[usp1]

Does anyone know about these? I tried google without much success. These are some of Sonic Frontiers earlier models. Are they any good? Any known reliability problems? Would appreciate any help. Thanks

[FullRangeMan]

Hi,
The SonicFronties that have good sound quality are the Pentode models, the UltraLinear models are less musical but decent sound yet.
Seems to me there is no Triode power amp in this brand, but I may be wrong.
About reliability and others subjects Iam unaware of any info and can not help.
Gustavo
P.S.: The PrimaLuna sister brand Mystere have various Pentode integrated and power amps models.

[usp1]

Thanks for that info, Fullrangeman. I am not even sure if the SFM are pentode or ultralinear (such is the lack of information).

[R_burke]

Not sure about these, but I had a SF Power 2 amp.  Loved the sound, but it burnt out when I put a bad tube in.  They were built without tube overload fusing, so you need to be careful about what tubes you use - Make sure they are good with no shorts before putting them in the amps.

Also servicing is a pain, the company discontinued the line and isn't very supportive.  The designer works for Parts Conexion in Canada and is as helpful as he can be, but he doesn't have schematics

[rollo]

 Contact Chris Johnson at Parts Express. sould answr all your questions.



charles

[usp1]

rburke:

Thanks for that info. What also worries me is the lack of information.

rollo:

Thanks, do you have any contact information for him. If so, please send via pm. ( I just realized you meant parts connexion not parts express!)

[FullRangeMan]

Hi,
On TAS magazine issue 189/JAN2009 there is a test by Dick Olsher of the Mystere IA21 integrated Stereo(50W+50W $2.995) amp and on page 130 the dealer Mr.Kevin Deal refers to the famous good sound of the SonicFrontiers SFS-80 Pentode power amp and say the Mystere Pentode line also have good Pentode sound like the SonicFrontiers.
The PrimaLuna(Triode + UltraLinear) and Mystere(Pentode) gear are very reliable tube amps, If one have the money to spend they are a safe buy in tubes amplifiers.
Gustavo