Summary: I also owned the Power 3. Sounds like Power 2 to me.
When I was an invoice, I suckered by the Stereophile Recommended Components virus. So I got this in the desperate hope of having great sound.
In retrospect, I think the Stereophile reviews are a sham (those people who owned SF Line series and the Triangle Speakers would know what I meant).
Anyway, not much to add about the sound. Not reliability-wise this is almost exact opposite of the Line preamps (which I owned, and hated, due to very bad reliability).
But an forewarning too: The SF Power 2 and Power 3 - imho - does not sound like tubes nor solid state. Well they are tube hybrids, but what do that mean to *you*?
Put it this way. If I am into the SS sound, I won't buy the Power 2/Power 3 because they sound slower, and does not have the precision nor vast soundstage that say Krell or Mark Levinson could give me in the same price range.
If I want tube sound, I won't buy the Power 2/Power 3 neither. They sound too solid state too much. Sure they have more air and also musical mid-range, but you would dump this in NO TIME if you hear the EL84 or 300B based amps in the same price range.
Strengths: Superbly built. Very dynamic and open sound that is way better than any EL34 based amps I am aware of.
Weaknesses: Not exact tube sound, not exact solid state sound. I see this more like an transitional product where you got to listen to expand your horizons, but not something you'd say an "keeper".
Summary: Just a note to other reviews. This is a great amp. Many people reccommend changing to KT-88''s
I absolutely agree; the difference is astonishing. But there is one change I made that was almost as astonishing. I changed the 6 Sovtek driver tubes to Telefunken E88CC''s
& was blown away. Try it you''ll like it!
Strengths: Everything
Weaknesses: None I''ve found so far
Similar Products Used: Krell, ML, Bryston.
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Summary: I never made the jump to tubes, but if I did I always thought SF amps and preamps would be near the top of my list given their reputation for accuracy rather than the classic tube bloom. Despite not owning any SF stuff I thought I'd pass on a disturbing piece of information that SF is exiting the tube equipment business to focus more on solid state and home theater. At this point it seems like more of a rumor, but thought I'd pass it on in case it affects any of you who may be considering purchasing a SF component. Apparently the company is fine as it is owned and backed by Paradigm, but obviously parts could be an issue down the road if this is true. Just trying to be helpful here--please don't shoot the messenger. I view this as a sad day and unfortunately SF will not be the last tube-oriented company to go this way.
Tim
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Summary: This will be very short. This is the best @#@@&#$$@! amplifier, tube OR solid state you can buy up to it's retail price and probably above (so a Power 2 on the used market is a steal). It's no secret that parts quality is legendary when you know Sonic Frontiers has a thriving parts business, the Parts Connection.
But on to the music. Way better soundstage than my previous Naim, lower lows than the Sim I-5, faster than the McCormack and reliable beyond reliable, where I always had issues with my Carys.
Some of the people posting less than 5 stars for this beautifull amp must be dealers selling Krells or the like. Not your typical bloomy and dull tube sound but VERY sweet and very detailed. A beautifull work of art in my book, and the most musical amplifier I have ever heard, and I heard many more than the ones I listed above. It's a keeper. Sonic is no longer producing these. Probably too expensive to make a reasoneable profit. It's too bad. Get one on the used market if you still can, you WILL get hooked and want to hold on to it. After 2 years of daily use, I am still amazed every time I turn this light show on....
Strengths: Very detailed, deeper lows than most "high-end solid" staters, beautifull build quality and parts.
Summary: Anyone rating this as Five stars PERMANENTLY is BS because when you audition this for One year or long, you will discover you need lots to improve , first things I upgrage all6550 Tubes intol Jadis. the 6922 i replaced them into Siments.
Otherwise sounds is not humid enough for vocals...
Placing four different reviews timely because man who auditions more will discover this is NOT a permanent product. One who is not criticize in the positive way should go to elsewhere !!!
Rating still remain at four stars. This isnot the bad gear but this is not the PERFECT one !!!
Strengths: Still the same as previous reviews
Weaknesses: This is NOT a permanent product at top rating. Depending on your Far Sight and improvement on gears
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