Preamp Deal of the Century

That's great. I'm all attention. Thank you.

Hi! Slowhand,
I've been reading these posts for a long time. I'm impressed with everyone's posts.

I've talked to Mick (just Recently)about ordering up a Chardonnay Tube Pre-amp & with all the equipment that I'm using, I'm going to need (5) inputs,(2) outputs,& a Tape monitor jack in the back side.

(Question): what type of speakers will go with Mick's Chardonnay Tube Pre-amp. I'm in the market for a good set of speakers. What do you use at home ?
I also have an Oracle Delphi Mark V Turntable, A Magnum Dynalab #102 FM Tuner & (2)Carver A-500X amps @270 watts a channel.Whew !!!
I could use some input from you guys,to replace my old Polk Audio Monitor 10's
Thanks, Mike

Hello Mike,

If you are using a Oracle TT, why did you order the Chardonnay instead of the Chenin (with the phono stage)? I continue to advise people to get Mick's preamps with the phono stage. His phono stage is amazing and well worth the extra money.

As for my speakers, I use Gallo Nucleus Reference 2's (the one's with the 2 stacked balls on the barcelona stands). The new Gallo reference 3's sound great too, but I prefer the reference 2's. You can do a lot better than your Polks these days.

Glad you have enjoyed the thread. I am sure you will enjoy your Supratek preamp, but as I said, You would be hard pressed to get a better phono preamp at any price. With the Chenin, you are getting a world class phono stage for $400!!!!

Agreed Slowhand, Mick is a vinyl junkie and his phonos are hard to beat at ANY price let alone $400!

Regards,

Steve.

Mike,
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Here's another vote for getting a Chenin in lieu of the Chardonnay.
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It is really a no-brainer decision.
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The Chenin will be far easier to re-sell if and when the day comes that you decide to sell. Mick's phono sections are highly regarded and well sought after. You will increase the potential audience of buyers when selling a Chenin as compared with trying to move a Chardonnay and I am guessing you would probably get the $400.00 price differential or more back in your selling price.
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There is always the distinct possibility that you end up doing Vinyl in addition to CD's and you would have an amazing pre-amp well far in excess of the additional $ 400.00 that you would pay out now. It would mean that you would not be forced to sell your Chardonnay and go through the hassle choosing, finding, and buying a pre-amp with a phono section. We almost always lose money when having to buy and sell another piece of equipment and buying the Chenin now would avoid all of the above.
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My strong recommendation is to contact Mick and get him to build a Chenin for you.
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Rgds,
Larry
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