ARC VT-100 MK II vs. Sonic Frontiers Power 2

Since posting this, I did get a Power 2. First thing I noticed is less immediacy and liveliness. Then I changed the tubes to KT88s, with a substantial change. Now, the sound is fuller and more dynamic, more immediate. It sounds part of the way toward the VT-100.

However, I still notice that high treble detail and air is less on the SF than on the VT-100. You especially hear this on cymbals, brushes, etc. The SF does sound a little fuller and more powerful, though, the VT-100 sounding 'leaner'. It's a toss up at this point, and I'll have to do further listening.

I do not find the SF "solid state" sounding, as some people say. With the KT88's, I don't find it uninvolving or bland, like others suggest. I do think, however, that the increased 'liveliness' of the VT-100 could be interpreted as increased "musicality" or "involvement" that other hear. Also, I don't find the SF bass to be inferior to the VT-100 by very much, if any.

So, does the VT-100 favor and emphasize the high frequency detail and air, or is the Sonic Frontiers lacking in these areas? Or is it just a matter of tonal perspective. I don't know. However, I think we need to keep in mind that no component reproduces sound perfectly. Every component has its sonic signature and its own way of presenting a facsimile of the musical event.

Kevziek,

Have you changed your input tubes?(6922 tubes). Sovtek 6922s are known to lack details in high frequency. Also are you using the SF Power 2 in Balanced mode or Single ended mode? What preamp?
I'm not finding lacking high frequency detail and air on my SF Power 2. Actually it is sometimes too detailed on some of the music(with the music recorded too bright).

Nameci, I haven't changed the 6922's. They are original from 1/99. I have been using the Power 2 & the VT-100 single-ended. I have a good balanced cable that I'm now using between DAC & preamp, so maybe I'll switch that with the single ended I'm now using between amps & Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 preamp.

What input tubes are you using? Balanced vs. single, your experience? Thanks.

Kevziek,

I have tried a bunch of KT88s and 6922s and some were pretty decent and others were not worth trying.

I'm now using Phillips 6922s with Svet KT88s for every day use. I have used Valvo 6922s with Svet KT88s for about 2-3 months and they are put away(saving them).

Definitely try tube rolling 6922s(since you already have KT88s, what brand are they? hope they are not Sovtek). There are 6 of them on Power 2's so start with reasonably priced NOS like Amprex or JAN Phillips(make sure to get JAN version). Also if your preamp is tubed and use 6922, try to match them with same brand 6922s as your amp.

I definitely recommend balanced operation on both SF Power 2 and VT-100. SF will give you slighly more extended in frequency with more details(which some people call "it solid state like"). VT-100 sounds warmer in single ended mode.

SF Power 2, tube rolling is a piece of cake. With VT-100, be careful.