Hi Larry
I think the appeal of the Supratek is the value, aesthetics (if you happen to find the open architecture attractive) and performance. What caught my attention was the description of its sound, which in my experience comes with a much higher price tag. Liquid, dynamic, resolving with excellent bass from a tube pre usually involves a hefty power supply, which aren't done on the cheap. Consistent descriptions of this pre delivering these qualities at 2.5K open ones eyes. At least it did mine.
There are many in this hobby that are value driven for several reasons, limited resources and the fact that some don't want to spend more than is necessary regardless of the resources available. What Mick Maloney has managed with this pre is to offer a product that is within the price reach of any serious music lover without too many compromises other than the fact that there is a wait involved because it is individually hand assembled by Mick himself, another appealing fact.
There is no doubt the First Sound pre is a great piece and its upgradeability is another appealing reason for its consideration. Still it starts at 500.00 more than the Supratek Sarah and doesn't include a phono stage. The point is that the value of Supratek products can not be overstated. There are many audiophiles that will pass on it because they don't want to wait and they would be wary of service from a one-man shop on the other side of the world, something to think about. On the other hand when you hear this pre-amp first hand the considerations should be, do I want to wait and locating a tech who can fix the pre if there is a problem. I would expect that problems would be minimal but would arise initially as they do with most products. These problems could be resolved through Mick. His service ethic is top notch but one must remember, he is a one-man shop and isn't superman.
The price/performance of the Supratek Sarah and Chardonney is definitely worth these considerations. Interestingly enough, I was just speaking to someone last week concerning this pre vs. a First Sound. He is going ahead with the First Sound because he doesn't want to wait and he is afraid of not getting prompt service if something does go awry. I am sure this will keep many folks from considering this great product. I did have a problem during shipping, it seems customs cut an opening in the box to inspect it and "threw" the pre back in without properly repacking it. When I received it, the cans were resting on the bottom of the box without any support, the rectifier tube and cord were missing and 2 tubes were shattered along with some minor damage to the wood case, which I repaired. Everything else was ok. Mick was extremely upset with this development and offered to send a new pre out to me the next day! I was also upset but did calm down a bit after I finally got some tubes in it to listen, didn't have any 6sn7's on hand so had to wait. The point is that he was extremely concerned and responsive and I was just so blown away by the music coming from the pre that the shipping problems I did have just went out the window. I never even bothered to file a claim to Fed-ex since it really wasn't their fault. What I was really pissed at and still am is that the apes working for customs didn't show the respect for personal property that they should and will never will because they are immune from the consequences of their actions.
On another tangent but one worth considering to all that read this is to please report this when and if it happens to you. Only if enough do will steps be taken to change the procedures of inspections. There is really no excuse for the condition of the contents I received. It really did look as though a kid threw the contents in the box without the LEAST consideration for its safe arrival to its final destination.
