Sonic Frontiers SFCD-1 CD player Review System

Sidebar 2: Review System

I evaluated the SFCD-1 on its own and in matched-level comparisons with some transport/processor combinations I hold in high regard. The digital front-ends drove a Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 line-stage preamplifier, which fed a pair of Audio Research VT150 tubed monoblock power amplifiers. Interconnects were AudioQuest Lapis, Diamond, and Diamond x3, and WireWorld Gold Eclipse (balanced and unbalanced). The loudspeakers were Genesis Technologies II.5s, connected with short runs of AudioQuest Dragon II loudspeaker cable. Power to the system was conditioned by an MIT Z-Center, Z-Stabilizer II, and Z-cord II AC power cords. The digital products under audition sat on a Merrill Stable Table or Billy Bags 5500-series rack.—Robert Harley