Preamp Deal of the Century

Unfortunately any long running owners thread develops a "circle the wagons" attitude toward unasked postings. Personally,I'd just as soon hear direct comparisons made if there's a complete rundown of equipment used/room set up to estimate system/hearing differences and to figure where differences(if any) could originate.

There are ways to hopefully keep the flames down. Perhaps if owners of differing high achievers would start out by asking first if any of the regular posters have made any comparisons,or heard first hand the differing piece in question,maybe the window for "rightous" anger would be a little less wide open.

I would hope we all would still be open to new things mentally. Doesn't have to mean that you'd even be interested in changing anything. Just be open to hear about new products,if posted respectfully.

Would any of us here have been so interested in Supratek if there weren't many comparisons to other pres made,especially in the early days of this thread?

Zachzdb,

I think everyone here would welcome comparisons of the Supratek to any other preamp if the poster has actually compared the two, but to just come in and try to hijack the thread by rambling about another product is a different kettle of fish.

Timchen
"what I am saying is why should I trust these users?"

I don't think anyone here wants you to trust them. Most could care less. This thread IMO has evolved into more of an information forum about Suprateks by people who have taken the 'risk' and have questions about the units. That said there are plenty of 'independent' reviews on the web to illustrate how good these preamps are. Also the fact that this thread is over 3000 should speak for itself. Finally the few that sell here on audiogon, sell for about 80% of their retail so the risk factor is relatively low if you end up finding it just doesn't float your boat at the end of the day.

Sorry - scratch my last post guys... I was browsing thru this monsterous thread and came upon Timchen's post and responded to it thinking it was recent. Its like from 2002 ...yikes . This thread has been around for so long...unreal. I gotta pay better attention.

good listening.

Hi guys,

I previously owned a Sauvignon which I loved but sold when I got into vinyl. My listening is now 95% vinyl and I want a new preamp with a world-class phono stage.

I am not sure if I would want to spring for the Cortese or not. The raves over the Chenin are rather impressive. Who has heard both relatively recently and could comment? How much difference is there?

I have heard that the Cortese circuit (linestage part at least) is far more complex. IME, simple circuits with very high quality parts usually do all things well, if noise is kept down.

Noise is paramount as I use 100 dB speakers. Any comments on noise between the two? How about liquidity of midrange - that's probably goal #1.

I would like to read the whole thread but that will take awhile...