2. amps-preamps
  3. 1016931418

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
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace
467 posts
 
Hey Dean... we used FedEx Intl Economy Air.. took about 2 days, but man it was pricey. Worth it though, I'd rather have something arrive safe, and be trackable, then to have it get lost in customs. The unit was mine, so it was completely broken in, and in terms of synergizing, maybe it was bad synergy? but I feel that a good preamp should make any system better, no?
raytheprinter's avatar
raytheprinter
1,234 posts
 
has anyone read the Jan 05 6moons review of the Sauvignon?
ongkaku
31 posts
 
Jazzdude,

I had tried comparing my passive preamp vs.connecting the CD player directly to the poweramp. Both setups were very transparent but the CD direct setup had a slight edge over the passive pre. When the Cabernet was in the chain, I did not feel any loss of details and it was as transparent as the CD direct setup, but the good part was it sounded like a super passive pre with steroid (and lots of PRAT, too).

BTW, I am using APL SACD-1000 as my source.

As far as my listening experince goes, I am listening to MUSIC now. The Cabernet really brings out the emotion of a well recorded CD. Too bad the PX4 could not be replaced but look at the brigther side, you save more money to buy CDs. I did ask Mick to change my power unit to accept 300B's as well. Mick said the 300B's only give you a different sound and not necessary "better". Ask the Man if you would like to know more. All in all I'm happy with the TJPX4 tubes that I bought a backup pair recenlty.

Cheers,
Kenji
jazzdude
332 posts
 
Ongkaku - IMO 'no preamp'/passive preamp is the best reference for determining neutrality and transparency of a component. Your findings are similar to mine. This is the big reason I haven't replaced the volume pot or otherwise modded my supratek. For me and my system I am not convinced that the difference will be worth it. But I am very happy for those who replaced the volume pot and were pleased with the result.
ongkaku
31 posts
 
Jazzdude - My goal is to have a system that is as transparent as possible, wide & deep soundstage and with lots of air. Neutrality is subjective and I'm not going into that. So far my current setup has met these requirements. BTW, I'm glad we have the same findings.

Cheers,
Kenji
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