SOLD: Sonic Frontiers Processor 3 + Amperex 6922 PQ (quad)

This is IMO one of the very few DAC’s that rival the insurmountable Yggdrasil. This is the best DAC Sonic Frontiers has ever made, the pinnacle of UltraAnalog multibit DAC module technology.

Ever since the P3 has landed on my doorstep, I ended up spending more time with it than Yggdrasil, particularly for headphone listening. I eventually sold Yggdrasil just when I realized where my preference leans toward. Yggdrasil does outresolve the P3 by a margin, but the P3 throws a wider and deeper soundstage and overall has a slightly warmer, more forgiving sound with a softer treble.

Also, I replaced the stock Sovtek Russian tubes with a quad of NOS Amperex 6922 PQ tubes and they are currently installed in the P3. These are some of the best tubes ever made in the 6922 family of tubes, and they alone cost me over $400. Amperex was the first company to develop 6922 and the ones I own (D-getters, made in the 50’s) are highly recommended by SF owners, as they are slightly more forgiving than there European counterparts and emphasize the house sound of SF. Donald North also uses Amperex tubes for his Sonic Frontiers CD player. I won’t be selling the DAC and tubes separately; they will be sold as a whole.

As far as I could tell, it currently works perfectly without any sonic or technical issues. If you're worried about buying a DAC that was discontinued over 20 years ago, rest assured, Parts Connexion (pcX) has you covered from repair, refurbishment, and upgrade to their SE+ mod which significantly improves the sound (coming from my experience with SFD-2 MK II).

It will also come with the stock i2S-e cable, in case you decide to pair it with SF’s Transport 3 or Assemblage D2D-1.

The DAC is currently set at 220-240V. However, pcX also offers voltage conversion service if you’re living in the Americas.

The P3 cost $7000 new back in the 90’s when it was available, but having been discontinued a long time ago, a used unit now goes for $3000 whenever pcX has one in stock. I can’t say that the P3 is in impeccable physical condition as it has signs of use over the ages, and some small scratches. The quad of NOS Amperex 6922 PQ tubes cost over $400 and has been used for 2 months, so together it is worth $3400.

I'm selling Processor 3 + Amperex 6922 PQ (quad) for $2199 as a whole.

 

I have admired your collection of equipment and am sorry to hear that you are in a position to have to sell it. Good luck in the future, songmic.

 

@songmic, if 1) I can use the Lynx/Sonnet Express through a Mac, I'll take that entire set. Please confirm.

 

The Sonnet Echo Express SE I is a Mac compatible Thunderbolt 2 product that allows the use of PCIe cards. Sonnet even has a Thunderbolt 3 upgrade card available if you want/need that.

 

The Sonnet/Lynx set has now been sold.

 

If you'd like to sell me the Amperex 6922 quad and reduce the DAC price accordingly, let me know.

GLWS

 

Are the iHP-35Hx dual XLR or single XLR?

 

Probably not gonna happen. The stock tubes are dead so whoever receives the Processor 3 without these Amperex 6922 tubes will have to look for his own quad of 6922 tubes, which is a hassle on its own and make the sale less appealing.

Dual 3-pin XLR.

 

Thank god your p3 is black plate. Else I would have a hole in my pocket

Sorry to hear about your situation mate. You'll bounce back, you always do!

 

Damn, where you were one week ago? Just spend all my 5k$ USD on some other stuff.

Just seeing how often you have these situations where you need to sell all your gear. I suggest to take some loan, since you loose less on taking that than always
selling and buying back your gear.

 

What's wrong with black plate?
Unlike the previous SF products, the default faceplate color of T3 and P3 was black (although gold plates were available at request).
I should be able to bounce back soon.

I don't lose much because I always buy used gear, the only loss that comes is shipping fees. Besides, I use these opportunities to reflect on life and change gears for better or worse. For the time being, I will stick to my trusty HD6XX which has served me well since the days of EC Studio.

 

I prefer the black face on SF gear. (I am not in a position to buy anything though.)

 

DNA Stratus pending for sale.

 

f**k, i wanted the stratus.

Good luck mate.

 

Sonic Frontiers Processor 3 + Amperex 6922 PQ (quad) price dropped to $2.4K.

 

iHP-35Hx-XLR are some sweet cables!

 

The Stratus is sold. The HD800 is withdrawn from sale.

Only the Processor 3 left.

 

Just saw this after i shipped sfd2mkii for se+/clean up......
MUST. RESIST.

 

Bump

 

Price bumped down to $2199.