Which Preamp Audio Research LS3B or Sonic Frontiers SFL-1

Edward-
is your Sunfire amp the 1st gen from the mid-90's ?

atmasphere- Yeah probably--but one guy now (with the SF-SFL1) just wants to trade for the Nakamichi as it has phono inputs--and I have a friend who is willing to sell his ARC LS3B for a minimal sum. Why-- what do you suggest?

japhant-- My serial/production number starts with 97--why?

If you can trade you Nak CA5 for a ARC LS3B straight across I'd do it. If he'll let you take it home to see how it sounds on your system do that first. I had a friend who had a CA5 and I'm pretty sure the LS3 will outperform the CA5. The LS3 was a nice preamp but very revealing so if your system is a little bright or thin the LS3 might not be the right choice. The Naks going to be less extended on top which will appear to be warming sounding. 

Be be curious to hear your opinion if you can compare the two in your system.

i wouldn't discount the SFL-1. With the right NOS Mullard in it will compete with anything in its price range if you buy it right. I owned one so if anyone thinks you can do better I'm curious what it is. Yes... if you can spend $400 or more I'd go back to the ModWright SWL 9.0 SE. Your first two choices are nice preamps if you buy them right. Trading straight across for the ARC is a no brainier in my opinion; at least drag it home to compare.

Cheers

@edenton925 ... just FYI, the original Sunfire 300 is not a fully balanced amplifier. (Years 1996-2000)

If your amp has "300 - two" printed on the lower left faceplate, then it has a balanced design. (Year 2004, aka the Sunfire 300 x 2)
Input sensitivity for rated output
Unbalanced: 1.64 Vrms
Balanced: 0.82 Vrms

http://www.thecarversite.com/manuals/mandir/Sunfire%20300X2%20600X2%20owner%20manual.pdf

Is that "minimal sum" more than a better performing used Herron VTSP-1 cost?