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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
highstream
207 posts
 
I'll reply to myself. Decided to go with the Supratek for a number of reasons, starting with availability of balanced outputs w/o extra tubes for ATC balanced active speakers and natural warmth. But what I'm curious about now is the difference between the Chardonnay and the Cabernet, if anyone has experience with them. Can't find any reviews of the latter since 2006 or so.
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
371 posts
 
Highstream - 
Sorry I overlooked your question. I was wrestling with the same question and was on the verge of ordering the Sachs preamp when I learned about the Supratek series. I elected to go with the Supratek partly because I could get it with a high-end phono stage.  
I can't answer your question about the differences between the Chardonnay and the Cabernet. Much of the original content on this thread dates back to the early 2000's and Mick has continued to evolve his preamps since then.
I humbly suggest you contact Mick directly with any questions you might have.
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
371 posts
 
Also, as others might have mentioned, he has a blog that he sometimes (rather infrequently) posts on. I got a lot out of it when I went through it. There's a link to a link on the Supratek website.
bobheinatz
724 posts
 
Markusthenaimnut,

How good is the phono stage?
gryphongryph
381 posts
 
How would you describe the Supratek sound ?
Dark, big/bold clean, warmish ? or any other words you would like to describe the sound, is it fast sounding, does it have good rhythm and a black background ? Is the timbre and decay of instruments truthful  ?

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