Preamp Deal of the Century

Finally got to put the Cabernet in my system tonight. These are my initial impressions. My Cabernet uses the WE 101D. The WE 101D has a UV-4 base that requires different sockets than the TJ 101D (UX-4 base) and the sockets are not easy to come by. For initial listening I took the same tubes I had in my Sauvignon and dropped them into the Cabernet with the addition of the WE 101D. My Sauvignon is the older version without the 12b4a only has about 12db of gain.

Initially when I recieved the Cabernet from Mick the RCA inputs and outputs would not work with my interconnects which have WBT TopLine RCA connectors. To get any sound at all from either channel I had to hold the interconnects in the jacks just so and if I released the IC's the system went quiet. Mick replaced the RCA inputs/outputs and the problem was corrected. I had no such problem with my Sauvignon which uses different RCA jacks.

The Cabernet improves upon the Sauvignon in several areas. The Cabernet seems faster and more intimate. It has even greater heft and slam in the bass department. The tonality is purer across the band and the transparency is improved in the midrange. Otherwise the Cabernet has the same general SupraTek 'signature' sound as the other pramps in the lineup.

When I initially turned on the Cabernet I noticed the slightest hum in my system from the preamp. The hum is extremely low level and not even noticeable from across the room. I mention it only because there is no noise at all with the Sauvignon.

To make an analogy in fine-tuning between the Cabernet and Sauvignon, I liken the Sauvignon to a road rally car and the Cabernet to a GTP endurance racer. This is probably because the Cabernet uses a DHT triode which are normally more sensitive to power supply. So in the Cabernet I think most will find that the selection of regulator and rectifier has even more impact on the sound.

Note that the DHT's tend to be more microphonic than most tubes. More so than say the Sylvania VT-231 and Ken Rad VT-231. In my own system my WE 101D are not noticeably microphonic so don't assume that all 101D will be microphonic.

So far, the Cabernet with the WE 101D is a definite improvement in my system and given my personal tastes. In my journey I have come to the opinion that thare is no such thing as "the finest...", "the best...", etc. Because as components and systems become more resolving, system synergy and personal preferences become an increasing factor. Surely though the Cabernet is worthy of the consideration of anyone exploring possibilities among the finer preamps in the world.

The results are in. The NEW Moray James power cord is as good as the old one! Moray sent me four prototype power cords to test out on the Supratek (A,B,C and D). - from the four, I finally sellected one which was the best cord yet for the Supratek. Its not a cord which will change the tonal balance of your system. Instead it will give a life and character to your system which once you've heard what it does, is impossible to live without.

I am happy to answer any questions you have so feel free to email me if you like... but Moray James is the guy who builds them and sells them - not me.

If you are interested, please email Moray at morayj1@juno.com Just let him know its for a Supratek.

I think he may have it in him to offer an introductory price (not sure) as well as a 30 return policy.

Bwhite, Jazzdude, Eccletique, Asa, Tubegroover,
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Do any of you have a handle on the possible replacement for the pair of 6C45 for the phono section side for the Cortese?
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My cortese has the 6sn7's in the back, followed by the 6922's moving towards the front and the pair of Russian made ElectroHarmonix 6C45n-E's sitting in the front.

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I have not been able to find what the equivalent American tubes might be. Any ideas ?

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Brian - I just emailed James about getting a power cord for my Cortese - thanks for the info and work on this one - I will let you know how it does in my system.

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Hi Cello - you're welcome. Regarding your Cortese - I wonder what vintage your Cortese is. You may have to contact Mick for info on those tubes. My Cortese uses the 6688 tube up front followed by the 6922.

Honestly? I haven't experienced too much improvement out of changing the phono tubes. Right now I use Telefunken CCa as the 6922 and Mullard E180F in the 6688 position. I'd say its a little better than stock in terms of clarity but the gains are not as significant as when changing other tubes in this preamp.

Cello - There is no sub for the 6C45. I think Sovtek and Electroharmonix are the brandname resellers. I don't know who actually manufactures the 6C45 but there could be more than one, since Sovtek and Electroharmonix sell tubes from several manufacturers. By all accounts the 6C45 is a very special tube. BAT and Joule use it, in addition to SupraTek.