Preamp Deal of the Century

Hi to all

Long time has passed since ny last post. Why? Beacuse, ever since I got my Supratek (Chardonnay), I stopped worrying with audio improvement. Yes, it is that good!

The problem now is that every time I switch on the preamp extremely loud noises come form my speakers. You can actually see the woofers banging. Anyone experienced this? Any solution?

I am trying to solve this problem along with Mick (by e-mail). But I'm afraid I'll have to sent the preamp back to get it fixed. Otherwise my speakers can get damaged for life in no time.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Best regards,
Lisbon

Lisbon,
Does this problem occur when "unmuting" the preamp, or does it occur when powering it up?
Remember, when turning on your system: Preamp on first - amps on second. When shutting down: Amps off first - preamp off second.
If it occurs when "unmuting", try it with the volume turned down.

Thanks for answering.

I am turning on the system exactly as I always did. CD on. Preamp on. Power amp on. The power amp takes about ten seconds to go AND after that it stays automatically muted for security reasons. Nice. Then I unmute the power amp and everything goes well. But not now. So let me try to explain... (you know, English is not my mother tongue - sorry if my explanation is not clear)

When I unmute the power amp (after doing all I refered to above) these EXTREMELY loud noises come into scene (with the volume turned down). I imediatly mute it again. Switch off the preamp. Switch back on. Unmute the power amp again and everything goes well (actually, yesterday it was not that easy - needed to turn the preamp off and on almost for 10 times...).

So something is really wrong and I am naturally concerned. For the preamp and above all for my speakers.

If you or anyone have had the same experience (or simple suggestions) please do not hesitate to drop a line here. Thank you in advance.

* other than that, the preamp sounds wonderful.

Hi Lisbon,
I wonder are you getting a loud noise out of both speakers?
I had a scary experience with a valve filament failing which caused a very loud noise even with the sound turned down but only in one channel.
However if it is from both speakers - unless it is a bad tube common to both channels? unlikely to be two tubes going at once.
Hopefully Mick will sort you out.
Rgds Simon

Slipknot1
With my Chenin, the tube rolling has been pretty limited. I tried swapping out the stock 6922's with Amperex NOS only to be disappointed with the results. I was very pleased however, with replacing the stock 6SN7's with NOS RCA Grey Glass 6SN7. Overall, I have to agree with Slowhand. I think Mick knows what he is doing in his choice of tubes when he ships a preamp. Who am I to argue?

I too enjoy my Chenin with the RCA VT-231 Grey glass. The Raytheons VT-231 was also superb in my application. In fact, I now have 3 pairs of Raytheons in my stash so as not to missed the ride if you know what I mean. As for the phono, as I posted a long long time ago and repeatedly, the 6C4 is the money tube for me. If you have not tried it already, I recommend the Tungsol 6C4 and the Raytheon 6C4. The Tungsol have warmer mids (like the RCA's which I know you are using), a very balance top and solid bottom. The Raytheons have a better top end but less "warmer" on the mids and it also has a little more "kick" on the bass than the Tungsols. After trying these tubes, I can now say, that the Mullard M8080(which I thought the best tubes for me in this position) was inferior to both.

Lisbon,

List your tubes on the Chardonnay if you have not change them already. Also, what about replacing the input cables from preamp to amp? Have you tried having the pre and the amp plug into a common outlet(local ground)? Just a thought!

greetings