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

Showing 7 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,632 posts
 
The V-Cap Teflons are the best thing out there right now. We find them more open, smoother and more detailed. Anytime you can get "smoother and more detailed" together you are on the right track.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,632 posts
 
Better yet, ask him what he used to voice out the phono section of the kind of preamp you have.

FWIW, in the design of a phono section, that phono section is not 'voiced' although that is a common misconception. If the design is competent, the RIAA curve will be set up to be as close to the theoretical curve as possible, regardless of the actual cartridges.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,632 posts
 
It sounds like the original glue used is pretty strong. The concern I would have as a manufacturer would be what happens a few years down the road? The glue is aging, and also subjected to heating cycles. You know that it will degrade in due time. It is guaranteed that no matter how good the preamp sounds, if it is found responsible for a heart attack due to shock or burning someone's house down, the brand loyalty will mean nothing during the lawsuit.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,632 posts
 
I was under the impression that Supratek had folded some while back- maybe a year ago or more. If they are back, I certainly hope that the new product does not have the same construction technique of using glue to hold components in place (as this represents a significant fire hazard).

Kevin Covi is a name I have seen before though- I am sure he knows better than that.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,632 posts
 
Chelvam, I've seen photos of the insides of 2 Suprateks (one photo is in a 6moons review). In both, the filter caps in the power supply were not secured by any hardware, instead were simply glued to the inside of the unit. This is a Bad Idea even if you are doing a DIY project. One drop in shipment (or otherwise) and you have a shock and fire hazard situation.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,632 posts
 
Jtgofish, so, has adhesive technology come a long way since the 90s as well?
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,632 posts
 
I hope he's finally using terminal strips to hold his parts in place.
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