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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
jazzdude
332 posts
 
How are the Cortese linestage tubes wired. Is is one tube per channel or does Mick use one triode section of each tube for the left and right channel?
tonnesen
138 posts
 
Any news on Mick's status - is he still overwhelmed with back orders and still doing all the work alone? I'm considering getting the Syrah, wondering if those of you who already purchased are still so overwhelmingly enthusiatic about Mick's work? (And Thanks, I've appreciated all the info in this thread!)

Also - I posted this question in the topic on ARC preamps but may get a better response here - any opinions on using an ARC LS8MkII with PH3 versus the Syrah?
rockhead
83 posts
 
Well, I've had mine and still am in love with it. After my speakers, it is my most important piece.
I have not compared it to other pre's in it's price class or higher. I completely believe people who say the Audio Note has even more to offer but it's out of my price range.
Theresa-I only play CD's right now but I got the Syrah so I would have the option to try out vinyl after I restocked the music fund. The extra $400 is less than a good phono stage in the future.
Alot has been written about the glories of the KenRad black glass tubes in the Supratek. I have a good pair and agree with almost everything that has been said of them. However, in my system they are only second best. For me and my ears, my Pearl Cryoed Brimar CV/1988 are best. More top extension, as good or better lows, set a blacker background, and have crystal-clear detail without losing musicality. I have a NOS pair on the way that are not cyroed. I can't wait to hear if I can tell the difference.
BTW, I saw a very nice pair of the KenRads go for a whopping $260 on ebay the other day. Holy Mackeral. Wish I had put the 401(k) all into KR BG about 3 years ago.
Regards,
Patrick
rmml's avatar
rmml
204 posts
 
Slowhand, thanks again for the tip on the HAL-O tube dampers, my order arrived earlier today and it really works on the 6SN7s. In my opinion it is a "must have" for all Supratek preamps which are proned to tube noise. The improvement is audibly noticeable right away.
It is very reasonably priced also and they ship pretty darn fast, great service overall.
fiddler
581 posts
 
Now try Herbies Tenderfoot isolation feet. They are just as amazing. I put them under every component and the clarity increased dramatically.
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