2. amps-preamps
  3. 131717-14164

Always long for (upgraded) first love: Sonic Frontiers Line 3

I wonder where I can get a decent condition Line 3 and is it worth it compared to preowned newer ones at the same price range. About twenty years ago, I had my first tube preamp which was SF SFL-2/Krell combo and I loved the combination. It’s just the overengineered, neutral (to me), and transparent sound and clean design that I like about it.
Sure, I love the CAT preamp which has similar sonic characteristics (IMO) very very much and can find them in good condition every now and then but then again it was a first love thing with SF....
goldeneardoc
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
p/sis different not sure what else he means

g-ear - at 20 years old the electrolytic caps may be ready to fail - so add that cost in
goldeneardoc OP
19 posts
 
CAT appears to be in business still. I had extensively listened to both (sfl2 and CAT SL1 reference) although long time ago. Both lacked the characteristic of slow, fat, overly warm tube sound but maintained the glorious mid and upper octave with great sparkles. CAT has a legendary phono section. SF doesn't. Imo, bass was well controlled and deep with SF to my liking more than CAT. I read the review saying Line 3 is a significant step up from sfl2
erik_squires
15,682 posts
 
Sorry, I meant CAT. :)

I don't need a phono section, but I am considering getting something tubey even if just for the nostalgia.

I must say I really like the look of the CAT too. :)

Best,

E
goldeneardoc OP
19 posts
 
Well, I agree that CAT has a clean look that goes along with its clean transparent sound. You can’t go wrong with one and I’d imagine that since they are still in business, it would not be difficult to replace the aging parts like capacitors of needed.
The phono is what makes this legendary though since you get a built in not-the-after-thought awesome phono and eliminating additional pair of IC.
goldeneardoc OP
19 posts
 
Well, Chris Johnson from Partsconnexion has Line 3 coming in and he offers for $2,500 with full inspection, testing and cleaning with replacement of all age related/sensitive materials and umbilical cord if worn out. With warranty to 1 year at this price, I decided to go for it.
With additonal $500, I can get 10 Siemens 6922 tubes, I might do that later.
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