STATUS - AVAILABLE
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Description :
The Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 is a classy tube hybrid preamplifier with gorgeous internal construction and immaculate wiring design by Joe Curcio. The SFL-1 uses a thick machined stainless steel faceplate and a beautifully dressed smaller gold faceplate over it. It has a lovely retro design, yet built like a brick and runs silently in the background. The 3 conspicuous knobs control the primary functions of the preamplifier - the input switch, sound balance and volume controllers. 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. It was the Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 model that put its company on the map. At its affordable introductory price, the SFL-1 became a benchmark for performance and quality in its price range. Even after newer models were introduced, the SFL-1 stayed around, garnered more rave reviews. 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.

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. Jazz and sax sounds pure and reveals new nuances never heard before. Rock tracks are not congested on the high end and seem to tighten the bass without distortion. It has a realistic presentation of the original recording session that can extract the subtle sounds and sometimes the singer's imperfections. The SFL-1 takes the bite off high tones and deepens the mid range to an astonishing degree. It may sacrifice certain details and brightness but it throws numerous other details into greater relief like vocal harmonies. It has an ability to throw a huge sound stage and the dynamics are on par with solid state amplifiers. The Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 is both musically satisfying & a joy to listen to.

Specifications :
Tube Complement...........................1 - 12AT7A (Ei)
                         ............................1 - CV4024/M8162 (Signature Version)
Inputs............................................4
Frequency Response......................2 Hz to 100 kHz +/- 0.5dB
                               ......................>200 kHz, -0.3 dB (100K load)
THD & Noise..................................<0.1% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
                   ..................................Typically < 0.05% @ 1 kHz
Gain...............................................20 dB @ 1 kHz
Noise.............................................180 uV unweighted
        ..............................................-85dB below @ 2V rms output
Intermodulation Distortion.................< 0.3%, @ 2V output
Input Impedance..............................45k ohm(Direct input), 90k ohm(Normal inputs)
Output Impedance...........................320 ohms @ 1 kHz
Output Voltage................................Maximum 25 V rms
Maximum Input................................2.5 V rms
Stereo Separation............................60 dB @ 1 kHz (Crosstalk)
Power Requirements........................20 VA 160 mA A.C./120V A.C.
                              ........................20 VA 80 mA A.C./240V A.C.
Fuse Requirements (2).....................0.5 Amp 250 V fast-blo (100 V to 120 V Countries)
                                ......................0.25 Amp 250 V fast-blo (200 V to 240 V Countries)
Dimensions(w x d x h)......................48 x 31.5 x 11.5 cm
Weight............................................9kg

Miscellaneous :
Made in...........................................Canada
Condition.........................................8/10

Product Information :
http://archive.anthemav.com/OldSitev1/pdf/sfl1.pdf (Manual)
http://www.soundstage.com/sftour/sf_fact.htm

Reviews :
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/preamplifiers/sonic-frontiers/sfl-1/prd_123754_1591crx.aspx