clarity, depth of image, ability to keep bass tones focused, direct input for single source users, bi-amp inputs, awesome mid-range warmth and detail

nothing worth highlighting, but see below

I am writing mainly for those who are often underwhelmed by tube equipment and prefer solid state details.

Second, I am opting to describe the way it works with my other components rather than compare it other pre-amps. This should give those contemplating the kind of mix I've pursued a sense of what awaits them.

I've paired the SFL-1 with a Bryston 4B-st amplifier, Magnepan IIIa speakers, and a soon to be replaced Marantz CD-63SE. Also, Kimber Hero interconnects.

I've listened to numerous recordings, from hi-resolution classical pieces (solo and chamber) to low-fi indie rock to first generation jazz and rock issues (i.e. 16 bit remasters). In each instance, the SFL-1 has significantly improved the sound of my system. (Before I ran direct, using the CD player's volume control.) The SFL-1 takes the bite off high tones, e.g. cymbals, and deepens the mids to an astonsihing degree. True, it sacrifices certain details and brightness, e.g. the snap of a snare drum, and it does mildly compress the huge sound stage opened by the Magnepan's, but it throws numerous other details -- that I prefer-- into greater relief, e.g. vocal harmonies. Overall, then, I would claim that the SFL-1 adds to detail and separation rather than substracts. (In my experience, the whole game here revolves around additions and substractions and one's preference for certain mixes over others, and that goes for live music as well.) Moreover, it warms up human voices as well as most piano, horn, and cello tones, and if those are the kind of instruments you enjoy, then this pre-amp is marvelous. I confess, I was worried that it might negate what makes the Bryston such a strong amplifier: tight bass and detail. But it doesn't. Instead, it complements it beautifully. So, if you think you don't want to take sides in the tube wars, but want a little of both, I'm here to say, I think it's possible, and that the SFL-1 complements solid state well, or at least the Bryston as they power Magnepans. Also, if you're upgrading with demos and second hand components, this one gives you a good deal for your money.

Runs cool, build, super customer service

None found

As most everyone else who likes to try different components for sonic differences, I was going over pre-amps on Audio Review, plus I had heard some Sonic Frontier gear at Upsacle Audio, while checking out the Ah Tejob CD player and was impressed with the overall sonic quality of the units. I was not however ready to spend that much on Sonic Frontiers top end stuff. I find that in may cases just because a unit is a few years old is not reason to dump it.

Well anyway I started looking for a unit and found one on Ebay for $400 dollars. Seller indicated a buzz on the left channel.

When I got the unit, shipped from Colorado, I pulled off the top and found one lose connection. After correcting the problem, I plugged it in and it work just fine.

Doing some A-B comparisons with some of the other pre-amps I was really impressed with the overall sound of the unit.

The overall sonic characteristics of the unit were just great and has become the pre-amp in my stereo set up in the garage.

After a little while I just wanted to have the unit checked out to see if it was operating at maximum efficiency, so I contact Sonic Frontiers and got a REM number and shipped the unit back to Sonic Frontiers.

I got the unit back in two to three weeks.

In the interim, I received update calls on the progress of the inspection of the unit, plus they informed me that there were updates on the unit and these updates would be installed.

I guess the great surprise when getting the unit back, was that they had not charged me for anything at all, even though the unit was way past warranty, unit was made in 1994.

The unit had been gone through completely and bench test with a report card issued. The unit check out without any problems and the language used to describe the operation of the unit was "empirically correct".

The only thing that I have modified on the unit was to add in a Mullard tube, which has given the unit a little different sound.

Like others have said, it is a very inexpensive way to change the sonic characteristics of a component, plus it is fun to experiment with the sounds that finally come out of the speakers.

As an other reviewer stated, the direct out's, really gives one another sound again.

To conclude, if your in the market for a really good pre-amp at a reasonable and would like a company that will treat you more than fairly, then check out the SFL-1 made by Sonic Frontiers.

Similar Products Used:

Dynaco PAS 2, PAS 3, PAT 4, Sony TA-9000ES

Sound, looks

Very unreliable unit. Fragile. Poor customer service.

When it works, I cannot complain about the sound. It's
very good. Operates well and looks good.

However;
Maybe I just got a lemon. Even at it's most reliable,
it's performance was intermittent and didn't give any
sort of confidence. It seems that just looking at it
would sometimes cause it to develope an electronic
'mystery illness'. That's it - it's neurotic.

SF's customer service, I've found very slow in acting
and communicating.

I think a different unit would probably call for a
much better review.

Sorry to rain on peoples parade, but it hasn't been a
good experience.


Glen

Similar Products Used:

Too many to list.

Smmoth overall Sound.Very detailed.

None for this price.

For the money I paid this unit is the best I've ever used. Sounded better then any Anthem product I had in my system. And I've never had one problem at all w/ it. I think it's built like a tank. The person below got a lemon for sure.If you see one on the used market for under 600.00 don't hesitate ! Just buy it!

All around great sound, especially in direct mode

Regular inputs not as good as direct... No remote

This is for the SFL-1 Signature model. I recently bought one of these to replace my Anthem PRE 1L (which had replaced an excellent Melos MA-110b? preamp which is out of comission...) I have always been a tube enthusiast, especially in terms of guitar amplification, and I like to have tubes in my main listening setup. But I have also always been afraid of the high cost/maintenance of poer tubes, so I tend to keep the tubes in my preamp and use solid state power. I was a little leeery of switching from the all tube PRE 1L to the hybrid SFL-1, but my concerns were quickly dismissed. Tonally they were very similar. I felt the PRE 1L had maybe just a touch more "tube" sound (though it isn't especially tubey) than the SFL-1. The SFL-1 just barely edged the Anthem in clarity and soundstage on the regular inputs. The SFL-1's direct input is amazing though. My phono stage (ARC PH1) loves it and sounds noticably better than on the Anthem or the SFL-1 regular inputs. With CD there is a bit less of a noticable difference. Just proves that different components do interact differently with one another. Only drawback is the tape loop is not active with the direct input (duh) so you I can't burn LPs to CD with the direct input. Oh well. It is great listening. The direct input is so good, I f I am going to be listening for a while, i just switch the source that I am using to the direct.

Another great thing about the SFL-1 is that owing to using only one tube, you can tweak it cheaply if you want. Just switch tube types. Much cheaper than switching out 2 matched pairs on a 4 tube preamp. A tip also, don't use the pearl tube cooler thing this preamp comes with. I found it made the highs a tad harsher, and it probably doesn't actually aid in tube cooling. This thing is a great value, you can get them for around $700 or less for the Sig model, SF will still service them. No remote, but I can live without it...

Similar Products Used:

Anthem, Melos, Parasound, etc.

Very refined product; build quality high; detail is excellent; works exceptionnaly well with Berning Amps

Not transparent

I sold my Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 a year ago, not because I wasn't pleased with it, but because it offers only fair value at this price point.

The sound of this amp isn't entirely neutral, but it very pleasing. The highs are crystalline and the midrange is very full. When placed in front of a tube amp, it really shines. I had a Berning 9100 and a couple of Heath W-4Ms and when coupled with this pre-amp, the sound was pretty spectacular. It didn't perform as well with SS amps.

It sounds much better with the Signature mods: better rectifier and Telefunken 12AX7s.

The nice thing about this pre-amp is that you can pick one up for $450 - $650 used. In this price range, it is a steal.

My point in submitting this review is that: yes, it's a good product, but not the best in this class. Five years ago it was...

Similar Products Used:

Aranov LS9600, Audible Illusions Mod 3a

Transparent.
Wide, Deep Soundstage.
Superb Detail.
All of the above only when used via the direct input

Not as transparent(some grain) when used wih the regular inputs.

This preamp is phenomenal when used through its direct input. Let the source do all the work because this preamp gets right out of the way. Used with a Pass Labs Aleph 3 power amp I know of no better combination when it comes to critical listening. I've had the Mark Levinson, Classe, Krell, Audiolab (oops, how did that get in there?), Meitner, and Bryston. The only one that came close is the Meitner. If you are looking for something in a high end preamp without the funny price audition a good used SFL-1. You'll be amazed just how good your system can sound.

Similar Products Used:

Mark Levinson #38
Classe Model 5
Krell PAM?
Audiolab 8000C
Meitner PA6i
Bryston BP25

Smooth high end, detailed, palpable midrange, has body, yet is not a heavy, tubey sound. Excellent bass. Highest quality parts & construction.

This tube/hybrid preamp is one classy piece with gorgeous sound. Popular now is the ANTHEM, which is a cheaper line of Sonic Frontiers, which is not built to the degree this line was. Built with mil-spec audiophile parts, gorgeous internal construction & immaculate wiring. I don't think any other company uses thick machined stainless steel faceplates, dressed over with a smaller gold faceplate over it. The power supply is weighty. A quiet unit too.

Comparing the SFL-1 with similarly priced solid state pieces blows the competition out of the water, even in today's market. The palpability & authority & body of this piece isn't found in most solid state pieces. Don't discount this unit because it hasn't been in production for a few years. Look for the last production version, but expect to pay more for it, but it's worth it. New they were $1400-$200; so at $600-$900, these units are a steal for what they provide.

Similar Products Used:

Numerous preamps