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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
mlkiz
33 posts
 
I have had my Syrah for almost two years now and have had no problems with it except for an intial problem with the fuse in the power supply. Mick told me to get a larger fuse and that solved the problem You also need to get a moving coil cartridge. My moving magnet sounded unlistenable with it. Mick recommended the Denon DL 103 for $200.00 and it sounds unbelievably good.
amandarae
512 posts
 
I have had my Syrah for almost two years now and have had no problems with it except for an intial problem with the fuse in the power supply. Mick told me to get a larger fuse and that solved the problem You also need to get a moving coil cartridge. My moving magnet sounded unlistenable with it. Mick recommended the Denon DL 103 for $200.00 and it sounds unbelievably good.

Remember, the phono preamp has a 2.5 mV input ceiling. Mick told me that for higher output cart(>2.5mV) such as an MM, you can try it and see for yourself what happens but he does not recommend it. It is possible that your MM cart was saturating the input signal resulting to "un-listenable" sound as you put it. YMMV
allanblissett
147 posts
 
I got a pair of Sovtec KT66 and tried them in my Chardonnay.
They made a big improvement in the soundstage, they just opened it up wide. They are really nice, looks great also.
sorlowski
236 posts
 
Hello,
I have carried out interesting test:

I have connected with Cardas Golden reference XLR cable my Clayton M100 monoblocks and AudioAreo Capitole MKII CD and listen for a while. Pretty lifeless no glitter at all.

Less audio gear in the chain should be better is it not!

Later I have connected Clayton and AA Cap with Silversmith Silver and Audiomagic Excalibur II RCA cables to Supratek Chenin.

What a difference better dynamic better harmonics, music was back.



I did such test 2 years ago with stock tubes and outcome was not that clear.

But know with NOS tubes there is huge difference even in my very bad room.

regards
Slawomir
kgturner's avatar
kgturner
663 posts
 
i just sent in my deposit for a pair of malbec monoblocks. mick said there's been a lot of interest so i have no idea how long it will be before they're delivered. i made it 8 months waiting for my chardonnay so i've learned how the be patient. i can't wait to hear these amps and how well they'll likely synergize with the chardonnay. naturally i'll post any and all impressions once i receive them. has anybody else pulled the trigger on the malbecs yet?
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