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 11 responses by jay461

jay461
15 posts
 
Amandarae, thanks. I'm already having difficulty finding these tubes let alone a reasonable price. Does anyone know where I can find some good buys?
jay461
15 posts
 
Chardonnay-what's the best sounding tubes for the line stage, regulator and rectifier. I should have my chardonnay in a couple of days.

Yes, I will let it run in before doing any kind of tube rolling but in the mean time would like to start making a list of prefered tubes and buy them at my own sweet time.

Your valued suggestion's please.
jay461
15 posts
 
Cello, Thanks. The 6SN7 tubes like the Kenrad, Raytheon, Tung-sol & GE are apprantely good. Which ones do you recommend?

Looking forward to the pre.
jay461
15 posts
 
Cello, Amandarae & Slowhand thanks again. You guys are right its almost impossible to get the Tung-sol 6SN7.

Just curious what would be second best to replace the Tung-sol 6SN7 and the Philips miniwatt GZ34?
jay461
15 posts
 
Thanks Stiltskin, the price for those miniwatts are steep for me. Hence the second choice. I'm using my Chardonnay with a solid state power amp (MC352) and looks like most of you here are using an all tube set up(?).

Could there be a different combonation of tubes for solid state as opposed to a tube amp?
If so, then that begs the question what are the best tubes for the Chardonnay in a SS set up?
jay461
15 posts
 
Crackling sound on my right speaker. I have run my Chardonnay for about 50hrs. with the stock tubes (EH/Sovtek) supplied by Mick. When I turn down the volume with or without playing a CD I can hear crackling and hiss noise from the right channel even as far as 7ft.

As suggested by Mick I have the tubes with the white mark placed in the left channel and the other on the right.

I have the pre set up just as in the manual and the gain switch is at 5th position.

I'm using the TEAC VRDS 10 as a transport hooked up to the tubed Audionote DAC 3.1x signature (not balanced)with the MC352 power amp.

Overall I'm not too happy with the sound. Can you'll give me some input? Thanks.
jay461
15 posts
 
Crackling sound from speaker due to 6SN7 tubes. Overall the sound of my Chardonnay(60hrs)is very nice except for the occational crackling sound I hear on the speaker. I have narrowed down the problem to the 6SN7 tubes.

With the stock EH 6SN7 tubes the crackling is constant even when swoping the tubes. The crackling follows the tube

With a pair of 6SN7 Mullards the sound is distincly better but the occational crackle does still exsist.

The crackle at any given time occurs only on one speaker
Also, when I tap the amp chassis with my finger(not the power section) I hear the tap (amplified)from the speaker...is this a grounding issue?
Your input is much appreciated.
jay461
15 posts
 
Swampwalker thanks. Just a light tap nothing serious. I have been very careful with the insertion and removal of the tubes and making double sure everything is the way it should be.

Did your umbical effect the sound quality also do you play the pre with gain swith (just behind the 6SN7 tubes) in the on or of position?

I have mine set to of.
jay461
15 posts
 
Hi All,

Has anyone tried the NEW Tung-Sol KT-66 on the Chardonnay?
also, what's your opinion on the NOS Mullard CV378/GZ37
for the same pre-amp.

Thanks,
jay461
15 posts
 
for your respose. Well looking forward to the Chardonnay. I should have it in about 6 to 8 weeks. I do plan to use the stock tubes at least for a month or so before doing any kind of tube rolling.

Regards,
Jay
jay461
15 posts
 
I have just ordered the Chardonnay and was wondering if it requires a burn in period or would it be good straight of the bat.

Also in the earlier threads there is a lot of talk about the Ken Rad, Sylvania and Tung Sol VT-231 etc.
The more recent threads talk more of the GE 6SN7GTB

What do you guys recommend now.
Thanks,Jay
More to discover