Sonic Frontiers SFD-1mk2 Vintage DAC for $750 That Stomps Most Modern DACs

What's the source?

 

Sft-1 SE+
I have aes and spdif options but I wanted to try opt-st

 

Yes, the ST link works with multi-mode fibers, not single mode.

Get a 62.5/125 (om1).

Edit: The HBFR transceivers are certified all the way down to 50/125, so you can also use om2..4 fibers.

 

Thank you! I'll order one today.

 

Got the cable in, the manual says sfd-1 was optimized for opt-st. I'd have to agree that from my transport (sft-1 SE+) spdif<AES<opt-st

 

@Xecuter
How does the SFT-1 sound quality compare to the Lynx? I have a Lynx E22 > SFD-2 and I've been looking at the SFT-1, but the cheapest I've found it so far is $1000. Not sure I want to pay that much for a transport.

 

@Druid
I think it depends. I get a really terrible signal from my pc. It's better with the lynx but I still get occasional skipping and treble is not that incisive and clean compared to the sft-1.

Vintage dacs seem to be more sensitive to jitter issues as they were usually developed with reference grade transport rather than noisy gaming PC's as sources. I think the forsell I just got doesn't even have a reclocker. It works off the recovered clock so a less than exceptional source will cause audible jitter issues.

A transport is a good option because it eliminates a lot of nervosa, however cds are far more effort.
You could consider something like a used auralic aries as they have rock solid performance and you can stream your collection or Spotify etc?

If you are getting a clean signal from your PC and don't have skipping, fuzz or digitus then I don't think a transport will offer a significant improvement.

The sft-1 is honestly a bit overpriced. Nothing in it is hugely expensive and I had to mod it with a new neutrino clock because the stock clock was pretty ancient and holding it back.
I would try get a second hand wadia or something with vrds. Although I do lust after the sft-3 with iris door.



Although I keep finding high end rigs all over the world that use the sft-1 as a source.. so despite its cheap compentry I think it is a good clean source that is very neutral and so they are fairly sought after..

 

Yes, I've seen the SFT-3 on ebay. Beautiful visually, and most likely sonically as well!

To me, the sound from the Lynx sounds very clean, and the SFD-2 is a revelation coming from a Bifrost Multibit, so I don't suffer too much nervosa. I'll probably prioritize upgrading other components in my chain (AMP!), and only pull the trigger on a vintage transport if I find a great deal.

Thanks for the info!

 

How difficult would it be to change this to EU voltage? Would prefer not to use a transformer.

 

@smithyy PCX switched the voltage on mine for about $80 USD, might be a bit more since I did this a few years ago now.

 

@smithyy Anyone with soldering skills can do this for you. There are 2 connectors inside that have to be soldered in a different way. IMHO if you think of buying one from overseas it's a risky proposition. The sound signature is not for everyone. Better to hear it yourself first. Also the unit that I had had a slight transformer hum, that was a bit annoying.

 

Managed to find an European voltage one, although I had to use a forwarding service. Been getting lucky with hard to find gear lately.

Will be interesting to compare it to the NOS Orchid.

 

Congrats. Which one do you get? Sfd1 or sfd2 or sfd2 mk2? I have been using sfd2 mk2 for more than a year and it is very impressive.

 

Got the SFD-1 MKII.

Been on a bit of a vintage binge lately (no headphones, I imagine they would sound terrible) and am finding myself preferring what I hear. The value for money with vintage stuff is also insane. The SFD-1 MKII seems like it would be the same, judging by its reputation.

 

What tubes have you guys tried in this dac?

I'm thinking the Philips 6922 would be a good, inexpensive option. Was also thinking of the Mullard ECC88, which is much more reasonably priced in Europe compared to elsewhere.

 

Probably going to be picking an SFD-1 MK ii soon, probably gonna have parts connexion have the works done, @Xecuter finally got to me. haha

 

I've tried amperex 7308, siemans, phillips, valvo, tele e88cc and e188cc. The teles e88cc are my favourite. Couldn't hear much difference with the e188cc to justify cost. Differences with the good tubes are fairly minor, some of the cheaper amperex are super warm and gooey though.

Hey man, I like the sfd-1 a lot. the spooky transients give me that sense of natural attack and decay that most modern dacs fail at. Is it everyone's cup of tea? I don't think so, it's tuning is not neutral and it lacks some bite and edge that some people can't live without.

I'm yet to hear a modern dac that is clearly better and costs anywhere near as little as sfd-1.
Even this Forsell dac which I heard and knew was special from my audition, it is so similar to sfd-1 that I'm splitting hairs to differentiate it.
I'm also fairly certain that anyone with a major issue with sfd-1 just has a rather terrible source, these vintage dacs require a really stable source/transport with dedicated isolated clock. using spdif from a mobo will result in a rather disappointing experience. Even the clock on lynx aes16e is not up to scratch IMO.

 

It's fantastic with the opt-st from the SFT-1