2. amps-preamps
  3. 1016931418

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
jeffjazz
114 posts
 
I did the same thing to my Chardonney, only I used motor run caps. Definitely made the preamp better. Tighter bass, cleaner, more dynamic, better soundstage. I also replaced the stock caps in the linestage with Mundorf Silver/Oil caps - big improvement. I did not have the Auricaps there but, some square blue caps. I tried replacing the other square blue caps near the rectifiers and it messed up the sound. Emailed Kevin Covi about this and he said those caps are not critical and just leave them in. I put them back and the preamp sounds tremendous.
ait
480 posts
 
Those square blue caps are probably Wima caps - OK at best, not what anyone would call high end. My Pre has the Auricaps and I'm really enjoying the sound now; I've though about replacing the Auri's a million times, but still haven't done it yet as I like the warmth they bring to the sound.

Now if I stumbled across some Duelunds, maybe I would change my mind...
jeffjazz
114 posts
 
I bet the Duelunds are more linear not as warm. I emailed another Supratek owner that upgraded to Vcaps from Mundorfs and he likes the change. He GAVE me his Mundorf caps! What a saint! Gotta love him for being so generous! I have read that one reviewer did not like the Vcap upgrade over the Auricaps. Enjoy listening I know I am!
fiddler
581 posts
 
Glad you're enjoying the Mundorfs, Jeff
ait
480 posts
 
I think there is a real synergy between the Solens in the PS and the 7193 tubes. Since I put the Solens in, the highs I'm hearing a really astounding - they seem to float out into the room with me; everything sounds much more 3-dimensional than before. I would suggest that anyone who does the 7193 mod also do the Solen mod, it's that good!

Any by the way, this is all with one of my backup sets of speakers, Dahlquist M905s. My Infinity RSIIb speakers are currently being completely re-worked by me, with outboard x-overs, internal bracing, etc. I can't wait to hear how they sound in this setup!
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