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Sonic Frontiers Line 2, Heaven or Hell?

Looking for recommendations here concerning a pre amp swap. I am currently using a Linn Kolecktor but wanting to go the tube route with a preamp. The Linn has a MM phono section and not a perfect match for my 2.5 mv MC cart.
Should I look for a tube preamp that has a MC phono stage or go with 2 separate pieces?
I am currently auditioning a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 that has no phono stage. I like the warmth of tubes and with some rolling should be able to get it dialed in to a sound I like.
If I keep it, then I will just probably pickup a Phonomena pre for the phono. If the Sonic goes away then I am back to looking for a tube preamp with a phono section that is flexible to accept a variety of carts.
As always I like to get a lot of bang for the buck.
128x128blueskiespbd
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
your linn pre should be a good solid match for any high output mc or quality mm. this lack of warmth may be your cartridge. even a solid mm like goldring will warm the place up.
chashas1
596 posts
 
certainly not heaven for me...if you're looking for a change that wouldn't be my answer, and I agree, it will never sound warm, or I haven't heard it like that. It just doesn't play music to me, no matter what you pair it with.
blueskiespbd's avatar
blueskiespbd OP
161 posts
 
I think my cart is fine and to me the digital end would benefit from a tune preamp to counter the ss amps. This Sonic needs to back to to Canada for a $300 volume control fix. so I can't decide to keep it or not.
coxhaus
231 posts
 
I think the Sonic Frontiers Line 2 is a good choice. Buy a used ARC PH3 on audigon to run with it. You will be very happy. I think it will be a perfect match. I used a ARC PH3 with a Sonic Frontiers SLF-2 for years and then moved up to my current Line 3 four years ago. They both were a great combo with the PH3. You can get a PH3 for about $750.00 on audiogon.
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
Didn't like the SFL2 at first. Swapped the stock Sovteks to ECC88's and it improved but still a little rolled off on cymbals. Went to XLR cables, both out "direct" in, sacrificing balance control, ... much better. Tried balanced AC, through a centre-tapped, step-down industrial transformer and "Holy $#%@", it's a different animal. It loved balanced AC, more than any component I've tried. Not quite as transparent as TVC and just a little bloated in the bass. Didn't require the gain it provided with a high voltage source along with sensitive amps and speakers.
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