2. amps-preamps
  3. 177037-119255

Preamp help please!

Recently I have been using the Supratek Sauvignon in conjunction with a First Watt SIT-3 and Klipsch Cornwall lV speakers. I really liked the combination. The other day I repositioned the preamp on my rack and the Supratek stopped functioning. I was planning on having the unit overhauled for a noisy left channel and capacitor upgrades anyway so this has hastened that eventuality. The gentleman doing the servicing usually takes his time and I expect this process to take 3-4 months, so in the meantime I installed My Coincident Statement MK1. The Statement linestage has a pair of original equipment Shuguang 101D’s. I was disappointed in the lack of body/tone/texture to the sound compared to the Supratek 6sn7.

Would a pair of WE NOS 101D’s help this preamp have more body/tone/texture? Or should I find another 6sn7 preamp? Suggestions?

128x128coachpoconnor
bigkidz
3,394 posts
 

The WE 101D tubes are an improvement but probably not what you are looking for. You can send it to me for a major upgrade and it will be a major upgrade. Tubes can change the flavor of the sound yes but for a bigger improvement, better capacitors and resistors will be more beneficial. My company builds 101D audio tube products as well as 6SN7 tube products so we are very familiar them. We can even improve your Supratec.

Happy Listening

realthing
45 posts
 

*******************

btw, do you have a simple tube tester?

"you'll be happy for the rest of your life if you make an ugly tester your wife".

name that song!

********************

"Get an Ugly Tester to Marry You."

ps I have 2 tube testers. For an old scope. I use solid state.

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,635 posts
 

What gear did you use the Mk1 with before, and did you like it then?

Could it be a mismatch with the Pass?

If you don't like the sound I would just sell it and purchase a tube preamp with considerably more tube rolling options.

Being restricted to 101D's (or 6H30's for the matter) is not a good place to be in, IMO, as one of the great benefits of tube gear is tailoring the sound with different tubes.

Perhaps look into the extremely well reviewed $1300+ (depending on options) Linear Tube Audio MZ2 preamp/amp as you could sell the Mk1 and have enough leftover to cover the repairs on Supratek.

I use inexpensive Bottlehead kit gear with really good old production tubes and get really good sound.

Probably the only person who has run Visseaux (engraved base) 2A3's in a pair of Bottlehead Paramours.

 

 

DeKay

michaelc2020
17 posts
 

Coach: I too have a Sit-3 and Cornwall IV’s. I am using a different preamp....I live in Maine (!) and if you’re close by, you’re welcome to come by and have a listen... Preamp is a Black Ice Fusion 360 which uses a 6SN7 tube.....

coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor OP
380 posts
 

deKay- I originally paired it with my Pass XA-25, but the MK1 Coincident had Psvane 101d WE replica’s, that sounded good, however I really enjoyed the Supratek and Sit-3 combo. The LTA mz2 is headed back to the shop.

I purchased a Cary SLP-98P this morning. I’m hoping I like the sound as well as the Supratek. Thinking 6sn7 is the key.

 

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