I used the same SACD player output with splitters to 2 cables- each to each preamp. I then disconnected the preamp output from one preamp to the other preamp and connected that to the main amp. So basically I should be getting the same signal into both preamps and the outputs are separated from each other when going into the amp. Amp used was a YBA 2 HCDT. Speakers were B&W Matrix 804. There is a sub in the system, but its so low of volume when listening, that it really didn't effect the sound from the main speakers much at all. You have to sit back further in the room to really hear the sub.
I used 2 CDs for this first test and I listened to 3 songs. The first two tracks of Sting's Soul Cages and track 5 of Shostakovich's Symphony #9. I played the music first with the SFL-2 tube preamp and then switched to the solid state YBA. First thing I noticed when I went to the YBA was how much louder this preamp is then the tube pre. I had to dial back the volume to get it around the same level as the Sonic Frontiers. Instead of 11 oclock of the SFL-2, I was at around 9 oclock on the YBA. So it makes me wonder if using the tube pre, that I can crank the volume well past the 12 oclock position without distortion? I didn't test this theory. The YBA had a bit more snap and dynamics then the Sonic Frontiers. Not that the SFL-2 is bad, but its not quite at the same level. Music sounded more raw on the YBA 2 and clarity more so. The SFL-2 sounded a bit more lush and smoother, with a false sense of air. The YBA sounded more focused and the music escaped the speakers a bit more then the SFL-2. The music sounded more from the speakers with the SFL-2. I still couldn't get the YBA to produce that magic sound I heard on Shostakovich's 9th symphony, where the horn blares out in mid air in the room. Yet the horns did sound more there then the SFL-2. Maybe a bit louder maybe? There is a more raw direct sound coming from the YBA. I'm surprised that my Rotel pre did as well as the YBA in terms of space in music. Its definitely a good value for a pre to get the Rotel RC-995 which is a very musical preamp. I didn't use the Rotel in this test, but I do recall its sound compared to what I heard today.
I certainly could play more music to get an even better idea of the sound of these 2 pres. That said, the YBA is a better match to the amp as expected. The Sonic Frontiers is not far behind, but in total terms of sound, the YBA did a bit better. The only thing I don't like about the YBA pre is there is no on off button on this unit, as once you plug it in- its permanently on. Some people leave their pres on all the time anyway, but my listening sessions are so far in between, that I really don't want to be burning up the electricity and wearing the internals down from being left on all the time. I think I will be using the YBA in my main system, since it is a better match to the sound I like. The Sonic Frontiers will go into my secondary system.
I used 2 CDs for this first test and I listened to 3 songs. The first two tracks of Sting's Soul Cages and track 5 of Shostakovich's Symphony #9. I played the music first with the SFL-2 tube preamp and then switched to the solid state YBA. First thing I noticed when I went to the YBA was how much louder this preamp is then the tube pre. I had to dial back the volume to get it around the same level as the Sonic Frontiers. Instead of 11 oclock of the SFL-2, I was at around 9 oclock on the YBA. So it makes me wonder if using the tube pre, that I can crank the volume well past the 12 oclock position without distortion? I didn't test this theory. The YBA had a bit more snap and dynamics then the Sonic Frontiers. Not that the SFL-2 is bad, but its not quite at the same level. Music sounded more raw on the YBA 2 and clarity more so. The SFL-2 sounded a bit more lush and smoother, with a false sense of air. The YBA sounded more focused and the music escaped the speakers a bit more then the SFL-2. The music sounded more from the speakers with the SFL-2. I still couldn't get the YBA to produce that magic sound I heard on Shostakovich's 9th symphony, where the horn blares out in mid air in the room. Yet the horns did sound more there then the SFL-2. Maybe a bit louder maybe? There is a more raw direct sound coming from the YBA. I'm surprised that my Rotel pre did as well as the YBA in terms of space in music. Its definitely a good value for a pre to get the Rotel RC-995 which is a very musical preamp. I didn't use the Rotel in this test, but I do recall its sound compared to what I heard today.
I certainly could play more music to get an even better idea of the sound of these 2 pres. That said, the YBA is a better match to the amp as expected. The Sonic Frontiers is not far behind, but in total terms of sound, the YBA did a bit better. The only thing I don't like about the YBA pre is there is no on off button on this unit, as once you plug it in- its permanently on. Some people leave their pres on all the time anyway, but my listening sessions are so far in between, that I really don't want to be burning up the electricity and wearing the internals down from being left on all the time. I think I will be using the YBA in my main system, since it is a better match to the sound I like. The Sonic Frontiers will go into my secondary system.
