the "Signature" upgrade is an appreciable improvement, then it should sound pretty good.

It sounds like more than a few people like the PV-10 more than the 11 and 12.

One thing that seems pretty unanimous is that the Audio Research LS-2 is definitely NOT going to sound more euphonic, so that's off the list.

The BAT VK3 looks like a nice piece too, but is honestly a bit more than I'd like to spend.

Also, the PV-12L that I was looking at buying appears to have been sold and the others here on the 'goN are "AL" versions which are more than I'm willing to spend.

So...Between the SFL-1 Signature and PV-11, which would be more synergistic?
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