Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifiers
Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifiers
USER REVIEWS
[Jul 08, 2007]
Feanor
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
A truely full-function tube preamp: fullly balanced circuitry; handy, full-function remote ; solid build; numerous inputs and outputs including full balanced; headphone amplifier (solid state). Transparent sound and tube liquidity, warmth, and depth WHEN BETTER TUBES ARE USED.
Weakness:
Not a stereotypical tube sound with the standard Sovtek tubes. I was looking for a new preamp to replace my Adcom GFP-750; I wanted (1) remote control, (2) balanced XLR outputs, and (3) tubes, never having used tubes before. I looked at used BAT and ARC tube models with balanced outs but the only thing under $1000 was the LINE 1. The reason for the balanced outputs was to get good match with my Monarchy SM-70 Pro amplfiers that are designed for fully balanced operation when used as monoblocks. I'm driving Magneplanar MG16QR's. I listen mostly to classical music.
Customer Service I bought the unit from an Individual on Audiogon. I had the unit to Parts Connexion once for a headphone jack problem: their service and consultation was great. Similar Products Used: Preamps from Dynaco, Sansui, Apt Holman, McIntosh, Adcom, and others. |
[Sep 03, 2004]
ryder
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Refined and detailed, appealing aesthetics
Weakness:
Too polite for pop and rock material My system : Sony XA7ES Plinius SA-100MkIII Sonus Faber Concerto Grand Pianos Nordost Blue Heaven speaker cables Wireworld Eclipse interconnects I don't know about other users who have complained about reliability problems but I've never encountered any so far after almost 1 year of usage. The SF Line 1 is a very good preamp with a refined and detailed presentation. A total pleasure to listen to if your musical tastes lean towards jazz, vocals or slower pop material. Not exactly the suitable candidate if you listen to faster pop and rock. Anyway most tube amps falter when it comes to playing pop/rock. Highly recommended judging from its price point used. Excellent sound quality from a beautiful piece of equipment. The remote is cool and a breeze to use. Similar Products Used: Threshold T3 |
[Jul 10, 2002]
T Lama
AudioPhile
Weakness:
Must cycle through all inputs when using remote. Can't use my CinePro Power Pro 20, but not sure how big of a weakness this is. I have not had this long enough to give a complete review, but wanted to throw something out here to maybe save fellow audio lovers the same headaches I am going through. I bought this used and when turning the volume up last night, I heard some harsh 'static' coming from my speakers then the Line 1 shut off. I found a blown fuse, replaced it, then the Line 1 powered up for a few seconds then died again...blown fuse. I went through 2 fuses this way. Obviously it needs to go back in for repair, however what caused it? Well I think the it was the use through a line conditioner. The previous owner said he used a Power Wedge with the Line 1. SF says plug it straight into the wall. I think prolonged use of a L/c causes problems with the Line Series' power supply. s*%t. For the few days I had with it, it sounded wonderful. It was so much better in every way than the Lexicon DC1 I was using. I hope this won't be a huge bill to repair, but if it is, it will be worth it...unless I could have bought a Line 2 for the amount I spent in repair and initial cost, but I can't imagine it would be that much to fix. Similar Products Used: Lexicon DC1, all sorts of recievers and integrated amps used as preamps. |
[Jan 10, 2000]
morten jensen
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Sonics
Weakness:
Input selector on remote could be direct Bought this preamp second hand last year. Similar Products Used: Tandberg |
[Jun 29, 2000]
audiophile
Audiophile
Strength:
Incredible build quality and reliability, the best designed remote in the industry, glorious neutrality to make your source proud.
Weakness:
Absolutely none whatsoever, unless you are a flavor-of-the-month audiophile. Nothing can beat the following: Give it a listen with your favorite cd's, try a few different amps and sources, and just try to pinpoint what it brings to the party. You probably wont be able to, which is how neutral it is, but you will hear differences in everything else,,,and that's what a good preamp must do. Line 2 arguably better, but the Line 1 is so close, I dont think the line 2 is worth the incremental cost. With valvo tubes, the line 1 surpasses the stock version line 2 in my humble opinion. So here it is. No use trying to describe the sound. Go out and buy a used or new unit and be happy at last as this is a no-brainer. It's that good. Similar Products Used: name them,most big name brands and some smaller more esoteric ones they are included, up to twice the price. |
[Sep 18, 2000]
Jerry Lee
Audiophile
Strength:
Transparent, well built, remote control, design.
Weakness:
Slightly thin midband, could have more slam in bass. I have been a happy owner of an Audio research LS1 for many years. Knowing that the SFL1 was a very competitive product when I bought my ARC, the relatively new range of SF line pre-amps attracted my attention as they now come with remote, headphone output and excellent design/build. Similar Products Used: Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, VTL, Rotel |
[Jul 25, 2001]
Stephen Arvello
Audiophile
Strength:
Superb bass and wonderful build. Not too soft on top, and tweek-able
Weakness:
None that come to mind I had to sell my old system because my job caused me to travel, and this time I thought I may have to travel again, so did not want to chance buying the most expensive gear, and hate used gear having had some bad experiences with bad sellers. Similar Products Used: Levinson, Krell, and ARC |
[Mar 18, 1998]
W-T Choe
an Audio Enthusiast
i loooooove my Line 1!i can't say that i listened to a whole lot of other preamps before buying the Line 1, but i'm still very pleased with the sound. i can't imagine getting a better-sounding preamp for the money ($1600 USD on demo). |
[Jan 27, 1998]
Thomas
an Audio Enthusiast
After waiting six months for an Audible Illusions L1 preamp I had on order I returned to my dealer and asked what were some alternative preamp options in this price range. After all, a manufacturer that can't deliver a preamp in under six months makes you wonder about their ability to service the unit afterward. |
[Sep 20, 2001]
Charles
Audiophile
Strength:
Great tube sound with a phenomenal Soundstage
Weakness:
Weakness? What weaknesses. I have my Line 1 installed in my system and it just makes my solid state receiver sound smoother. I had a solid state preamp from Krell that was just too bright in my system. So I thought I would try a tube preamp from a friend that had this unit. After connecting the Line 1 to my system, I was amazed at how this piece just smoothed out the sound in my system. Similar Products Used: ARC, BAT, Krell |