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Sonic Frontiers SFP-1 Upgrades

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has done the parts connection upgrade to a Sonic Frontiers SFP-1 phono section?

I demo'd a Graham Slee Gold Mk. V and was very impressed, so I'm waffling over modding the SFP-1 or selling it for the Slee.

Any opinions would be appreciated.
SLF-2 Pre
SFS-80 Amp
Oracle Delphi MkII w/Rega Rb350 arm and Grado Platnum

Thanks
foohead
poonbean
44 posts
 
Among other phono stages like the EAR 834 and the Wright Sound WPP200C, and building a K&K, I am also considering the Parts Connection upgrade to my SFP-1, and am hoping someone out there can comment on the results.

Per PC "The SFP-1 ws deisgned in 1992...wsa current until 1996....the paprts quality chosen was CIRCA this period, and on a tight budget....the parts we have now chosen are more fitting for a circa 2006 $3500 to $5000 phono stage."

Per the parts list, the upgrade includes 13 capacitors including a 75/400V - Solen power supply cap, 26 resistors, internal wire, and 4 semi-conductors. The transformer is unchanged. Installed at a cost of $675, upgrading to teflon caps raises the price to $1000.

Upstream is VPI Scout and downstream is a CJ CT5. Thanks.
883dave
50 posts
 
Several years ago a friend purchased a SFP-1 and had it sent directly to Chris to have his SE++ mod done (with the upgraded caps). We never heard it before the mod.
We tried it in my system, which at the time used a stock Phono 1. The sound was very similar to the Phono 1, almost identical, the major difference was in the noise floor, the Phono 1 was quieter.
Since that time I have had Chris up-grade the Phono-1 and also my Line-3. Both have been noticable improvements.

Upstream is Oracle Delphi 1V and downstream is Power 3's
poonbean
44 posts
 
Thanks for the response - it sounds to me like it is not worth the $ to upgrade to a Phono 1, unless Chris tells me that todays's upgrade takes it beyond the Phono 1. Any idea how many years ago your friend upgraded the SFP-1. Every compare with the Wright Sound phono stage?
883dave
50 posts
 
I believe the SFP-1 was upgrade in mid to late 2005??

You are right, give Chris a call, he will address all your questions and concerns, he is a great person to deal with.

No I have not heard the Wright Sound Phono Stage
poonbean
44 posts
 
Emailed Chris and he confirmed that the SFP-1 upgrade is a straight parts swap, not a change to design. So, that makes sense that the SFP-1 upgrade sounds more or less similar to the newer Phono 1. Thanks for the help.

Steve
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