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Amp to compliment Sonic Frontiers pre??

Hello

So I am trying out a buddy's Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 pre...kinda liking it alot with the Epos M5i's I have...just have to find the right tube match...I bought a Brimar CV4024 this morning so maybe that'll be the ticket!!

But, in the mean time, can anyone recommend an amp (4ohm capable) to go with the pre?? I am looking for warm, full bodied, maybe rolled off on the top...something to offset the top end brightness of the Epos but still bring out it's beautiful mids!!

Would something like a B&K ST-140 work?? Suggestions?? Comments??

I borrowed his Mitsubishi DA-A10DC which seems to be working good but could have a nicer bottom end LOL!!

Thanks kindly!!!
sideways
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
Move the speakers around to tamr the treble...The sonic frontiers pre and b&k should work fine together.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,541 posts
 
The SFL-1 is far from rolled off in the HF's, but if your Brimar's are from the 50's production they may help.

If not (later Brimar versions are cleaner/crisper) look for older RCA Black plate 12au7's, assume they are not pricey, but have not purchased any for years.

My best advice (for the sound you seem to be seeking) would be to go with something other than the SF preamp.

Most SF and ARC preamps/amps are not my cup of tea as I prefer a more fluid sound.

This said, I've heard them sound super on both home and store setups, just not the type of sound I care to listen to on a day to day basis.
pdspecl
254 posts
 
Hello,
I'm doing the opposite. I picked up a SF Power 2 amp a few years back. I've recently acquired a VTL 2.5 preamp and like the match. I primarily use a Jolida tube cd player for source. The SF amp leans on the analytical side but with careful matching on speakers, pre, and cd player it can sound very nice. I would think same applies to to your scenario. A friend has B&K pre/amp running Paradigm 9's and for solid state it sounds very musical from my point of view. B&K is not that pricey and built well.
Best wishes
jea48
4,415 posts
 
Sideways,

Several years ago I had the Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 in my system. The preamp mates well with an ARC tube amp.

What make and year is the 12AT7 tube in the preamp?
From the factory the preamp came with 2 tubes. One was a 12AT7A (Ei) and the other was a Signature CV4024/M8162, a Mullard tube. The Mullard was the preferred tube for my taste in the preamp. The (Ei) tube caused the preamp to sound more like a SS preamp to me.

http://www.audiotubes.com/12at7.htm

http://www.anthemav.com/oldsitev1/pdf/sfl1.pdf
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