Baranyi, I bought it from Mick - came with remote, balanced output and far too many inputs for my liking. |
Hi, Is it normal to hear the thump from speakers when you tap the Chardonnay preamp body. I have adjusted the gain to the lowest but it is still there and the gain switches don't make a difference. Help.
Thanks
ST |
Well.... he took my order and in fact he asked me how many do I want? |
Hi guys, I just ordered my Chardonnay on June 5th. I think Supratek is still in business. My friend(who got the experience in repairing countless high end equipments, including one ongaku) is familiar with his previous venture - Micrex and he recommended me to go for it even though no one in my country seems to own one.
So, I guess this thread is going to go on for along time to come. |
Atmasphere, his website did not state he is closing shop. Perhaps, he wanted to quit but didn't do it or just doing it on small scale. BTW, which parts were glued together? The Chrome plat? That's normal and sometimes it is also possible for the customs to rip off to check them and glued them back. I once received Koala bears from Australia all ripped apart by customs for inspection.
Maril555, I am sorry to hear your unfortunate situation. Are you still having the Amp?
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Mabil555, I just read all your earlier posts and found the answer to my question. |
Yes, I have seen. Metalpixel is just an advertisement company. Go to the original website of supratek.
Arkio, my Chandonney is being couriered today. For almost 10 years I did not change my Classe Amp or Preamp but discovered the missing element (which I always knew missing but can't quite put my finger on it) when I tried a blue circle preamp except the bass was not right. Please don't ask me to define "right". If you been to live music (not the loud or open air type) or orchestras often you can tell the diff. So keeping my fingers crossed Supratek will finally give me the sound I want. |
Kg, if you observe the main photo in http://www.mentalpixel.com/supratek/history.html with the words "need a group photo here" and from there you can guess why it was horrible made. I agree the website is not helping Supratek's image. Maybe, I will email Mick about it.
I was about to get a used Nagra PL-L then I read somewhere Chandonney sounded better then Nagra and I hope so. I don't chase equipments. I got a very good room built for stereo playback and happy to just upgrade when I positively identify an improvement. I even discarded a high End speaker cables for a 6N OFHC China cable and no difference I can tell. |
Hi,
Just received my Chardonnay. Good packing. The only problem is, Mick forgot to include the manual. Anyone can help me out here? Thanks |
To all Chardonnay owners,
Can any of you guys help me out here?
1) Why are the tubes marked left and right? And how do I buy left and right tubes? Matched tubes mean it doesn't matter whether it is fixed on the right or left, correct? So why mine came with instruction that 1 pair goes to the left/right and marked accordingly?
2) Do I have to do some sort of internal adjustment for gain/bias when I change tubes to match left and right channel?
3)Anyone out there managed to trace out the circuit? Or managed to identify all important components? I am worried that in long run I won't able to do any repairs if necessary. In my country good technicians are rare breed.
Thanks in advance.
ST
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Ait, thanks for the input. BTW,you put more gain?! I am having problem to determine the best gain position because it is simply overwhelming in my system. Now, I am settled with the gain at tube set to middle and at the back 2 steps down.
But that not final because at different loudness the rear gain switch gives better sound at different position.
One thing that I can say is that Chardonnay may sound bright but on the other hand the preamp meant to be listened at realistic live level volume then it is the best sound I have ever heard.
If you want to play soft music then I suggest Chardonnay may not be the right choice because below the realistic live performance loudness it sounds bit uneven with highs emphasized. It is meant for real music as live music intended((not very loud though)) maybe around 80db on your SPL.
Just my thought after 50 hours of burn in.
ST
p.s. Is there any new owners of Supratek? |
Young, Mick did indicate he will be making only one or two grange per year from now one. Sad. And what you think of the sound. I am still not sure of the best position with the gain control. Hope your are having better luck. And please email me the manual. Thanks a lot. |
Can someone tell me which pin is hot for Chardonnay balanced output?
Thanks |
Hi Kgturner, Mick just responded - pin 2 is hot. |
Pjwd, I am not sure adding hardwood under or over the metal plats is a good idea. According to Mick, the metal surface functions as heat sink. To prevent the metal plats from vibration - I place a small wet special sponge (the type becomes hard when it dries up) on the top and another small piece underneath. At least it gives me a solid sound when I knock the metal part.
Do I hear a difference? Well I can't even tell the difference between different cables. But in this case I think there's better control and clarity. Didn't really bother to do the AB test.
BTW, my AB test is the most reliable way. My better half will switch whatever cable, cones or tweaks without my knowledge in a few weeks or months after my initial craze over it dies. So far I can tell I didn't detect any difference when between cheaper speaker cables, bi-wiring, power conditioner except when the power amp connected to it.
Wonder if I should just stuck to mini compos? |
Thanks guys. I managed to identify the problem tube, i.e ONE 6SN7 but now I am having a new problem when I turn the mute switch on. I am getting some sort of "whishh,whooosh" sound like you get when you tune your shortwave radio. Help, please. i already emailed to Mick and still waiting for his expert opinion. |
No, I only use them to connect to my SACD player. Mine is the Chardonnay. ( My mistake for not identifying the product earlier) I have no other equipments in my room. Initially, I thought it was the Amp but that was ok. In fact when I use the HT bypass there is no sound. But the good thing is there's absolutely no noise whatsoever when the music is on unless I tap or even a touch causes the thump which now I know as a microphonics and Mick said it could be good for music. |
