Preamp Deal of the Century


If anyone is looking for a true "World Class" preamp at a very fair price..heed my advice. I just recieved a Supratek Syrah preamp that was hand built by Mick Maloney in Western Australia, and it is absolutely beautiful! This preamp is the best deal you will ever find. I would put it up against any preamp out there for both looks and sound. Price? $2500 for the Syrah (includes Killer Phono stage). Not into phono? Try the Chardonney line stage for $2100. Don't get me wrong, I am not associated with this company. I am just a very happy owner! This preamp is VERY dynamic, yet liquid. It conveys the sound of music better than any other preamp that I have ever heard! You can check out the Supratek website at www. cantech.net.au
slowhand
I am reporting on hearing the Monduese amplifiers.

I have always wanted a pair of Gale 401 chrome speakers for my second system.I am also a furniture designer and in my opinion they are the most lovely looking speakers ever built and very designer collectable.I remember hearing these in my youth powered by monster Accuphase power amps and Linn Sondek turntables.After many years of searching I managed to get a pair but they required a complete refurbishment including new woofer surrounds and spiders.I managed to get NOS midranges from Madisound and installed these too.

Now these have to be one of the most demanding of speakers to drive to their potential.They are low impedence and have highly damped sealed boxes.Many 200 watt RMS transistor amps really struggle to drive them.Furthermore they really don't sound that great with SS amps-which is what most people are forced to use.The bass quality in these when driven by such amps is exceptionally detailed and tight however.They are indeed famous for the quality and accuracy of their bass.

With a decent tube amp they can sound really magic though.They open up in a way that would make you doubt you are listening to the same speaker.Unfortunately the bass quality tends to suffer[the old story but magnified with these particular speakers].

With the Monduese they sound superb right across the sectrum.I have heard many Gales before but they have never sounded like what I heard with the Monduese.I would rank this as one of the very best sounds I have heard.They go from good to really great.

It beggars this question.If they can do this for a 30 year old speaker[albeit one of the best and most modern sounding of the vintage speakers],then what can they do for modern hi end speakers that are a difficult load ?

In am surely tempted to buy a pair of these and put the Gales in my "good" system with my Cabernet preamp.
here's a dumb question:

how do i call mick? i have never made an international call. from what i gather, i dial 011 61 8 97572639 or 011 61 8 97579786. which of these numbers is the best number? i can't really tell if one is a fax number from his website info.

before you say it, i already know that mick is 13 hours ahead of my time zone so i will call at an appropriate hour.

thanks.
Has anyone tried any of Mick's preamps with the Class D amps? Specifically, the Cabernet Single with the Spectron Musician III SE?
Hi, I've used the Cortese & Grange preamps with Nuforce; Bel Canto; eAR; Panasonic and ICE based digital amps. Sounds good with all of them. Valves bring a certain dimension, body and lushness to the party that helps the slightly cool-neutral sound of digital amps.

Regards,

Steve