Sonic Frontiers SFP-1 Upgrades

If you like image and focus of the music then the SFP-1 is the one. I also like it with Denon DL-103R MC cartridge. I compared my SFP-1 with heavily moded EAR 834P, Quick Silver phono, ASL mini phono. I upgraded my with larger power supply cap. and fast acting diodes. These upgrades improved low frequency punch and pace. My SFP-1 version had similar resistors and caps in the phono section as SFP-1 Sig. from the factory. I use SFL-2 preamp and SF power 2 amp.

I can't really answer your question. I have a Sonic Frontiers SFP-1 Signature that I am about to send out to the Parts Connexion for some upgrading. I have a SF 2 Power Amp and think that the SF components are fine. Everything I have read (there is a fair amount of info on the 'asylum) about Chris Johnson's mods has been very positive. Personally I would think that upgrading the SF and then taking advantage of it's tube rolling abilities would make it worth keeping.

Chris

Letch, keep us inform about the upgrade.
I tried Mullard, Bugle Boys, Amperex orange globe and A frame 6dj8. The big surprise to me was JAN Phillips NOS 6dj8 from PartExpress, these tubes were super quiet and better instrument separations.

I understand the SFP-1 upgrade replaces about 80 parts on the PCB, or was it 80% of the total parts, (good memory eh) and new tubes. I'm not sure if that does the power supply or not, hopefully it does.

Regardles, it sounds like almost a total re-build. I'd have to agree with Nghiep, please let us know how your upgrade works out for you.

The bigger cap in power supply provided more bass authority and the ultra fast acting diodes increased transparency and pace as I did the PSU mod myself. I preferred the stock diodes because of more natural music.

Among other phono stages like the EAR 834 and the Wright Sound WPP200C, and building a K&K, I am also considering the Parts Connection upgrade to my SFP-1, and am hoping someone out there can comment on the results.

Per PC "The SFP-1 ws deisgned in 1992...wsa current until 1996....the paprts quality chosen was CIRCA this period, and on a tight budget....the parts we have now chosen are more fitting for a circa 2006 $3500 to $5000 phono stage."

Per the parts list, the upgrade includes 13 capacitors including a 75/400V - Solen power supply cap, 26 resistors, internal wire, and 4 semi-conductors. The transformer is unchanged. Installed at a cost of $675, upgrading to teflon caps raises the price to $1000.

Upstream is VPI Scout and downstream is a CJ CT5. Thanks.

Several years ago a friend purchased a SFP-1 and had it sent directly to Chris to have his SE++ mod done (with the upgraded caps). We never heard it before the mod.
We tried it in my system, which at the time used a stock Phono 1. The sound was very similar to the Phono 1, almost identical, the major difference was in the noise floor, the Phono 1 was quieter.
Since that time I have had Chris up-grade the Phono-1 and also my Line-3. Both have been noticable improvements.

Upstream is Oracle Delphi 1V and downstream is Power 3's

Thanks for the response - it sounds to me like it is not worth the $ to upgrade to a Phono 1, unless Chris tells me that todays's upgrade takes it beyond the Phono 1. Any idea how many years ago your friend upgraded the SFP-1. Every compare with the Wright Sound phono stage?

I believe the SFP-1 was upgrade in mid to late 2005??

You are right, give Chris a call, he will address all your questions and concerns, he is a great person to deal with.

No I have not heard the Wright Sound Phono Stage

Emailed Chris and he confirmed that the SFP-1 upgrade is a straight parts swap, not a change to design. So, that makes sense that the SFP-1 upgrade sounds more or less similar to the newer Phono 1. Thanks for the help.

Steve