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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
knghifi
1,668 posts
 

My favorite 6922 tube for SF is the Amperex Holland SQ E88CC.

I've own 3 different SF preamps and 1 amp. I find stock SF sound is a little thin, lean, mechanical and dry. The PCX SE+ mod addresses all the weaknesses and much more. IMHO, PCX SE+ mod is a no brainer for all SF owners.
jea48
4,456 posts
 
Blueskiespbd,

What tubes are in the middle and back row of the Line 2 now?
blueskiespbd's avatar
blueskiespbd OP
161 posts
 
I am listening but not hearing what I must in order to keep this preamp. It sounds as though it plays best when fed a diet of heavy metal not bluegrass. I have uncovered a volume attentuator problem that PCX can fix for $300, then if you add the upgrades and shipping I would have maybe almost $3000 in a machine over 10 years old. I want a tube amp that doesnt sound like SS. Any ideas?
brf
1,715 posts
 
How about a CAT SL-1 series pre-amp with phono? Awesome phono section plus a bit of the tube warmth that you are looking for.
blueskiespbd's avatar
blueskiespbd OP
161 posts
 
the cat sounds like a great device...but no remote?? No can do. In the old days when I had a preamp without a remote I had a AR device that was an external device. I wonder if that is an option?
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