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Threshold Amp and Sonic Frontiers Pre? HELP

I have a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 with a Mullard tube and I am considering an amp upgrade to a Threshold S/200 Stasis. I wondering if any of you guys have expirience with SF and Threshold. I've been very happy with a tube pre SS amp combo thus far but I know that a Nelson Pass Amp will give a lot more to my speakers than my BK-ST140.

That being said, I love the BK-ST140. Maybe one of you will convince me to keep it in? I don't know. Any thoughts on that amp with the rest of my system?

I am using a pair of Theil cs1.5 speakers and a Monarchy Audio 18b Delux DAC connected to my computer. I'm using Audioquest Coral IC's and Audioquest Gibraltar speaker cables.

Thanks so much for any thoughts or ideas.
128x128esteborino

Showing 4 responses by esteborino

esteborino's avatar
esteborino OP
38 posts
 
yes! THRESHOLD! I take it you think it's a good idea Unsound?
esteborino's avatar
esteborino OP
38 posts
 
I love warmer... The BK is a pretty warm amp with the MOSFET design but I don't know how it compares to the Threshold. It has more power which will make it play louder, whether I will play it louder or not is another question...maybe. Probably actually. I will step in and defend the st140 slightly in regards to impedance loads. At least with the 1.5's (which are a resistive load and only dip to 3 ohms at most) I have not noticed any problems with the amp. It only gets slightly warm when playing loud and difficult music (Stravinsky's Firebird Suite) and maintains clarity and dignity :). I will say that some of the highs can be a bit brittle when pushed hard but nothing to write home about.
esteborino's avatar
esteborino OP
38 posts
 
Those are hard facts indeed Unsound but what does it SOUND like? What do these figures sound like? I want to know what to look for when listening critically. Is that too much to ask? Can words describe such distortions?

as a side note, speaking to B&K the techs told me that they test all there amps down to 2 ohms and make sure they can hold their own. He also said that he was not supposed to tell me that as it was company policy to only state recommendations for 8 ohms.

But the Threshold should sound worlds better! It was 4 times the cost new! I'm excited to say the least. I'm sure you love your threshold that's in your system Unsound.
esteborino's avatar
esteborino OP
38 posts
 
Thanks guys. When inspecting the amp what should I look for to make sure it's in good shape? I'm going to be listening for hums and hisses but should I take the top off? And if so what should I look for?

Thanks so much for all of your help!
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