Sonic Frontier, Joule or Counterpoint Tube Preamp?

I have the Sonic Frontiers Line 1 which I bought off a fellow A'goner. I am very happy with it. Parts Connexion does mods and repairs of these units. I would stick with one of the Line series pre's if you are going with SF as I've heard tell that they are much better than the previous generation of SF pre's. The Line series of preamps have a more graduated volume control than what Doug describes above. It goes in half dB steps from zero to 95. Average listening for me is around 44 to 60 depending on the source CD and my mood. Would like to have taken it higher but I live in an apartment and don't wish to move yet. Good luck.

I love my counterpoint SA5000. For the price in the used market, it is by far the best value/sound. You get top of line MC/MM phono stage with excellent line stage. Works wonderful with my VDH Black Beauty cartridge, Marantz CD17 player,McIntosh MR-71 tuner and both high/low power amp in two different systems. I used to own a lot more expensive preamps and with a seperate MC step up.
Never had any issue with the unit.

I love my Counterpoint SA-5000A, and totally concur with what Doug, Bob and S23chang said above^. Mine is stock also, so if Mike did the upgrades,..........look out!! Owned quite a few in the past. Another I'd consider of course, would be one of the Supratek preamps. ........Pat