Sold: SFD-1 MK II with SE+ upgrade (on the rca outs only)

EDIT: Sale Pending

The SFD-1 is one of my favorite DACs, I don't think I need to say much, it's popular on SBAF for a reason.

When I bought the SFD it needed a couple of repairs and didn't have an AES input. I sent it off to PartsConexion, they did the repairs, added an AES input, and upgraded the single ended path to their recommended SE+ version. There are some blemishes/scratches on the case, please see the pics for more info. Sovtek tubes are installed.

I'm also including a pair of GE 5670 tubes which I think go well with this DAC. They require an adapter which you need to purchase separately (or DIY if you're so inclined):
https://tubedepot.com/products/5670-6922-adapter

Original purchase plus repairs and upgrades ran me over $1400.

Selling for $800 plus shipping, friends and contributors only for now.

 

Great seller and a nice guy!

 

Oh man! Black!

I'd grab this if I didn't already have one

Great price!

 

I've always wondered how SFD-1 compare to SFD-2... I'm really happy with my SFD-2 with SE+ mods as it seems to have good synergy with a more aggressive / bright front end like my system do.

 

It's not easy to find one either, i had been trying to find a SFD-1/SFD-2 but it was next to impossible, they usually appear (in EU) more in local sales. This said i don't think i ever seen a comparison between the two (at least not to my memory).

Anyway GLWS @loadexfa !

 

Well you just got lucky. @loadexfa has a SFD-1 and 2 with him currently and hopefully will tell us more how the two compare

 

Wow... great price! I paid more for mine a couple years ago and it didn't have AES.

GLWS

 

Alright, I have some notes from comparison listening. I haven't had a chance to do a full write up due to health issues f'ing with my sleep. And I'm more focused on selling stuff at the moment so I can fund the SFD-2. I'm buying it from @archer88 and we'd both prefer FF which means no credit card. I already have it and it works perfectly so there is no risk at this point. He has been SUPER patient and kind about this, highly recommend buying from him.

Note when the SFD-2 got the SE+ upgrade, the DAC chip was also replaced. I assume the old one went bad or something, I forget which one they used but archer88 has the paperwork.

My notes:

• Took a minute to understand the differences, the Sonic Frontiers house sound is very apparent in both. Looks like using a different DAC chip didn't have a negative impact on their overall sound
• SFD-2 is more refined, no grit (the bad kind) that I hear from the SFD-1
• SFD-2 is more resolving
• SFD-2 is a bit more incisive. This difference could also be tubes
• SFD-2 has more slam
• SFD-2 is a little richer, I like the tone better. The richness is not overdone, just right IMO
• Both have great timbre, not hearing much of a difference here
• Both have a nice open presentation, not exaggerated, feels just right. I think this is one of the reasons people rave about the SFD-1 their DACs are particularly good in this way.

When Bill-P heard this chain (below) he called it "perfect" and I agree:
Ambre -> SFD-2 -> Stratus -> LCD-4 modded by RD

Obviously there's synergy and upgraded tubes involved but still, the SFD-1 doesn't have the resolution or refinement to get to this level. We compared with a Moth DAC with the Ultraanalog chipset that the SFD usually uses and the SFD-2 won for both of us though they were close. The Moth was too bright.

I hope that helps. If you have a DNA amp, I'd highly recommend snagging the SFD-2 if it ever comes up. If you don't have a DNA amp, you should solve that problem by emailing Donald.

 

Sold. @jexby @shotgunshane please close.

 

Great DAC for a great price!

Congrats to the new owner

 

Please put those comparison notes somewhere Josh! Even just in the state they're in now, I think it's a really valuable comparison.