Preamp Deal of the Century

Information on the possible upgrade Syrah/Chenin:

Mick told me in a e-mail that it would be a big job to put the new design into a Syrah. It would entail a complete rebuild of the phono section and would be very expensive, probably to the point of not being worthwhile.

He´s trying, though, to think of a way to upgrade the Syrahs without too much expense- has a few ideas and hopes to have a solution soon.

Jazzdude,

Thanks for the heads up! At least now I have a perspective on what to expect approaching the final phase of the waiting game.

Thanks again, and I am pretty sure you are having a blast with your Cabernet!

cheers....

After following this thread for quite some time, I have jumped on the bandwagon. After emailing back and forth with Mick, last night I ordered the Chenin with a bit of custom work to change the output tube in order to better mate with the input impedence on my amps. Mick is an amazing and very acommodating gentleman. I was able to get in the line for a new Chenin at the pre April 1st price increase, and only an additional 100.00 charge for the custom work. I am going to TRY to wait patiently for it's arrival and not pester Mick about how long it will take to get here. Judging from what everyone is saying, the phono will blow away my ARC SP 9 MKII phono stage. I am so impressed by how the units look as well. They are works of art.

I have been reading this thread off and on for the last several months. I have to admit I am very interested and indeed considering one of Mick's pre's. I was curious if anyone has an opinion whether the Cortese is that much better (for the money) than the Chenin (Syrah)?

Also, how does payment work? Does Mick require payment in full at order time or is it 50/50 or something like it?

Anyone compared these to the VTL 2.5 and 5.5's?

Thanks,

Erik

Erik,
As I said, I just ordered mine last night, a Chenin that will be customized to the input impedence of my amps. Mick took a 500.00 deposit with the balance due on completion. Not sure how long the wait will be, I'm guessing several months anyway. Judging by what I am hearing about the Sryah/Chenin, the Cortese would have to be way over the top better to justify the much larger price. Never heard either so I am buying based on what I've read, but a 2500.00 pre that offers this kind of performance just might border on being a world beater. Plus - the looksand build are are great bonus too.