.
Happy Holiday Season to all of you in the Supratek family.
.
Great Pre-amp, Great thread and Great group of goners.
.
Thanks to Tom for getting this all started and to the rest of you for keeping it going.
.
Warmest Regards,
.
Larry
. |
.
Pablo,
.
Congratulations on your Chenin, a nicely designed system and your obvious joy.
.
Do wait for 300+ hours suggested by Ecclectique to pass by before starting your tube rolling. Roll only one set of tuebs at a time and live with them for a while before starting on the next set or position. Do invest in some of David's suggestions as well as some great NOS tubes.
.
You might want to give some BMI power cords a test drive (specifically the Sharks, Whale Supremes of Orca Generation 2's). I would be happy to loan you a Shark to audition (for loan only, don't want to sell it). Email me offline if you have an interest.
.
Happy New Year - enjoy your bliss....
.
Rgds, Larry |
David,
Happy New Year to you and your gang.
.
I was suggesting the break-in of 300 hours so that when Pablo rolls tubes, he makes moves based on a broken in pre-amp and all of the tubes are somewhat stable in their sonics.
.
I just think it is a valuable learning experience to have a clear understanding what each new tube does when added to the system and not confuse its value with the changes occurring from the circuitry of the pre or the other new tubes as they break in.
.
I do agree that the changes you recommend are a no brainer, but there might be some valuable lessons to learn along the way by going a bit slower. Either way, he can't go wrong.
.
Rgds, Larry
. |
Ella4ever,
.
I will second & 3rd Slowhand's approval. I have had mine Supratek for 1.5 years and it was a year old when I bought it and have not had one single hiccup at any point.
.
Getting a Supratek is a no brainer. If you have a problem, Mick will be right there for you. He is as honest and caring as the day is long.
.
If your budget can handle it, go for a Cortese and you will be done for life (I am guessing that your Cortese will out live you). The Cortese will allow you to get into vinyl one day and will make for an easier re-sale if that day (and it won't) should ever come.
.
Getting a Supratek was one of the best decisions I have made to date (that and a getting a Teres table).
. |
.
Kevin,
.
You are welcome. Do let us know how you make it out and for sure when you get your Cortese or Grange.
.
You can always get tubes shipped from the U.S.. Email me off line when you get your pre-amp and I will send you some sources for NOS tubes.
.
Not to worry on getting rid of your table. There have been all kinds of great advances and you have probably done yourself a favor by starting over again. Check out Teresaudio.com when you have time and check the threads on Audiogon related to Teres. There are plenty of other great tables available and you should be able to get some great advice on Audiogon.
. |
.
Tom,
.
Try dialing 011 61 8 9 757 9786 if you are still up. It is 14 hours later than Eastern Standard Time.
.
Good luck.
.
Larry
. |
.
Brian,
.
It is great to hear you sound so happy with your system. I agree that the 350B is the end of the path and as good as it gets.
.
When you are in the mood and in a position, try to get a listen to a ZYX UNIverse. It is just stunning beyond explanation. The Ebony is a terrific cartridge, but the UNIverse is just Manna from Heaven.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Brian,
.
I would be interested to know what Nick would do and what it would cost. I have a Cortese (about 2 years old).
.
Have you figured out whether you are moving ?
.
Thanks,
Larry
. |
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Ray,
.
Great decision to get the Chardonnay - one I that I think you will feel great about as you look back.
.
Do be prepared for a wait, but one that is well worthwhile.
.
Down the road, your next move should be that Teres you were thinking about getting over a year ago.
.
Let us know when you receive the Pre.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Ray,
.
Great move and one that you won't regret. Remember when you get your Chardonnay(and it will be a while), give it a good 200 hours of break in before you roll any tubes and know that it will improve dramatically as the hours go by.
.
Congratulations,
Larry
. |
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Ray,
.
What's next ? Perhaps that Teres you were contemplating about a year ago ?
.
Do let us all know when you get your new Chenin in and how you like it?
.
Larry - Congrats on your Cabernet. I am quite sure you will be delighted with your decision. Be patient with the break in.
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Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Slowhand,
.
Give Mick a quick call (good time is around 8:00 - 10:00 PM EST time). You can get all your answers in a couple of minutes. Just check your LD phone rate to Australia before calling. I just spoke with him about 5 minutes ago.
.
I was sending him emails thinking he was getting them and he was wondering why he had not heard from me. Try emailing him at mick@supratek.biz (instead of supra@supratek.biz) or call him - 011 - 61 8 9 757 9786
.
Rgds,
Larry |
Ray,
.
One other comment. Make sure that Mick gives your Social Security number to Fed Ex or they might hold the shipment for an extended period. I think Mick knows this by now, but just in case, make sure you have given Mick your SS and ask him to give it to Fed Ex when he drops off your pre-amp.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Guidocorona,
.
Please do keep in mind that comparisons and expreriences along with associated opinions formed from earlier Supratek models have absolutely nothing to do with the value of the current models. I can tell you from owning an older Suprattek Pre and a current model that the newer models are just amazingly better (with no slight to the earlier models).
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Get a Denon 103 or a 103r. This is the best out their for the money and especially in your price range. I would suggest you spend the extra $ 50.00 and get the 103r version.
.
Do spend some money on some good NOS tubes for your Cortese if you have not already. I would highly recommend getting a good matched pair of NOS or good used Tung Sol Black Glass Round Plate 6sn7's for your Cortese, they are well worth the $ 250.00 that it will cost you. Then change the Rectifier and Regulator tubes. Email me off line if you want some recommendations.
.
Best Regards,
Larry
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Walter, nice post. I would add that as good as the Syrah is, Mick's newer circuit designs have greatly enhanced the sound re-production.
.
The sound of a Supratek also keeps getting much better as you travel up the model line.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Ray,
.
Mick shipped to me on a Monday and I had it in hand on Thursday afternoon.
.
Let us know when you receive it and have had a chance to give it a listen after a little break in.
.
Remember, it will get a whole lot better after some break-in and some NOS tubes after you have around 300 hours on it can do some real wonders as well.
.
I would suggest that you run your CD player 24/7 (lower volumes are fine) when not playing LP's. It will get you there much faster.
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Good Luck,
Larry
. |
.
Ray,
.
Just let us know when you are ready to roll some tubes. I am sure the group can and will give you some ideas on tubes and sources.
.
Do scroll way back a bunch a read posts from Ecclectique, Jazzdude, Bwhite, and a few others. It will give you a primer on what tubes you might consider trying. It will also help pass the time and keep your mind off waiting for your pre to arrive.
.
I can tell you that the good NOS make all the difference in the world (esp. the 6sn7's).
.
Keep us posted.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Sonicnirvana,
.
Please do remember to give Mick your SS# and remind him (the night before he ships one more time) to include it with the Fed Ex paperwork or you will have delays in shipping. The units will get held up in Customs if Fed Ex does not have your Social Security number.
.
Let us know when you have it in hand and how you like it.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Ray,
.
If you have not already, call Fed Ex and check to make sure they have your Social Security number listed in their computer for your shipment. Don't wait until tomorrow, by then the trucks will be out and you will have to wait until Monday.
.
Even if Mick told you that he gave Fed Ex your SS#, double check on your own. Better safe than sorry.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
|
.
Hi Ray,
.
You might want to run your system with the CDP running 27/7 at low volume when it is not convenient to have the sound loud. It will greatly accelerate the break-in (not the phono stage) and you should have a good idea of what it will sound like by a week from this Sunday.
.
It will improve greatly. Then, you will have another large bump from rolling in some good NOS tubes.
.
Have fun this weekend and enjoy.....
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Hi Slowhand,
.
I asked Mick to put a phase switch on my new Grange and for whatever reason (I don't remember since it was so long ago when I asked), he said he could not. It is probably worth an email to him to ask anyway.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Simon,
.
Have you tried dropping in another pair of 6sn7's ? You might want to try that before sending it over to Mick.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Abe,
.
Nice job on the review of the various tubes. Thanks for the time and energy put into this and sharing it with all of us.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Mhu,
.
No Worries. Your Cabernet will get much, much better in the next 2-300 hours and then the NOS tubes will take it to yet another level.
.
Prepare you drool bucket now while there is still time.
.
Congratulations
Rgds, Larry
. |
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Jazzdude,
.
Glad your Cabernet is doing so well for you. Thanks for sharing about using the step EVS attenuators on the outputs.....very intersting.
.
Thanks,
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Tom,
.
I have a Morey James PC (not sure if it is a 1.5), but I would be willing to sell it (and I can check to see what the model is). I think it is a 6 ft cord.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Doc,
.
I am sure you will love your Cortese. Just remember, it improves dramactically as breaks in (and then later, much later there is tube rolling.......more fun).
.
Congratulations.....Enjoy !
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Docsavage,
.
Are you in Florida ?
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Steve,
.
I am really looking forward to hearing your comparison of your new Grange vs. the Steelhead.
.
David Roth's "Vincent" is amazing and the LP (CD) should be in everyone's collection. It is that good.
.
I hope your Grange arrives soon.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Larryrosen,
.
Which model Supratek are you getting ?
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Tom,
.
I suggest that you get Mick to insure the shipment. It seems to be his practice not to insure. I had to ask him to insure.
.
My advice is that under no circumstances should you let him ship without insurance, regardless of what he says.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Tom,
.
Congrats on finally getting your Cortese. Please do give us all a detailed report on what you are hearing after you get 200 hours or so on it.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Yeah Tom,
.
How bout draggin yurself away from the tunes and let us all know how the Cortese is sounding.
.
Rgds,
Larry |
,
David,
.
Thanks for the detailed explanation of the Mundorf's performance.
.
Is is possible to break-in the Mundorf's before putting them in one's system ?
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Guys.....
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Steve,
.
Thanks, I emailed Mick 3 days ago and have been waiting to hear back from him.
.
I don't think it is tube related (see my post above).
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
Hi All,
.
Problems with left Channel....
.
I started to have problems with the sound coming from the left Channel of my Grange. After a bit of warm up or play, I get a huge static type noise followed by a simultaneous large and loud flutter of the driver. There is also some distortion of the sound. After the loud static (like a loose wire) and flutter, the sound cleans up for a bit. The problem continues intermittently and occurring every 2-5 minutes. It occurs when using either my CDP or Turntable as a source.
.
I tried switching the RCA outputs of the Grange and the problem moved from the left to the right channel which led me to believe that the problem is located in the pre and not my amp or elsewhere.
.
I then swapped all of the pairs of tubes in the pre and the power supply box (one set at a time) from right to left to see if the problem moved from the left channel to the right. The problem remained in the left channel through all of the tube switches.
.
I am guessing that the problem would be related to a faulty capacitor, but I was wondering if anyone had gone through a similar problem and had any observations, theories or advice.
.
Thanks/Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
I have been using Symposium Rollerblocks (cryoed) to great effect and have found them to be the best of any of the cones or other devices that I have tried.
.
Rollerblocks work incredibly well under Pre-amps (both pre and power supply), CD Players/DAC's, Amps, and power conditioners (big surprise here how much improvement when placed under the power conditioner).
.
If you have your Supratek just sitting on its own feet, you are missing out on a lot. I spent a lot of time fooling around with platforms and couplers and de-couplers. The Symposium Rollerblocks are by far the best of anything I have tried. Get a used set on Audiogon and try them under each of your different components. I now have them under every piece of equipment except my Turntable. I have put them under my Teres TT battery supply and was more than a bit surprised in the improvement in detail and air.
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The more resolving your system, the more improvement you will gain from the Rollerblocks.
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Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Sorlowski,
.
I have the Rollerblocks placed under both the Pre-Amp and the Power Supply.
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The Rollerblocks are placed in direct contact with the bottom plate of the boxes (not in contact with the rubber feet).
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Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Tuongsy,
.
What types of differences did you hear from using the upgraded umbilical cord ?
.
Do you have a phone number for Revelation Audio Lab ?
.
Many Thanks,
Larry
. |
.
Ooslik,
.
I would whole heartedly second Slowhand's recommendation and change your order to get the Chenin and therefore Mick's phono stage. It is a terrific phono stage and will makeit a good deal more resaleable when you decide to sell it so you can upgrade to the Cortese :>)
.
This will be one of your better audio moves as you look back ten years from now. Do whatever you must to get Mick to change your order (even if you have to wait a good bit longer).
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
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Slowhand,
.
Kevin is a great guy and the SRA stands do wonderful things for music.
.
I found that a set of Symposium Rollerblocks placed on an SRA stand and under most components enhanced the already great results provided by an SRA stand. Kevin might tell you (as he did me) that there is no need to use anything like Rollerblocks in addition to his SRA stands, but I found that they definitely augment the improvements that SRA stands yield.
.
I have a set of Rollerblocks under each of my two Supratek pre-amp boxes. Every time I take them out the sonics degrade.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
Mark (Stiltskin),
.
I agree wholeheartedly....The grade 3 balls are as you said a surprise in what they do for the sonics .
.
See if you can get a set of your Rollerblocks and one set of the Grade 3 balls cryoed...
.
Cryoing the Rollerblocks and balls is a significantly bigger upgrade than using the grade 3 balls as compared to the stock grade 25 balls Tungsten Carbide.
.
Do let us know how you make out with the SRA stands (if you get them) and please tell Kevin I said hello (Larry from Miami, Florida). I think you will enjoy interacting with him. One hint....Kevin is wonderful at responding to emails and slow to respond to phone calls.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Mark (Stiltskin),
.
I tried 3 different Symposium stands before buying the SRA's (now have 4). The Symposium stands did not function well in my system. They compressed the sound stage and sucked the air out when I tried them under my CD player and pre-amp.
.
The Symposium Rollerblocks on the other hand have been spectacular under everything (CD player, Amps, power supplies and pre-amps). I think everyone should buy one used set of Rollerblocks and try rolling them around under each piece you have and then buy more as is makes sense.
.
The SRA did great things for controlling base (tighter, more tuneful, and more punch). I think Kevin has done a tremendous job with his product designs (each one was custom built for each of my pieces). I would trust his judgment on where to start in your system and do one piece at a time based on how each piece benefits your system.
.
$ 600.00 seems like a significant amount to spend on a stand, but they are like upgrading a piece in your system and they never wear out. (as Slowhand suggested NOS tubes do).
.
Do get one set of used Rollerblocks to play with (this one is a no brainer for $ 250.00 approx). They come up for sale regularly on Audiogon. I will bet you buy more sets.
.
I would also try one SRA from Kevin Tellekamp. Good guy, knowledgeable, and great with advice. He wonÂt over sell you.
.
Good Luck .Happy New Year to All of you be safe on AmateurÂs Night.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
Mike,
.
Here's another vote for getting a Chenin in lieu of the Chardonnay.
.
It is really a no-brainer decision.
.
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.
.
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.
.
My strong recommendation is to contact Mick and get him to build a Chenin for you.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Houstonreef,
.
With out a doubt the best system I found was to use Symposium Rollerblocks under both the power supply and the pre-amp boxes.
.
You can find used Rollerblocks quite often on Audiogon. Make sure that you get a set with Tungsten Carbide Balls (not Chromium). Having them Cryoed takes them to another level.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
.
Slowhand,
.
Congratulations on getting the SRA's I am sure you will continue to be pleased. Do try to get one set of used Rollerblocks to try in concert with the SRA's.
.
I am guessing you would end up paying between $ 250.00 - 275.00 If you do get one, please let us know how it does for you.
.
Rgds,
Larry |
.
Hi Frank,
.
Good to hear from you.
.
I have had Kevin make up 4 SRA stands specific pieces in my system (even one under my Teres TT). I bought his standard stands and none were Ohio Class.
.
Kevin told me specifically that Rollerblocks and other devices were not necessary and most like would detract from the performance of his stands. He told me of several reviewers and other customers who had tried using other products in conjunction with the SRA stands and how they did not help, but actually lessened the performance of his stands.
.
Kevin was great to work with and has a great product line that I recommend whole-heartedly. In my system the Rollerblocks have always enhance the sound whether it be with or without KevinÂs stands.
.
I would recommend to anyone that they pick a used pair of Rollerblocks (with Tungsten Carbide balls) and try them under each piece of equipment and see what they get. Worse case scenario would be that you turn around and sell them for more or less what you paid, but I am guessing that they will stay with your system and you will buy more sets.
.
I have tried a bunch of different Âfeet and interfaces and none came close to Rollerblocks. I have yet to have a friend try them without them going out and buying more sets.
.
I will say that I have never tried Rollerblocks under any Ohio Class stands, but I look forward to hearing your results should you decided to try the Rollerblocks.
.
I hope that helps.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
