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Which Preamp Audio Research LS3B or Sonic Frontiers SFL-1

Hello-- I am looking replace (upgrade) my Nakamichi CA 5 with either preamp in above title line.
Does anybody have either (or both) of this classics? Which sounds better? My current system is as follows:

 Amplifier is a Sunfire 300 x 2
 CD Transport is a McCormack SST-1
 Universal CD Player is a Lexicon RT-10
 Jitter reduction is a Genesis Digital Lens
 D/A Converter is a Classe Audio DAC-1
 Finally, my speakers are a pair of JBL XPL 140A's

I know if I go with the ARC LS3b I can go Balanced with Sunfire;  but, can that 1 tube in SF SFL-1 make the system sing. 

Any assistance before I decide to take the plunge would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Edward
edenton925
edenton925 OP
7 posts
 

adg101--

Thanks for giving such detailed  and sound advice. I really appreciate it. 

All the best,

Edward
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,639 posts
 
Is there any particular reason you are looking at these two preamps? IMO there are a lot of preamps out there that might do you better for the same money.
jafant
18,958 posts
 
Edward-
is your Sunfire amp the 1st gen from the mid-90's ?
edenton925 OP
7 posts
 
atmasphere- Yeah probably--but one guy now (with the SF-SFL1) just wants to trade for the Nakamichi as it has phono inputs--and I have a friend who is willing to sell his ARC LS3B for a minimal sum. Why-- what do you suggest?

japhant-- My serial/production number starts with 97--why?
adg101
1,059 posts
 
If you can trade you Nak CA5 for a ARC LS3B straight across I'd do it. If he'll let you take it home to see how it sounds on your system do that first. I had a friend who had a CA5 and I'm pretty sure the LS3 will outperform the CA5. The LS3 was a nice preamp but very revealing so if your system is a little bright or thin the LS3 might not be the right choice. The Naks going to be less extended on top which will appear to be warming sounding. 

Be be curious to hear your opinion if you can compare the two in your system.

i wouldn't discount the SFL-1. With the right NOS Mullard in it will compete with anything in its price range if you buy it right. I owned one so if anyone thinks you can do better I'm curious what it is. Yes... if you can spend $400 or more I'd go back to the ModWright SWL 9.0 SE. Your first two choices are nice preamps if you buy them right. Trading straight across for the ARC is a no brainier in my opinion; at least drag it home to compare.

Cheers
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