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Supratek tuning

To all supratek owners

My Chardonnay arrived a week ago. It's superb. Plus, I have the chance to turn it even better. From the gain switches to tube rollin' there's a lot of space for improvement. So tell me:

What kind of sonic result do you get by experimenting with the gain swithes at the upper and back sides of the preamp? Just less/more gain? In what positions (for both switches) do you get the best results?

It seems the best 6SN7 tubes for these preamps are Ken-Rad Black Glass VT-231 and Sylvania Metal Base 6SN7W. Which one of these has tighter bass? Which one has sweeter highs?

See you,
lisbon
lisbon
jazzdude
332 posts
 
In my system the gain control only alters the gain. You should play around with it in your own system.

I have several pair of the ken-rad vt-231 in black glass and clear glass. They have a full sound but they are not the sweetest 6SN7GT nor do they have the tightest bass. I have several pair of Syl 6SN7W black-base but not the metal-base. If they bare even the slightest resemblance then I doubt they will do the trick for you. All my 6SN7W's are lacking top-end extension.
lisbon OP
41 posts
 
Yes, same thing within my system: more or less gain; more or less freedom with the volume knob. That's it. Nevertheless, Mick states that tuning the gain switches has sonic effects and I suppose this might happen to other Supratek owners, with other systems.

As for the valves, would you recommend any valve in particular (within the Supratek valve-types, of course) for tighter bass?
jazzdude
332 posts
 
In my system, Sylvania VT-231 or Sylvania 6SN7GT, 1950's, green-label, bottom-getter. The former is a little lean to some ears, the latter is slightly fuller. Both have excellent top-end extension w/sweetness and tight bass.
lisbon OP
41 posts
 
Ok. I have the chance to try (to bid on) a pair of new in box Sylvanias VT-231. Are you aware of the fair price for these?
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