Sonic Frontiers, what is going on??

I suspect that it is a case of the equiptment not being a good match for some peoples systems. Their new line of tube amps and preamps has a somewhat lean sound, not lush or romantic. They may be very neutral and acurate but may not be musicly pleasing especially in systems with bright forward sounding speakers and cables, not to mention 16 bit digital sources. I have been tempted to try a Line 2, it seems like a great buy at the prices they are going for. It would probably not be a good match also because it is heavily dedicated to balanced in/out which my associated equiptment is not set up for. Essentially half of the circuitry would not be used. I also read in a review (Stereo Times) that the SE inputs tend to overload easilly. Anyone out there have experience with these Line stages operated SE?

Doug, You know I once talked to SFI and they said that everything is fine, they working on their 5 channel amp, and will be offering an upgrade to their Processor 3 to support the 24/96. You see I purchased the Transport 3/Processor 3/ Line 3. I also purchased their Assembly upsampler, I was thinking of purchasing the Power 3 but some what worried.

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I bought my Power 3 from audiogon.com., brand new, in the box, from a dealer whose store closed and had overstock.. I've had the power3 for about 4 months now, have spoken to SFI on the phone for some technical questions. I don't why you feel the company is having problem.. The power 3 is one of the best tube amp out there for the money. They are also built beautifully...If you have any question, you are welcomed to email me. Good luck. I think the Stereophile review on the power3 has a lot to do with why there are many overstock amps out there.

TO: Calvinhu, Thank you for the vote of confidance, I currently use the Bryston 7B mono blocks (which also are rated A) to drive Martin Logan ReQuest. I was wondering if going with the Power 3 would be up/side/down grade? you see I can't compare them at home, cause I currently live overseas. So I would have to go with some recommendations. Mohamed

I agree with Calvin's response above-- good assessment. Since SF was purchased by Paradiegm (sp?) Audio over a year ago, it is financially stable. I verified this with their Technical Rep. several months ago. In the two Stereophile reviews of the SF Power 2 and 3, RJR called the Power 2 "boring", a very unprofessional choice of words (IMO) for an amp that was then put in their Class A Recommended components-- it seems to me that there is a big contradiction involved here, ie how could a "boring" amp be Class A. As to the Power 3, the reviewer said "these amps don't rock"-- in other words they lacked pace, rhythm, and timing. Yet the Power 3 was also put into STPH. Class A-- another significant contradiction IMO. Please note that other reviewers of thes amps said they were excellent. Look up the reviews on SF's web site; also the reviews on Audio Review. No, I don't own either of these amps but am seriously considering the Power 2. Dbear; I have used the Line 2 for over two years-- SE with no problem-- sources have been a Muse 2 DAC, and a Levinson 360S DAC. And I don't know what you mean by "overloading". Also, when used SE, it does not mean that 1/2 the circuitry is not used-- it doesn't work that way, but different parts of the circuitry are used SE versus balanced. I also use the Line 1 SE and have had no problems-- source is an Adcom DAC. They are both excellent pre-amps. Myoussif if you would prefer to pay MORE for this amp, I can give you some references (hey dude, just joking). Over the weekend, a Power 2 (demo, MSRP $5000.) was sold for $2000. because the business was both moving and changing focus-- wish I could have afforded it at the time. Cheers. Craig.