Preamp Deal of the Century

Thanks for taking the time to scan the manual, Kgturner.
I sure needed the manual in getting it set up - this is my first tube preamp. This is one major reason why I opted for the Chardonnay - a great user community. I knew I could count on the experts on this thread to help out a tube newbie like me.

Right out of the box, the soundstage is impressively wide, with the highs precisely detailed and lush but clear mids. I am using it with my 200W Krell power amp and the bass is just as solid as my Krell preamp in terms of slam and volume, but better controlled and a lot tighter. I am impressed! I gather from reading the thread that things can only get better with burn in, so I am very pleased to have joined the club.

Thanks again for your help!

Just to add a brief note regarding the gain switches behind the 6SN7 tubes.

According to Mick, in the later models gain switch is High, Low, Medium from the front, and not vice versa as found in Kgturner's user manual (graphic on page 4).

Hope this is useful info.

Help! Tube newbie alert here:

The chrome/silvery top of the 6SN7 tube on the right hand side of my Chardonnay is discoloring. In fact, about one third of the top has turned into this matte grey.

Is this normal after 3 days of use?
This is freaking me out!

Its probably ok, not all tubes stay silery. Some get dark.

Thanks, Allan, that's good to know.
It still works, but I was kinda worried it would blow up or something...