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Sonic Frontiers Power 1 good deal or foolish?

I am contemplating purchasing a Sonic Frontiers Power 1 amp, for several reasons, although I have never heard one.
(1) I have read several reviews that say this amp is very neutral and almost solid state like. This is the same that is said about ARC gear and I like the way they sound.
(2) I have also heard that the build quality is good and they are easier to bias as compared to the ARC gear. Since I am new to tubes I consider ease of maintenance a plus.
(3) The price is lower new than what I can pay for used ARC gear.

My concerns are that I generally do not trust reviews and have never heard this product. Unfortunately there are no local dealers for me to audition the equipment. In addition the company no longer makes any products, will they honor the warranty if there are problems? More importantly will they have the parts if there is a problem since they are completely out of the tube business? Will they have technicians who can fix any potential problems?
Your opinions would be greatly appreciated if this is foolish of me to consider purchasing?
meby

Showing 1 response by garfish

garfish
1,840 posts
 
Hi Meby; The SF Power 1 would not be a "foolish" purchase, and Sonic Frontiers is not totally out of the "tube business". They are temporarily not producing new product-- as I understand it, but could re-start if they want to. They have temporarily shifted their emphasis to AV equipment.

I just sent my SF Line 2 tube pre-amp to them for upgrade to the SE level, and had no trouble making the arrangements.

About a year ago I bought a Power 2 and listened with it for 30 days (and I think the Power 1 has a very similar sonic signature-- just 1/2 the power), and you're right-- these amps are pretty neutral rather than "tubey" or euphonic. The Power 2 has a very smooth and nice mid-range and low treble, and was very non-fatiguing, but it did not have good bass control or articulation like a good SS amp has-- although bass was plenty deep. When I put my McCormack DNA2DX (300wpc) back in my system, I definitely preferred the McCormack and sold the Power 2-- but then I listen to a lot of hard driving R&R and rhythmic music.

If you really want a good tube amp, the SFs are smooth, liquid, and non-fatiging, and are good amps. Personally, I'd call SF and ask them about their capability to service their existing products-- ask for Frank Pugliano, Tech Rep. Good Luck. Craig
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