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Sonic Frontiers pre-amps

Anybody out there fmaillar with the Sonic Frontiers line of pre-amps?Has a phase inversion feature I'd like and have found only on Bryston and BAT equipment.But wondering if anybody can tell me the difference pbetween the SFS series and the Model 1,2 and 3 that came out afterwards.Also has anybody compared the cost to quality ratios of the Model 1,Model 2 and Model 3?More tube and bigger power supplies as one steps up.I am inclined to think that latter pre-amps were better but unsure of this.Know that Anthem/Parts connection gives support to these pre-amps but wondering if anybody has sent there equipment for upgrades to somebody else.I wonder why the line which was very highly regarded (think SFS-2 was class A in stereophile) went south.But it's a pretty competitive marketplace and perhaps there was just more money to be made with the more modest Anthem line.Anybody with any info it would be much appreciated.Bryston just does not flip my switches since it's SS and BAT well seems like better value might be had since prices are lower for this older line of requipment.Thinking of mating it with a Krell KPA SS phono stage though again if anybody has or has had the phono stage I'd like to hear about them.Again any insights appreciated.
Thanks
Chazz
chazzbo
chazzbo OP
1,006 posts
 
Keis
Not sure if I could handle the Calypso if it's a remote only job.It may be that my Kora Eclipse burries the SF in sound quality but I miss having front panel controls.Going by alll th reviews I have a pre that once listed for over $5K though it was lowered to $3600.One of the definte pluses of the Eclipse is thought it's tube it's solid state phono card has both a MM and a MC input.Perhaps what I should do is remove the EAR integrated and use the Elcipse with a dcent amp but I have sold my good amps (had a Krell Intergrated as well liked it's sound with bass but mids were metallic).Wihs I still had my Mesa Baron.But thought that keeping EAR and getting Krell KPA was way to go (finacing the KPA wih the Kora) since I want more than two carts.The KPA would have two inputs but more importantly have front controls for setting for quick set of third arm/cart to go with my VPI).But if I stay with two carts I could maybe do better with what I have.I just know that phase inversion can nmake a big difference with certain recordings.Decisions decisons.Thank you all for the input.
Chazz
albertobat
6 posts
 
I have SFL-3 from few month and before I try so many preamplifier.I don't think thao Calypso is better then SFL-3,maybe the interconnect cable from Preamp to Amplifier and source is not so good.Please my friends,try to use a Transparent cable for all connection and tell me about the result.All my best regards,Alberto
lwin's avatar
lwin
215 posts
 
I have had the line 1,2& 3 in my system. I owned a 1 & auditioned a 2&3.There was a significant improvement in bass,soundstage etc.when I tried the 2.The differences between the 2&3 were not as dramatic.The bass was deeper & tighter but other then that they were very close. The rest of my system is a pair of Krell mono's,Electrocompaniet cd player& Martin Logan speakers.I have had the Line 3 in my system for 3 years now & it will be there quite a few more years because I am very happy with the way it sounds.
betterthencrack
6 posts
 
Why would you need the phase inversion function?
foohead
10 posts
 
I beleive the SFL-2 have a phase inversion switch
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