Supratek or Rogue?


I will be upgrading my system from a Rogue Cronus Magnum integrated amp to a pair of the Rogue M-180 monoblocks and a separate preamp. My budget for the preamp is about $2500 so the obvious contender is the Rogue 99 line stage. However, I have recently found out about Supratek and their Chardonnay line stage. The Chardonnay is absolutely gorgeous and 6 Moons gave it a rave review a while ago. The company has a tremendous reputation and following among audiophiles as well. One of the biggest cons for me is the fact that Supratek has no dealer support in the US (or anywhere else for that matter), and if something goes wrong, you're pretty much on your own. Also, the wait time is at least 2 months, if not 6. I'd like to hear your opinions on the matter and see what you would do if faced with this dilemma.

The rest of my system: VPI Classic turntable, Lyra Delos cartridge, Camelot Technology Lancelot phono preamp, Silverline Audio SR-17.5 speakers.

Thank you.
actusreus
Owned the Rogue 99 magnum and now own the Chardonney.

The Rogue was big sounding had good dynamics and detail, but it sounded a little noisy to me and did something weird to the soundstage. Hard to explain. The Supratek is far better in my opinion. I had a problem with the power switch breaking and emailed Mick. He sent me one for no charge. Took a couple of weeks to get, but no problem there. I did solder it in myself. I also owned a Modwright preamp 9.0 with upgrades that I liked very much. I had both the Suprated and Modwright in my system for about a year before I decided to keep the Modwright. The Modwright is also very good and can be found inexpensively used. It was a little more extended on top with better dynamics. The Supratek was warmer sounding and bigger sounding with the 6sn7 tubes. Check the thread out on preamps costing $3500 great suggestions there. Don't know if you want remote or not but there are some excellent preamps for less like the Mapletree and the The Cary Ae-3 (the SLP98 can also be had in your price range)Since you are running a tubed amp the Modwright may be really good for you.
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I owned a Supratek Grange some years back and it was awesome. It did, however, arrive DOA due to a cold solder joint that was easily fixed. Your points about service and repair are important.

That being said, it may not be a bad idea to consider purchasing an inexpensive linestage as a back up should you decide on the Chardonnay. As they say, sh** happens.

IMO
I would buy a Dodd Battery preamp.... my experience is that it will sound better than both the Rogue & Supratek. I have owned all three at different times. Just my opinion. The Audio Valve Eklipse and Aesthetix Calypso are also superior in sonics...again, my experience and opinion (used prices should keep all 3 of my recommendations in your budget),,,FWIW. If you can spend $1k more, get a TRL Dude (new).
I own a Chenin (Chardonnay plus phono) which I have extensively modded. These preamps are easy to mod due to their point to point wiring. I converted to single 2C22 tubes to replace the series 6SN7s, changed the anode load from resistor to cascoded CCS, changed the cathode bias from bypassed resistor to Schottky diodes, swapped the output caps to 1uF Duelund Cast, swapped the output transformers to Lundahl LL1674, changed the electrolytics in the power supply to Solen PP caps, and bypassed the mute and transformer loading switches. I use a Mullard GZ33 rectifier and Sovtek KT66 regulators.

The preamp sounds awesome now - fast, clear, dynamic, and very musical. I wouldn't swap it for any other preamp I have ever heard.

My point is that as good as it sounded stock, you can take it to a much higher level with some mods. So I was able to start off at a relatively low entry price and progressively move it up the preamp food chain with just some parts and a soldering iron. If you are in the NJ area, PM me and you can stop by for a listen.