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
cwory
8 posts
 

You might also consider a Zesto Leto Ultra II. They sound amazing and there are a few of them out there for sale below your budget. Here is a link to one of the many positive reviews. 
https://www.zestoaudio.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/STRP_4402_ZESTO_LoRes.pdf

awise1961 OP
47 posts
 

Thank you sbank for the recommendations regarding Backert Labs. The Rythmn is now on my short list. I will call and talk with either Andy or Bob.

cwory, I had been wondering about the Zesto gear. I will research them as well.

My plan is to make a final decision over the weekend and purchase the new preamp early next week.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,809 posts
 

I have the original Zesto Leto and it sounds great.  I sent it to Zesto earlier this year for the ESP power supply that the new ones use. Their service and support is first class.   Great gear.

It is the quietest preamp I have ever owned.  Absolutely no self noise and very dynamic .   Built like a tank, it feels like an integrated amp when you pick it up.

moto_man
362 posts
 

I cant speak to the Zesto or Backert, but I picked up an ARC REF6 and it is excellent.  Soundstage is locked in and I like having a digital volume display.  Plus, the ARC REF6 really holds its value on the used market and ARC supports all of its equipment, even its vintage stuff.  I am very pleased with it.

 

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

arc and c-j pre's are beyond reproach, the companies are stalwarts and the sound is impeccable, kevin hayes' vac is also in this class

other companies may well make wonderful products, perhaps the equal to those of the above mentioned... there are many today, there have been many in the past

but one question is how durable and long lasting is the quality, and will the company remain healthy to support the product and customer going forward many years?  remember, this is tubed gear we are talking about

i suppose the specific buyer, their expectations, time horizon to keep the gear, and so on, determines how much they value a foundational piece of one's system from a company like the above

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