Preamp Deal of the Century

The Supratek is a no brainer, unless you are spending big bucks, $8000USD or more...even then I don't know if the alternatives are better ??

We need to go back to Tubegroover's comments of one month ago, with which I strongly agree...

From Tubegroover:

"I have been withholding this but I think it just needs to be said so no one will have any misunderstanding or apprehension, don't think about it if you are, just do it. If you have a budget that permits it, you can't make a wrong decision with the Supratek. It is impossible unless you are prepared to spend considerably more money. Even so, the decision will still be valid because it can be resold without losing anything or very little and if you don't go ahead with it you will most likely never have the opportunity to hear if you made the right choice or not and the curiosity will never subside until you forget but after so many posts on this thread and still counting, the death of curiosity may prove quite slow.

My reason for the above comment is because I have communicated with a few that are on the fence and I have been too conciliatory to their concerns, the wait and the service. This is the real deal it can't be overstated. It is a $7K or better pre for $2.5K, it really is. I waited 5 months longer than I should have. If only I had believed what I read from the beginning. Read Mark Bucksath review on the Supratek website, and read it very carefully...

http://www.supratek.biz/review.htm

If you can connect to the contents of his most wonderful descriptives of this product, you will hear the Syrah. Keep in mind this recommendation is based on the extreme value of what you will hear, not in the context of the "best" that may be available. If you are prepared to pay considerably more, you will certainly have more choices. I have NO doubt this is the best pre-amp value at this price point on the planet and it is very easy to say it."

Tubegroover: 28/07/03

Regards,

Steve M.

i have noticed on the web site that balanced outputs are an option on the syrah. but it mention the rest of the pre's in/out complement. can anyone comment? also has anyone heard the amp with the balanced outs?

I don't think its true balanced, meaning balanced from input to output within pre, but rather, just has balanced connectors to enable those with balanced systems to get a Supratek. To be honest, I think balanced was a bigger deal back when RCA dig cable connectors sounded like crap, or people needed anything just to help a Theta DAC out of its raspiness, or a SS Krell out of its, well, you know... With tubed systems, particularly hard-wired ones, RCA is perfectly fine. Of course, many have balanced CD hardware already when they arrive at a Supratek from SS/digital-based systems, so maybe, justifiably - economically justified - they need balanced pre inputs. But, on the whole, IMHO the whole balanced pre/amp thing may be past its prime...Not directed at you, audioobsessed, just throwing kindling on the fire. :0)

Audioobsessed - Supratek preamps have balanced and RCA outputs. But only RCA inputs. The preamp will drive a balanced poweramp but you'll be single-ended from the source. The preamp is a SET, I think only push-pull configurations can be balanced all the way through. Email Mick if you have questions.

Without reading all 620+ responses what amps have worked the best with the syrah pramp? Tube or SS? I am ordering a syrah and just wonder what some of you have been using.

Thanks