2. amps-preamps
  3. 1208384762

SF Power 1 Integration

I'm starting a process of upgrades for my current system. I'm currently running an NAD 712 receiver with an NAD 513 CD player, MIT Terminator 5 Speaker Cables, Cardas Interconnects (can't remember which ones), and Paradigm Monitor 7 speakers. I am wanting to purchase a Sonic Frontiers Power 1 amplifier, and I'm wondering if I can integrate it now with what I have, or will have have to buy a new pre-amp before using it? It will be a slow upgrade process, but I plan to replace everything in my system at some point as the money becomes availble. Any suggestions or recommendations? Am I wasting my money buying this unit first?

Thanks.
helios909
brf
1,715 posts
 
Does your CD player have a variable output? If so, you can drive the SF Power 1 with the CD player until funds allow the purchase of a pre amp.
cxintx
18 posts
 
Hi, I am assuming that your receiver has a pre-out/in jack, so you can use it as a preamp, and bypass the power amp section. My NAD 320 integrated does. Just remove the out/in jumpers and use the pre out for the amp. (By the way, for right now try removing the receiver jumpers and using a short interconnect instead, it makes a huge difference, the NAD brass jumpers kill the sound.)

I have found NAD preamp sections to be very good, actually, far better than the amps IMHO. Although who knows with a receiver where corners are cut. I think your system would sound great with the new amp, and you can always sell the SF amp if you don't like it for some reason. You have to buy something first, right? I like your approach of buying one quality item at a time. Paradigm monitor speakers are capable of really excellent sound with good gear.

I would get the amp, next look into a better CD player, maybe used. I swapped my NAD 542 for a Jolida JD 100 Tube CD and was amazed. Of course your plan begs the question of why not just get a tube integrated amp, of which there are many for the price of a used SF Power 1, but for me separates are superior ultimately. I think a used tube integrated would improve your sound much more, for the same money as the Power 1.
helios909 OP
1 posts
 
The CD player seems to just have standard RCA outs and the NAD Link, so I'm not sure. It sounds like from Cxintx's post I should be able to use the receiver as a pre-amp for the time being.

Yes I also found that removing those NAD jumpers made a huge difference, and I replaced them with a 1ft peice of cardas cable.

I agree about the next upgrade being the CD player - it has always been the weakest link in my system. I have considered some nice integrated amp options, but I've always wanted the SFP1, and having a separate pre-amp and amp would ultimately be the way I want to go in the future. So rather than replace another component later on I feel this is a good way to go.
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