2. amps-preamps
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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 11 responses by goatwuss

goatwuss
877 posts
 
What would be the bigger upgrade... Upgrading the stock tubes on my Syrah to ??? or upgrading my Denon 103 to a 103R ??

Thanks!

Todd
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Hey there,

Does the Syrah preamp (with remote) ever show up on Audiogon? I'd love to find a used one that someone was willing to part with, as I can't quite afford the nearly $3000 price right now (after shipping, etc.)

Thanks,

Todd
goatwuss
877 posts
 
How is Syrah pronounced?
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Anyone know if the phono in the Syrah will be upgradable to the new revision in the chenin?

thanks,

Todd
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Simon,

I'm also running a Denon 103R at 0.25mv on my Syrah, and I have more gain than I would ever use, and the hum and tube rush are both non-noticable when music is playing.

It sounds like something fishy...
goatwuss
877 posts
 
I run my Velodyne DD15 out of my syrah. It has stereo inputs, so I just run a standard RCA cable from one of the pre-outs. If your sub only takes a mono cable, you'll need a Y adapter
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Hello,

I am trying to integrate an HT processor with my Supratek Syrah. I would like to control the HT volume through the processor, so that the Syrah's volume control doesn't affect the HT. In other words, a "HT Bypass" type functinoality.

My Syrah only has a tape loop. "Tape Rec" and "Tape Play". I have tried running the HT Proc. L/R pre-outs into both of these (and I toggled the tape-loop switch on the Syrah), but the Syrah volume control always seems to be in effect.

Is there any way to set this up to do what I'm looking for?
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Kgturner - Thanks for the reply. Would it be an easy modification to change the tape loop into an HT bypass?
goatwuss
877 posts
 
My Supratek also had some issues (response of the phono was messed up), and while I would agree that Mick should not have been in charge of service (denying the problem, rude emails, etc), I would like to say that Kevin Covi, the US repair tech for Supratek, is awesome. He fixed me up, politely, professionally and promptly.

So, without questioning the integrity of others, aside from technical/service issues, the Supratek Syrah is still an excellent sounding $2,500 preamp. Best in the world? Probably not... but I would not hesitate to A/B it to any $5,000 preamp
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Maril, if you don't like the Supratek sound, that is fine. But please... don't pull the "if you like that of coloration" card...

Most Supratek owners are very experienced audiophiles who are familliar with good preamps. These are very neutral and transparent preamps. There is not the slightest bit of sibilance distortion in my system, in various rooms, with various amps, speakers, etc.
goatwuss
877 posts
 
One of my Syrah's phono battery holders was glued, and had come loose. Thankfully it was just the battery case and not a power supply cap...
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