Preamp Deal of the Century

Thanks for the tips, guys. I know a lot of people reading this thread must think there is a considerable amount of hyperbole about this unit, but it has truly transformed my system. Only problem so far: not enough sleep. I just keep thinking of songs I want to hear, albums I have to play. Oh yeah, I didn't get the remote I asked for either. But I don't care. The only way this thing is leaving here is if it malfunctions or someone takes it at gunpoint. Better be a big gun, too.

Waltersalas,

I like your idea about sharing with other Supratek owners what the rest of our systems consist of. It would be a good idea to start a Supratek club (if we could stop listening to our preamps long enough). Here is my system:

Supratek Syrah preamp (Synergistic Research AC Master PC)
Tung-Sol 6sn7 round plates (line stage), Tung-Sol 5881's Power supply), Sylvania VT-231 JAN 1944's (in reserve).

Audio Research 100.2 power amp (TG Audio HRS PC)
Granite Audio 650 CD player (Granite Audio 555 PC)
VPI mk4 TT/JMW Memeorial Tonearm/Benz Glider cartridge

Turntable is modified with BDR mk4 cones repacing stock feet and BDR "cut down" cones on top of the 4 springs under the plinth. BDR record clamp.

Gallo Nucleus Reference speakers (MIT 750 plus speaker cord)
PS Audio line conditioner for digital
PowerVar line conditoner for analog.
MIT 330 plus2 IC between preamp and amp
TG Audio silver IC between preamp and cd player

Hey Gang-

I received my chardonnay today and I just now hooked it up but I'm have some serious problems. The sound is totally "chocked", as if there is no power at all. There's barely any noise from the woofers. Just wondering what I'm doing wrong.

It is bit too early in the morning to call Mick. Wondering if any of you might be willing to help with the setup. Please send me a note with your phone number and I'll give a call in the next half hour. Or if you prefer to call, let me know so I can send you my phone#.

Thanks a lot.
Jewel

Time now: 8:05pm EST

Jewel - First, is your Chardonnay stock or did you order yours with XLR outputs?

If it has XLR outputs, check the switch on the back between the RCA output and the XLR output, Make sure it points to the output you are using and not in the middle. Yes.. Mick uses a 3 way switch to do a 2 way job.

This may sound silly but make sure the selector knob is switched to the correct input. They are not marked but usually the lowest position on the knob (to the left) is the first input on the preamp.

Then.. you will want to ensure the gain switch is engaged so it best matches your system.

Also, the tape loop switch should be in the center

If you need help. Email me your number. I would be happy to assist. If I can.

Hi Jewel, I had the same problem when I first hooked mine up, I second Bwhite on checking the flip switch in the back and also on the tape loop,make sure the switch in the front for it is flipped towards you, because if it's engaged no sound will come out.
Another thing, when I first hooked mine up I also used one of the inputs to act a theater pass thru from the HT processor and it initially worked but after I turned it of and on again after a few hours no sound comes out on my two front speakers. So I disconnected the hometheater pass thru and hooked the amp directly to my HT processor diconnecting all the line to the Chardonay and it works fine. When I put the Chardonay back online with the theater pass thru it works again initially then it will not again after I turned it off. The only thing I can think of after that is, the Chardonay is very sensitive to other electronics hooked up to it. Try and keep it simple as much as you can.
I'll email you my phone number, call me at home, I will be up late.