SFD-1 MKII vs SFD-2
The SFD-2's max sample rate is 48 kHz against the SFD-1 MKII's 44.1 kHz and its bit depth 20-bit against 16-bit.
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
DigitalDACsDiscontinued
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$1,000
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the SFD-1 MKII
The Sonic Frontiers SFD-1 MKII is a 1990s vintage tube D/A converter using a single UltraAnalog DAC chip and an HDCD-capable digital filter/decoder, positioned as the more affordable sibling to the balanced, dual-DAC SFD-2 series. It features a tube analog output stage based on 6DJ8/6922-type tubes for a smooth, slightly laid-back presentation, and omits balanced outputs, reflecting its simpler single-chip architecture compared with the flagship SFD-2. The MKII revision incorporates an updated digital board with HDCD chipset (PMD100 family) for improved resolution on HDCD-encoded discs while maintaining excellent performance with standard 16/44.1 program material, making it a sought-after used-market DAC among enthusiasts of classic R-2R and tube designs. Production has ended, and surviving units are typically maintained via specialist servicing (including tube and capacitor renewal) due to their age.
Specifications
Digital Audio
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
- Bit Depth
- 16-bit
- Max Sample Rate
- 44.1 kHz
- MQA Support
- No
- DAC Chip
- AD1862
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Ethernet
- No
- Digital Inputs
- AES/EBU, Coaxial SPDIF
- Analog Outputs
- Unbalanced RCA
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions