2. amps-preamps
  3. 179106-5619

Help in deciding which tube preamp to replace my old SFL-2

I'm a long time audiophile. I am finally admitting that it is time to upgrade my tube preamp. For many years it has been my beloved Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 which was upgraded at Parts Connexxion about eight years ago and five years ago I changed out the 6922's to Siemens Rohre CCA tubes. Still sounds wonderful, but it's time. I am exclusively a vinyl listener and my system is: Nottingham table with Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum cartridge. Aesthetix Rhea Signature phono preamp fed to the SFL-2 via  balanced interconnects. Primaluna EVO 400's as monoblocks with new KT88's and vintage European small tubes. I also still have my Levinson 27.5 and 23 SS amps. Speakers are Avalon Acoustics Opus. All cables are Transparent Audio Ultras. Musical preference is mostly classic rock; Steely Dan, Dire Straits, Cars, Eric Clapton, etc... but have over 3,000 LP's and do listen to Sinatra quite often. Love string guitars. I plan to buy used, and my budget is around $10K. I've narrowed it down to the following: VTL 7.5 (III), CJ GAT, AR Ref 5SE of Ref 6, Concert Fidelity CF-080 LSX V3, or an Aesthetix Callstio Eclipse.

I respect all comments, criticisms, and suggestions. Thank you.

awise1961
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,533 posts
 

The new McIntosh C2700 has totally impressed me with the sound and all its features. Easily one of the better deals in hi end audio. Not your older MAC sound its very neutral and clean sounding. The phono stages (one MM and one MC ) in it are quite nice and very quiet specially considering its all tube (I had 105db speakers on it for a while). I also run a koestsu Black gold line as well as some nice MI carts and the phono stage has not let me down yet. I replaced my dedicated outboard phono stage as the one in the MAC was better and more flexible with loading options. Its on par with my friends Allnic H-1202. 

Recommend you have a closer look and listen. 

awise1961 OP
31 posts
 

Thank you. Thank you for the recommendation of the AR Ref 5SE, I have heard and read many great things about it. If found, I might even jump up to the Ref Anniversary Edition. Yes, ultimately I may go the one manufacturer route. All AR, all CJ, or all Asthetix would be possible. I couldn't agree more regarding cables. Ten or so years ago I demo's many different cables. I let my wife be the judge as I had not told her what any of them cost. I was amazed by her comments such as what did you do, the sound is dull, or what did you do, I've never heard those details in that song before. I knew the prices and felt that I may be swayed in my decision. 

awise1961 OP
31 posts
 

As much as I like and respect Mac gear, I found that it did not play very well with others. I would have to go totally Mac, and I don't want to go that route. That's why I have selected the preamps that I listed. I do appreciate the suggestion though..

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

op - why do you feel it’s time to replace the sf line 2? maybe just send it back to chris j have him check it out retube it?

cj is not balanced (as superb as they are), won’t be able to use balanced out from phono stage

arc ref series excellent, not sure it will significantly outperform a well dialed in sonic frontiers with excellent tubes in place

suggest you don’t fix what isn’t broken, your system is excellent as it is

awise1961 OP
31 posts
 

Thank you. Yes the "Don't Fix What Isn't Broken" theory is why I've not upgraded sooner. The SFL-2 is a wonderful dual chassis preamp from back in 1995. Friends and family think my system sounds phenomenal, but that is not deterring me from trying something else more modern. I would not get rid of the SFL-2. I would use it as the benchmark to compare with.

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