SONIC FRONTIERS POWER 2

Pre owned. In good conditions. Shows minor signs of wear. Without original packaging.

The Sonic Frontiers Power 2 is a fully balanced tube power amplifier—a high-end design that embodies the meticulous build philosophy of the Canadian brand. The entire signal path, including the output transformer, is engineered to maintain balanced symmetry, ensuring high signal integrity and significantly reduced distortion. The input stage accommodates both balanced and single-ended signals, thanks to a voltage amplification configuration that also supports balanced feedback from the secondary of the output transformer. This feedback is routed to the first voltage amplifier stage, but the input signal remains fully isolated via a cathode follower, preventing any unwanted interaction between the feedback and the original signal. This results in a more transparent sound, free from unwanted artifacts.

The circuit architecture is intricate: the first voltage amplifier is directly coupled to the second, which operates with both positive and negative power supply voltages. The signal then passes through capacitor-coupled cathode followers, which are themselves directly coupled to the output tubes. An inner positive feedback loop is also present, helping to reduce the amplifier’s output impedance, thereby increasing damping factor and enhancing control over midrange frequencies.

The component quality is exceptional, in line with Sonic Frontiers’ perfectionist approach. Inside, you'll find MIT MultiCap and Solen capacitors, Vishay and Roderstein resistors, Cardas connectors, and Kimber wiring—a top-tier selection chosen for performance, reliability, and longevity. Practical features are also thoughtfully integrated: selectable balanced and single-ended inputs (with inverting and non-inverting options), individual bias adjustment for each output tube, a standby mode to prolong tube life, and a mute function that enables cable swaps or tube biasing while the amp remains powered.

The resulting sound is captivating and immersive, offering a silky and fluid presentation with particularly expressive midrange reproduction.

Designed by Chris Johnson and Mike Kerster together with the Sonic Frontiers team, the Power 2 stands out as one of the finest tube power amplifiers in its price class, capable of competing with far more expensive options. Anyone seriously considering a high-end power amplifier would be wise to audition the Power 2—it delivers one of the most refined and engaging listening experiences available for home use.

Specifications:

• Stereo push-pull vacuum tube power amplifier
• Tube complement: 8 × 6550/KT88 (output); 6 × 6922 (input/voltage amp); 2 × 5687WB (driver cathode followers)
• Power output: 110W continuous into 8, 4, and 2 ohms; 20Hz–20kHz; <1% THD; both channels driven
• SMPTE intermodulation distortion: <1%, 20Hz–20kHz at 110W
• Power bandwidth (at 110W): 15Hz–90kHz (±0.5dB)
• Frequency response: 5Hz–40kHz at 1W (±0.5dB)
• Input sensitivity: 1.25V RMS balanced for 110W output
• Input impedance: 200k ohms balanced; 100k ohms single-ended
• Damping factor: >50
• Output impedance: 0.30 ohms at 1kHz
• Rise time: 3µs
• Slew rate: 16V/µs
• Dimensions: 45.7 cm (W) × 22.9 cm (H) × 55.9 cm (D)
• Net weight: 50 kg