2. amps-preamps
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Sonic Frontiers preamps tube eaters??

Just wanted to find out from member owners of Sonic frontiers preamps if they experienced frequently replacing tubes (within months) due to noise (tube rush noise).

The reason I asked is I was told recently by a reputable tube vendor (no need to mention names here)that Sonic Frontiers preamps (SFL and Line series) tend to develop noise even after being replace with NOS tubes. In addition, that by design the unit runs the tubes (6DJ8, 6922, 7308 etc) to their max limits which is the reason for their short life.

He even claims that there are a lot of post on the web about this. I've tried the AA and Agon to look for such specific threads but found not enough evidence pointing to this problem. He claims that the original tubes that came with these preamps were really Russian 6N1P which are very hard to find (re-labeled as 6922)????

Have had mine (Line 2 SE)since 2003 and yes I've gotten tube rush noise (very faint on one side). But this problem can be move to the other side when that tube is moved. Thus the reason for shopping on NOS tubes. The unit performs flawlessly with the exception of the very faint tube-rush noise on ONE side.

Hope to hear from SF preamp owners and Thanks in advance.

jojass402
883dave
50 posts
 
Send an e-mail to Parts Connexion c/o Chris Johnson, or give him a call.
He should be able to give you the information you require
jsawhitlock
302 posts
 
Egay,

LV2 and V2 are the most important positions and next is LV1 and V1 for the SFL 2, line 1, line 2 and line 3. Trim pots should be left alone. as the label says.
mystang
74 posts
 
I had a SFL2SE for about three years. I got it new and had two sets of stock tubes in it over that time. I never tried NOS tubes because I was Never sure how to adjust the trim pots inside the unit. The stock tubes which I sourced from SF always came as matched sets and were burned it a the factory. And most Importantly came with a drawing showing what position I was to adjust the pots to for that specific set of tubes. As far as tube rush after about a year I could notice this but only a low listening levels.I always felt this was a limiting factor for me in trying other tubes because I would have no idea where to set the trim pots. I ended up with a BAT VK 40 SS pre. and to my ears is even better and no problem with tubes.
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