Preamp Deal of the Century

Having owned a Supratek Chenin pre-amp for approximately 2-years, last week, I had occasion to contact Mick about a perceived problem. I say perceived, because after Mick's reply, I realized that I had made an erroneous assumption.

However, the reason for this post is to not discuss the specifics of my communiqué with Mick, but to commend Mr. Maloney for his first rate communications skills. Not only were Mick's communications before the sale detailed, cogent, and prompt, but thereafter, my experiences were as positive as before the sale.

It's great owning a fine piece of equipment. It's even better knowing that its designer and manufacturer provides top notch customer service.

PS. The same positive comments apply to my turntable manufacturer, Thom Mackris (Galibier Design), my amplifier manufacturer, Ken Stevens (CAT [Convergent Audio Technologies]), Dr. Roger West -- my Soundlab speaker manufacturer, and Gordon Rankin of Wavelength Audio (my USB DAC designer/builder). I've said it before on Audiogon, but it bears repeating, by buying from cottage and SMALL businesses; I’ve reaped BIG rewards, and have forged lasting friendships. Cheers to all those I’ve mentioned, and to all the other wonderful dedicated, inventive, manufacturers and hobbyists that help us reproduce the music that so fires our passions!

I have had exactly the same experiences with Mick and Thom Mackris.
Both are totally accessible and a pleasure to deal with. Thom's table with the Grange phono stage is very special.

Mrmb and Docsavage,

Glad to hear Thom Mackris is great to deal with. I am considering buying his new Serac turntable when it is ready for production. I would like to mate it with a Schroeder model 2 arm and use my ZYX Yatra cartridge.

I also have had very good communication and advice from both, Mick and Thom. Mick solved a minor problem with my Chenin over the internet with my technician in a couple of days, and Thom helped me with a problem with my Micro Seiki 505 even though I didn't buy a turntable from him. Impressive.
I've changed most of my system since my last post, but the Supratek! The Linn is gone and it has been replaced by a Teres 255/Micro Seiki 505/Zyx Airy 3. The Silverline Sonatas have been replaced by a pair of Coincident Total Victory. I have kept the Lamhorn/Lowther EX-4, the Wright Sound 3.5 and I bought a pair of Golden Tube 300B SE monoblocks.
If the KT-88 will sound like a SE amp, I would consider them! Best regards, Pablo.

I have Chenin, and for fun I have been rolling tubes.
I have noticed that the biggest overall difference in sound makes replacing stock 6sn7.

According to tubeworld the best 6sn7 is Mullard ECC33 military version (CV2821)
https://www.tubeworld.com/6sn7.htm
I have been looking for it for a long time.
Somebody on ebay from England is selling pair.
http://cgi.ebay.com/CV2821-ECC33-MULLARD-TUBE-VALVE-NEW-1-PC_W0QQitemZ9714276908QQcategoryZ39997QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I bought one pair form him. It was not microphonic, the biggest problem with Supratek.
If it is the best I do not know, because since I have moved to new place (small room, with crannies, scene collapsed, bass if uncontrolled).
But at previous place stock tubes sounded really bad in comparison to KenRad, Sylvania.
Someday I will move to golden room and I will appreciate it (at least I’m hoping for it).

If somebody would decide to try it (and have sound transparent room), please let me know if you could hear the difference and if it was worth the asking price.