Rock tracks are not congested on the high end and seem to tighten the bass without distortion. Jazz and sax sounds pure and reveals new nuances never heard before. Utilising a 12AT7 tube in its signal path, the Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 delivers most piano, horn, cello tones and vocals sound with warmth and a palpable mid range with clarity. Doug Schneider got excited and bought one and gave birth to an SFL-1 Signature with even more impressive parts quality and a higher price tag. Even after newer models were introduced, the SFL-1 stayed around, garnered more rave reviews. At its affordable introductory price, the SFL-1 became a benchmark for performance and quality in its price range. It was the Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 model that put its company on the map. The preamplifier is phenomenal when used through its direct input to bring out the best sonic qualities and will derive many years of listening pleasure. The 3 conspicuous knobs control the primary functions of the preamplifier - the input switch, sound balance and volume controllers. It has a lovely retro design, yet built like a brick and runs silently in the background. The SFL-1 uses a thick machined stainless steel faceplate and a beautifully dressed smaller gold faceplate over it. I have the SFL-1 Signature Model - paid $650.0 (used) - I believe its original cost was about $2,000.The Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 is a classy tube hybrid preamplifier with gorgeous internal construction and immaculate wiring design by Joe Curcio. MCA 2 "Sonic Frontiers" solid state power amp What an investment !!Īh Jobe 99 - tube output stage CD - another great buy I have the SFL-1 Signature Model - paid $650.0 (used) - I believe its original cost was about $2,000. Not an audiophile - just a drummer - but I like what I hear " It must be that little tube "Īs a musician - I strive for a realistic presentation of the original recording session - and get geeked when I hear a recording 30 + years old that can extract the suttle sounds and sometimes imperfections that make that moment in time so damn human. This pre- amp will find midrange - and deliver it with great detail. Jazz heads - Coltranes sax will leap into your living room with pure and absolute sonic pleasure on "Moments Notice" and " Lazy Bird " - The Doors " LA Woman " reveals little quirks during the recording process I dont believe I've ever heard before. Unless I upgrade to a higher model Sonic Frontiers Pre, this unit is not leaving my system. Definitely surpassing all expectations.Īt the price, you can't expect absolute reference, but it will surpass everything worth twice as much. Incredible! Chris Johnson and Mike (the tech that worked on it) provided amazing service and communication. From sending my SFL-1 out, servicing/mods, to receiving it took a total of 4 days. I gave them the go ahead and it was actually complete and shipped out that very day. They suggested to replace it with a Mullard and I saw this as an opportunity to upgrade a few caps and resistors. I sent it in to Parts Connexion and the day that they received the packaged, the called me up and let me know that it was the tube. Recently I noticed a hum from the right speaker and realized it was the SFL-1. Even the tactile elements like the volume knob and switches feel incredibly well built. The construction is solid and is nothing less than being built like a tank. The build quality is extremely top notch. It presents music in an honest way and can be quite revealing. It's pleasingly neutral and definitely not dry or lacking in any way. I personally prefer the sound of the SFL, a signature sound I'm sure many of you have read about in other reviews. It doesn't have the deep warmth you might find in other gear like AR, which isn't always a bad thing. It is very neutral and not imposing at all. I purchased the unit in 2004 through audiogon and it has been reliably performing in my dedicated 2-channel ever since.
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