2. amps-preamps
  3. 179106-5619

Help in deciding which tube preamp to replace my old SFL-2

I'm a long time audiophile. I am finally admitting that it is time to upgrade my tube preamp. For many years it has been my beloved Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 which was upgraded at Parts Connexxion about eight years ago and five years ago I changed out the 6922's to Siemens Rohre CCA tubes. Still sounds wonderful, but it's time. I am exclusively a vinyl listener and my system is: Nottingham table with Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum cartridge. Aesthetix Rhea Signature phono preamp fed to the SFL-2 via  balanced interconnects. Primaluna EVO 400's as monoblocks with new KT88's and vintage European small tubes. I also still have my Levinson 27.5 and 23 SS amps. Speakers are Avalon Acoustics Opus. All cables are Transparent Audio Ultras. Musical preference is mostly classic rock; Steely Dan, Dire Straits, Cars, Eric Clapton, etc... but have over 3,000 LP's and do listen to Sinatra quite often. Love string guitars. I plan to buy used, and my budget is around $10K. I've narrowed it down to the following: VTL 7.5 (III), CJ GAT, AR Ref 5SE of Ref 6, Concert Fidelity CF-080 LSX V3, or an Aesthetix Callstio Eclipse.

I respect all comments, criticisms, and suggestions. Thank you.

awise1961
awise1961 OP
25 posts
 

As much as I like and respect Mac gear, I found that it did not play very well with others. I would have to go totally Mac, and I don't want to go that route. That's why I have selected the preamps that I listed. I do appreciate the suggestion though..

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

op - why do you feel it’s time to replace the sf line 2? maybe just send it back to chris j have him check it out retube it?

cj is not balanced (as superb as they are), won’t be able to use balanced out from phono stage

arc ref series excellent, not sure it will significantly outperform a well dialed in sonic frontiers with excellent tubes in place

suggest you don’t fix what isn’t broken, your system is excellent as it is

awise1961 OP
25 posts
 

Thank you. Yes the "Don't Fix What Isn't Broken" theory is why I've not upgraded sooner. The SFL-2 is a wonderful dual chassis preamp from back in 1995. Friends and family think my system sounds phenomenal, but that is not deterring me from trying something else more modern. I would not get rid of the SFL-2. I would use it as the benchmark to compare with.

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,537 posts
 

You've one source? Have you considered using a passive preamp? Basically a box with a stepped attenuator.  

awise1961 OP
25 posts
 

I have a CD player connected for when my wife wants to play CD's, and I have a headphone amp connected as well.

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