The Sonic Frontiers Line 2, although it is a tube preamp, provides the sonic advantages of both tubes and solid state.
I tried the Line 2 with a CAL Icon CD player, an HK power amp and a pair of Maggies (3.3Rs). The Maggies are very revealing, and will sound edgy if any upstream component has even a hint of brightness.

Attacking brightness is where the "tube sound" of the Line 2 excels. I have a bright listening room, and had attenuated the tweeters on the Maggies with 2-ohm resistors. When I put in the Line 2, I had to switch to 1-ohm resistors. I once listened to CDs for 7 hours straight, without getting listener fatigue.

However, the Line 2 is quicker and more agile than other tube gear I have heard. It resolved more detail (without brightness) than the HK preamp it replaced. Often, what sounded like one instrument on my CDs began to sound like two distinct instruments. The bass extension (and control) was also a dramatic improvement over the solid-state HK preamp. Sometimes, it's easy to forget you're listening to a tube preamp. The warm-up cycle is about 40 seconds -- only a little longer than for a high-quality solid-state amplifier.

If you purchase a Line 2, make sure it gets plenty of ventilation. It uses six (6) Sovtek 6922 tubes, and it will heat up if placed in a closed cabinet. If you leave the Line 2 in a closed cabinet, the sound may become slower and muddier as the amp heats up (still not bad, but not as good as it could be). Moving the Line 2 to the top shelf will prevent this "muddying" from occurring.

This preamp is expensive -- but it's worth 5 stars anyway!

I have just purchased the Line 2 and what a difference -- right off the bat! It really opened up the sound in my system. It has a lot of authority, great depth, and instruments have a realism which was not there before. It really enhances the intricacies of the music. Even when I'm playing CDs I'm very familiar with, the sound is noticably improved. Percussion sounds life-like. Cymballs, for example, did not previously have the realistic clash that comes through now. All sound, including voices, is clean & clear. On the Line 2 I hear things I hadn't heard before. The product is visually appealing. I also love the snazzy remote!
Summing up, it's one heck of a preamp. I can't say enough good things about it. I'm thrilled with the product and wish I'd bought it sooner. If I could give it an even high rating I would!

transparent,musical

none

very very good.best pre amp i have ever heard..a true audio heaven.

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krell,levinson,line 1,pass labs,arc....

transparency, dynamics, reproduction of micro-details, treble purity, tight, controlled bass - well-extended, life-like midrange timbres, great remote

could be a little warmer

Although I have only had the Line 2 in my system for two weeks, I can report that it is a dramatic improvement over the CJ that it replaced. My system now seems complete; the sound that I have been constantly upgrading to achieve is now reality. I am surprised to find only two other reviews of this product here. The other preamp that I considered was the Blue Circle BC3. However, the eastern disbributor wouldn't allow my local retailer enough margin to offer me a reasonable price (I wasn't able to here this preamp in any case). It is a very well-reviewed product, and I may have preferred it, but I will never know. The reality is that I am very impressed with the sound, build quality and ergonomics of the SF Line 2. I don't understand Stereophile's comments about its neutrality being suspect. It is indeed very neutral, if a little lean. Neutrality is a good thing. Because a company achieves it at this price point is great. Let's celebrate it rather than question it. This product is worth at least five stars!
System:
Sonic Frontiers SFCD 1
Oracle Delphi Mk V Turntable
Rega RB900/Goldring Excel VX
EAR 834P
Sonic Frontiers Line 2
Pass Labs Aleph 3
Proac Response 1SC
Nordost Red Dawn

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None

musical,extended very deep and tight bass,detailed mids and highs.

none

extremly perfect amp.little warm than my previous amp line. crystal clear notes.overall very good soundstage. the best pre ihave ever heard.!!!

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ARC ls 15,line 1,and.........