Preamp w/ big sound AND extended frequencies ?

ditto the First Sound!

Thanks very much for your replies so far. Looks like head and head between Supratek and First Sound. It's probably not difficult for one to audition the First Sound in one's home, but what about the Australian made Suprateks ?

I have had both the First Sound and the Supratek, and ended up keeping the Supratek. The First Sound IS a very dynamic, "big" sounding preamp with the blackest background I have ever heard with any tube equipment. It is a great choice. I went with the Supratek because I thought it was also dynamic, and had a musicality that I have yet to hear matched by any preamp I've tried or heard. The best way I know to say it is that with my Supratek, I stopped listening for sonic attributes of the unit and couldn't help listening to the music. It has become the crown jewel in my system, and many others.

Oddly enough, I see that the very same unit that got all this started (the original unit that was so highly reviewed) is up for sale now for a cool $2100. If I were in the market for a preamp anywhere near this price range, I would jump all over that. A rare opportunity to get a discounted Syrah and not have to wait half a year or more.

I have no affiliation with the company or the seller of that used unit--just a very satisfied owner.

Just a thought here. If you have a need for a phono stage the Supratek Waltersalas mentioned would probably be a no-brainer purchase. IMO, that's the real strength of the Syrah. Keep in mind though that if I had a very high efficiency system I might not be totally satisfied with my Syrah. It's incredibly high gain so tube/circuit noise would be a problem (IMO) under those conditions. To be fair to my Syrah I have yet to install dedicated circuits but will do so this weekend and maybe eliminate this complaint in the process. Still, in my system, the Syrah is staying put. I love it.

The second part of my 2¢ worth of advice is that I've followed Artg's postings and his system for a long time. Even though I've not been to his home I can tell that he is reaching for the stars in this passion and has selected components that are top drawer and ones I'd love to own as a final purchase. Even though I'm totally unfamiliar with First Sound I'd take very seriously his recommendation. Man, do I ever lust for his Stereovox speaker cables. These are the absolute best I've ever heard by a large margin.

Lugnut: I'm a little concerned about your comment regarding the Syrah's very high gain and the possibility of being unsatisfied with my system's sound. Pardon my ignorance, but what kind of speaker db level might pose a problem here ? I have a wonderful custom made speaker (ribbon and Dynaudio driver combination) which I believe is about 90-91 db. I don't know for sure, and the brilliant friend who crafted it for me is no longer my friend. (Also, though this probably has no bearing, I am using Air Tight ATM-3 monoblocks.) This speaker shouldn't create a problem, should it ? Does the new Chenin (old Syrah) also have this potential ? What about the Cortese ? Should I be concerned about having the output lowered by Mick if I order a Chenin or Cortese from him ? One final matter: I've read through many of the threads on tube rolling with the Suprateks. It's a bit daunting, especially considering the mad rush for "the best tubes at the best prices". If so many are looking to swap tubes, what might this say for being assured that if I buy a Supratek I can be satisfied with its stock tube sound ? (By the way, I'm not terribly against tube rolling, though you can understand my concern.) I notice that a fair number of manufacturers, including Mick, use Sovtek tubes. I've only heard the 6922, and in my previous arrangement, I didn't like its slightly bright and rigid sound, but, to avoid any prejudgement, maybe I'll respond differently to the kind of Sovteks in the Supratek. Anyhow, I've said enough, and would greatly appreciate any further comments from you or any others wishing to put in their "two cents".