Sonic Frontier Line 3 vs McIntosh C2500

Some of my other components that would go with it:
B&W 802s
Pair McIntosh MC 402s
McIntosh MCD 201
Pro-Ject RPM 10.1 - 10cc Evolution Carbon Arm - Ortofon Black MM
Pro-Ject Speed Box
Manley Chinook

Beautiful system! I really think that you would love the McIntosh....But I would give another one a look... the Manley Labs Jumbo Shrimp is great for injecting a lot of rich organic earthy quality with a real palpable sense and a huge soundstage with plenty of rise and decay, I say this because you currently have a Chinook and the combo is amazing! Its what I use over a Mac pre amp. My brother has the C2500 with the exact same system as mine, and it sounds very accurate warm and detailed as hell. I have a Project Xtension 10 and I spin a lot of vinyl, and I wanted something special sounding. You would not be making a bad choice either way. IMO.



Matt M                                P.S. never heard the SF pre amps

Thanks for your input Matt... It is really helpful!
I'm not sure if it's ok to connect the chinook to the phono inputs on the Mac, or should it be connected to one of the auxiliary. The C2500 has imputs for both MM & MC, so my mental debate is whether I will still need the Chinook.!

Have you thought of some upgrades for your SF L3? Ask at PartsConnexion. The owner was a founder of SF. :)

I'd ask around though, I loved the SF preamps I heard, but have not kept up with tubes at all.  I'm just mentioning it as a way to go, without necessarily championing it. :)

Be well,

Erik