2. amps-preamps
  3. 1110705512

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
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
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
atjandra888 OP
18 posts
 
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...
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
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
hammertone_audio
16 posts
 
My experiences with the SFL2 have been extremely happy ones. It does so many things right and seems to synergize well with many amps. The build quality reeks of class , just plug and play !
As Sogood points out, 1000 is optimistic...these units stack up to the heavy hitters out there.
Good luck Adinata
listener57
730 posts
 
There is an Aronov LS-9000 preamplifier currently on sale, with an $800 asking price, that should make you very happy, as it is not a compromise despite its reasonable price as a used Audiogon item.
You can do your own trading here on Audiogon, and come out with a more amazing preamp to enjoy well into the future.
Why not have the best bass, soundstaging, and dip ypur toes into the tube waters, all at the same time?
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