Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifier (Tube) by hexdriver

Model:	Line 1
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2600.00
Description:	Tube Preamp
Manufacturer URL:	Sonic Frontiers
Model Picture:	View

Review by hexdriver on January 21, 2008 at 12:18:21
IP Address: 65.12.164.59 Add Your Review
for the Line 1

I tried the upgrade for the Line 1 using the 5v pga2311 A version of the volume control chip, I got them for free from Texas instruments from their website, my original chips were soldered to the board, so I had Modular Electronics in atlanta do the work, the price was resonable.

The end result was very satisfying, the chips do perform better than the original chip, I cannot do an A/B so this is my opinion based on 6 years with the preamp. The background seems cleaner than before, this was the most noticeable effect. I notice more 'definition' around notes, the bass may be little better but it is hard to tell with out having a direct comparison. I would have to reccomend any SF users to give it a shot especially if you dont need to do any soldering.

Product Weakness:	if your chips are soldered it adds and extra step
Product Strengths:	Cheap and very effective compared to cables, isolation....

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: MF a3cr
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Sonic Frontiers Line 1
Sources (CDP/Turntable): 588
Speakers: cs 1.6
Cables/Interconnects: nuvista, homegrown
Music Used (Genre/Selections): classical, trip-hop
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	MF a3cr
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Sonic Frontiers Line 1
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	588
Speakers:	cs 1.6
Cables/Interconnects:	nuvista, homegrown
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	classical, trip-hop
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner