Sonic Frontiers Line 2SE vs. SFL2

Hi - I own an SFL 2, and it definitely does NOT sound S.S. in my opinion. I haven't heard the Line 2, but I've heard the Line 3 - that is a beautiful sounding preamp. I've heard that of the entire Line 1, 2 & 3 series, that the Line 2 represents the best value for the money. Personally, I would go with either one, I don't think you could go wrong.

I use a very tricked out SF Line 3, and also have had an SFL-2. The Line 3 is a superb preamp- very neutral, however the SFL-2 is also excellent, and has the ability to add some 'body' if the rest of your components are perhaps not as 'fleshed out' as you might like. I would not recommend the SFL-2 with an amp that is more 'colored' (i.e.- an old CJ), as it may be too much of a good thing. IMO the SFL-2 (which uses a full-size outboard power supply) is superior to the Line 2, however the Line 3 (with proper modifications) is the best- assuming of course you value utmost neutrality as I do.

The SFL-2 is a fairly lean sounding unit for a tube piece. Although the Line series is considered even more lean, I would hardly characterize the SLF-2 as full & tubey. Of course, the Sovtek 6922's have their typical lean and dry sonics, which makes me shy away from any 6922 based preamp, especially with the outrageous prices for NOS tubes of this family. The Line 3 is considered a reference unit; very revealing but on the clinical, sterile side. With its twelve 6922 tubes, I've stayed away from it. The LIne 2 has only 6 tubes, so perhaps tube rolling would be a consideration to obtain a fuller sound.

I have both an SFL-2 and a SF Line 2 connected to both SS and tube systems.

I find little to argue between them. In the Line 2 I found that NOS Amperex 6dj8 (orange globes), which are reasonably priced, worked best in my systems (both SS and tube). I am currently using 6h23eb (Russian) in the SFL-2 which works extremely well in tightening up a "soft tube" sound with an all tube system. Both of this tube choices also work using SS amps. You can tell instantly that either of these preamps are tube rather than good quality SS but they still sound tight enough for great listening.

I have the SFL2 and was wondering the same thing about the Line 2. As I have bought Sonic Frontiers gear since their inception, they were quite honest with me and told me that they thought the SFL2 bettered the Line 2 and was very close in sonics to the Line 3. Not sure what the changes were like since the SE mods. As noted before, the SFL2 is a two box design. I have been thinking of going with a single chassis unit and am torn as to what to try. Possibly a BAT of some type.

Hi All,

I have an SF Line 2 on the way. I will be using it with a ModWright Oppo and primarily listen to digital media. I also recently purchased a Conrad-Johnson MF2275, so there's that....

I am looking for a 'dark liquid' sound. Not 'warm' or 'bloomy', certainly no glare or blare. A hint 'woody' would be alright. Tightly radiant and/or illuminating would be good.

So what tubes can you all recommend?

Thanks so much for for all of your shared experience.

Best,
b

Hello brettmcee,
Old post I know but what tubes did you end up deciding on?
I've a SFL-2 that I want to change tubes on. Currently a combo of Sylvana/Sovtek and they are getting long in the tooth. I prefer the dark liquid sound too.
Cheers

My suggestion would be to contact Chris at Parts Connexion (one of the original Sonic Frontiers owners).  He can provide excellent tube advice

I have spoken to Chris, he provided his recommendation. I was curious knowing what others chose. He just rebuilt my SFP-1 to SE specs.

He insisted on one make of tube as being the best...I can look and let you know after this weekend. 

I still have a strange center channel balance issue in my system that wasnt there until i started using the SF-L2. Its track dependent. The strangest thing.  

He did a full upgrade for me. But still i have to ride the balance settings for almost every song.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.