Which Preamp Audio Research LS3B or Sonic Frontiers SFL-1


Hello-- I am looking replace (upgrade) my Nakamichi CA 5 with either preamp in above title line.
Does anybody have either (or both) of this classics? Which sounds better? My current system is as follows:

 Amplifier is a Sunfire 300 x 2
 CD Transport is a McCormack SST-1
 Universal CD Player is a Lexicon RT-10
 Jitter reduction is a Genesis Digital Lens
 D/A Converter is a Classe Audio DAC-1
 Finally, my speakers are a pair of JBL XPL 140A's

I know if I go with the ARC LS3b I can go Balanced with Sunfire;  but, can that 1 tube in SF SFL-1 make the system sing. 

Any assistance before I decide to take the plunge would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Edward
edenton925

Showing 1 response by lowrider57

@edenton925 ... just FYI, the original Sunfire 300 is not a fully balanced amplifier. (Years 1996-2000)

If your amp has "300 - two" printed on the lower left faceplate, then it has a balanced design. (Year 2004, aka the Sunfire 300 x 2)
Input sensitivity for rated output
Unbalanced: 1.64 Vrms
Balanced: 0.82 Vrms

http://www.thecarversite.com/manuals/mandir/Sunfire%20300X2%20600X2%20owner%20manual.pdf