Sonic Frontiers Sfl-1 Review

[Minette Mccandrew]

Iam 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.

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.

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

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