Thoughts on the Supratek Chardonnay

I had a Syrah for awhile. It was pleasant enough but lacked the resolution I was looking for.

Arkio, what do you mean by "the preamp looks bulletproof?"

"Sounds Awesome" is subjective and I have no reason to doubt your assesment, but to designate something as bulletproof would require an in depth knowledge of the circuits and the components utilized.

if there are some failings with any products,let us hear them from the people who have owned them...nespas ??

I have had a Supratek Chenin running in my system since late November 2004. No reliability issues, no noise issues. It has been a joy to use and listen to.

Herman,
I have delved into my unit, having it opened up to see what makes it tick.. out of curiosity. Being a mechanical engineer I can appreciate the simplicity and design that has gone into this unit. Intimate circuitry knowledge .. No, but enough electronics knowledge to know it is well made. Perhaps my use of ‘bullet proof’ was not the best use of terminology but hopefully you get my meaning.

“Sounds awesome’, yes subjective… but I could not find anything under $3000 new or used that I liked better. Sorry to hear you did not get the resolution out of your Syrah. My detail and resolution is ‘outstanding’… there I go being subjective again : ) What Speakers, CDP and amp do you use?

Good listening

I am running a Chenin for almost a year now. No hum, or "reliability" issues of any sort. I used to have the Odyssey Stratos Monos and the Supratek can drive the amp with ease. The combination is wonderful! I tried some tube preamp with those amp before and it never quite get the "right" sound for me.

At present, I am using my Chenin to drive a PWM amp (ICE H2O)and it has lots of detail. In fact, this is probably one of the many great feautures using a PWM amp in one's sytem. In my experienced, I find it hard to accept that the preamp is the one to blame as far as "resolution" is concern. But of course, it is just me.