2. amps-preamps
  3. 1102148678

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

Showing 2 responses by keis

keis
176 posts
 
I own a SF Line 3 and had it upgraded to Signature (SE) about a year ago. Yes they still fix and support the SF equipment. I love this pre amp.

Got curious about new designs and have been auditioning other preamps. For full disclosure I own a Krell KSA200s amp, Revel Studio Speakers, and a Sony 777EX SACD/CD player. So far...
BAT VK-51se - had this for a week. Its a very nice sounding preamp, but I would not trade the Line 3 for it. BAT has better base, not as good high end, better sound stage by a smidge, and what surprised me is not as musical (I guess I'm focusing on the harmonic structure of the music.) The two have about the same dynamics both micro and overall.
Now have a Calypso....Next an Ayre k-1x so stay tuned.
keis
176 posts
 
Spent 5 days with the Calypso on loan. It is so close to the Line 3 SE that its amazing. Calyspo is a single chases, much lighter, only 4 tubes and a mix of RCA and XLR in/outputs.

Since the SF pre is what 5 years older technology or at least design and the Calyspo is getting lots of raves its interesting that the old Line 3 hold its own.

Calypso has a better remote (I don't like having to cycle through the inputs on the SF remote) Cheap plastic vs the metal hocky puck but better functionality. No volume control on the Calypso. Don't lose the remote because you can't operate the preamp without it. Both display the db level.

Sound wise if I were buying one or the other I'd buy the Calypso because it has a better high end...smoother and more harmonically pleasing. You get a little less listening fateage (sp?). The Calypso has about the same sound stage, depth of presentation and mid range as the L3 SE. The Line 3 has more punch and a more powerful bass.

I'd like to make the point that these statements about one better then the other are really close calls. I get more sonic difference when I move my speakers 6 inches and toe them in 20 degrees.

So I wouldn't call the Calypso an upgrade in any sense either functionally or sonically. Its a very good product however.

My system includes: Sony 777EX SACD/CD player, Sonic Frontiers Line 3 SE, Krell KSA-200s, and Revel Solon speakers. All interconnects and speaker cables are Alpha Core Silver (mostly Micro Perl) I listen mostly to classical and jazz music.
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