Audio Research vs Sonic Frontiers

I've not heard the LS 25, but have lived with the SF Line 2 for over two years. The Line 2 is tonally very neutral/accurate, ie not at all euphonic-- with the stock Sovtek tubes. So if you want that warm, "tubey" sound the Line 2 won't satisfy, but if you value tonal neutrality, the Line 2 is excellent. In addition it is detailed, smooth, and has good soundstaging. For less money, the Line 1 sounds a lot like the the Line 2 but is a little more "aggressive", and I prefer the Line 2. Also, all the Line series pre-amps have great features. If you do want a warm tubey sound, a tube change in the Line 2 is fairly inexpensive. Good Hunting. Craig.

Sold a Ref 1 and got a SF line 3. Am very happy with the trade up. Ref 1 and a previous LS2B were both too bright. The SF is totally neutral, cheaper, has better definition, resolution, and base. The one area that just can't be a matter of opinion or taste is S/N ratio. Both ARC products had ground loop problems that gave totally unacceptable 60Hz hum. I corrected the problem somewhat by using a cheater plug. When I connected a video source that was connected to my cable TV (AT&T) the hum came back big time. This means if you plan on using the preamp as any part of a home theater system... don't buy ARC..

I have heard and owned pre-amps by both ARC and SF. I dont see how a definite recommendation can be made without knowing what the rest of your system entails, not to mention your listening environment. If what your asking is whether or not these pre-amps have the ability to produce good quaility sound reproduction, you have heard from proponents of both sides, and for what its worth, I concur. As advised, your ears are the best judge, best of luck....

Keep in mind the choice of tubes-they influence the sound and tube rolling can offer you the ability to tune your system to your liking-find a good dealer that offers tube choices i.e Upscale Audio.

Hi Guys: Thanks much for your opinions to date. To clarify: I have to go with balanced connections which is why I have arrived at these two choices. Listening would indeed be the best route however it is not practical as I am buying over the internet and local shops do not lend out gear. The main criticism of SF stuff is that it is more like transistors than transistors. It may well be that AR is the same. I do want the flexability to "dial in" the sound with NOS tubes and am seeking a lush full detailed sound with a tight bottem end (don't we all want that...er, em back to audio) and sound stage. For those who asked, the system is SFCD1, Quicksilver V4's and Martin Logan SL3's. Thanks, I look forward to hearing more.