Preamp Deal of the Century

Amandarae,
My pre has 6922 and M8081. The manual does refer to the pre as a Chenin. Both pre and power supply say "Syrah" in the bottom left corner.

When you mention "master volume" are you refering to the adjustable gain on the back of the pre?

Thanks

Amandarae, Ecclectique, Jphii thanks for your input. I e- mailed Mick on the subject of "Chenin or Syrah". Mick tells me he does not use sheoak for the Chenin because its too expensive. Evidently he used to use it for the Syrah though and had sheoak Syrah cabinets left over from the Syrah days. According to Mick there are only 10 Chenins in sheoak that say "Syrah" in existence. The model name above the serial # on the back also says Syrah which seems strange to me. So I guess I have a Chenin.
Thanks again

I received my Chenin about 6 weeks ago. It is sheoak and chrome. It is labeled as a Syrah. Has anyone else had this happen? BTW I purchased based solely on the input from this thread and so far I am very impressed.
Thanks

Hello everyone. I recieved my Chenin in early December and as the unit breaks in Ive been experiencing a strange effect. Over the past 2 months I have noticed a gradual increase in upper midrange glare and grain. Mostly noticeable on voices and seems more prominent on better recordings. Every other aspect of the sound is getting better as time goes on so this is a little confusing to me. I should say that right now Im just using the line stage as I have not settled on a table yet. Im wondering if the Chennin is actually becoming more revealing as it breaks in and is showcasing limitations elsewhere in my system. Any input will be much appreciated. My system consists of:
Wadia 861
Chennin
VTL MB 125 Tube amps
Vandersteen 2CE Sig
(2) Vandersteen 2WQ Subs with model 5 crossover
Cardas Goldencross
Kimber Bifocal XL speaker cable
BDR cones
Room is approx 14 x 30 with system on long wall

Im thinking of upgrading my amps to VTL 450 or Parasound JC-1. I love the VTLs but cant help but wonder about the JC-1s considering the price and all the positive press they have received. Anyone out there have experience with these two amps with Chenin as pre.

Thanks

Im thinking of upgrading my amps to VTL 450 or Parasound JC-1. I love the VTLs but cant help but wonder about the JC-1s considering the price and all the positive press they have received. Anyone out there have experience with these two amps with Chenin as pre.

Thanks

Mine did the same thing until I hooked up a TT. After hooking up a TT it should quiet down. Maybe something to do with ground?

That has been my experience with my Chenin. When selector is in phono position with TT hooked up and grounded - dead quiet. When selector is in phono position and no TT hooked up - hum and some hiss.

Allanblissett - I have the Chennin in sheoak and chrome top. It looks fantastic so dont worry. A dealer Ive worked with for years came over for a listen the other night and was very impressed with both looks and sound. Mine is a little darker than the picture on Micks site.

Allanblissett - I dont have a turntable yet. I bought the Chennin with the idea that I would eventually get into vinyl. I have however heard my Chennin phono stage on a fellow audiophiles system. He is using the Aesthetix(sp)IO which I believe is very highly regarded. I thought the Chennin was as good as the IO. I do not have much experience with vinyl and I heard my Chennins phono stage in an unfamiliar system for just a few hrs so keep that in mind. All tubes in my Chennin are stock BTW. It is so good to these ears that I have had no desire to tube roll. Im sure curiosity will get the best of me though and I will eventually start rolling. You can look up the system I heard my Chennin in here. His handle is mem916.