Used Pre-amp advise please....


Hi,
It turns out that I need your advices once again...
I recently just upgraded my B&W N805 to a pair of Dunlavy Alethas (and decided to put them in my living room which I believe is big enough to accomodate them). My current system (tight-budget system):
Jadis JD-3 CD
AudioNote DAC 2
Krell KSP-7B
Krell KSA250
Cardas Neutral Ref & Nordost BlueHeaven RCA
Cardas Quadlink cable speakers
I am quite ok with the system until I heard the combination of Conrad-Johnson PV10a with my Krell, which turned out to be very musical, detail, and sweet (lack of bass & soundstage, a bit lean). A huge improvement over my krell ksp-7b.... Since I virtually have spent all of my $ for the Dunlavys, I could not afford a better pre than a used one (my Ksp-7B is only worth $550 at my dealer). My current choices are: CJ PV10a ($750), CJ PF-2 ($800) or Sonic Frontier SFL-2 ($1000). My concern is the CJs are quite low-ends (non-replaceable power cord) while the SFL-2 is quite old (1996, and the comp have been brankrupt). Any sugestion among those pre-amps? Thanks in advance....

Regards

Adinata
atjandra888
IMHO the SFL-2 is the better match for your system (Flavor aside). As Thorman points out...it is the most neutral which I would want in my system if I had the Krell/Dunlavy combo. It also has the balanced outs for your Krell and will be quieter along with better bass.

$1,000 may be somewhat optimistic for the SFL-2?

Dave
Hi Dave,
I also just got an offer of VTL TL-5 (not the current version of TL-5.5) for $1000, do you think the SFL-2 better than the VTL TL-5? Thanks a lot (you have been very really informative to me, i really appreciate it). Also, thanks a lot for everyone...
Don't know Atjandra888. I really was not trying to say that the SF was better than the CJ...more that I think it's a better match with the components you now have.

Adding a smaller amount of tube signature while retaining your amp and speakers fine bass qualities would seem the larger over-all gain.

Maybe someone who has experience with the VTL will pipe in some info on it.

Dave