Preamp Deal of the Century
Hi everyone, I just want to say thanks!!! Since this thread is probably the reason behind my latest purchase - Chardonnay with a Bendix 6106 Rectifier tube and a matched pair of very rare Tung Sol Round Plate tubes. All I can say is...........I AM SHOCKED & FLOORED in the same time. $1700 (used) for this preamp is one of my best buys so far. And I am not talking about money. This thing is everything you guys said it is and more. Cheers |
Thank You for the kind words Kgturner. The phenomena of the this tread as well as the number of people participating and being part of "THE SUPRATEK CLUB" can't be explain until one experience Michael's (Mick) products first hand. On the matter of tube choices and its effect on the sound, I am also curies. As much as I would like to share my personal experience with the rest of "S" users - I can't because of my very limited time with the unit. As far as the tubes that came with my preamp, all I can say is that I can not find any shortcomings of that combo. Of course, it is too early for any meaningful evaluation or comparison. What I have noticed is that tubes chosen by a privies owner (NOS Tung Sol-round plate) are very sensitive/microphonic and a use of a tube rings is a must. Other then that, they are wonderful. I would also like to ask: about the preferred way to address vibration control, unit placement (and power supply). I know I am going nuts with all this questions.......one more, power cables/ interconnects - make difference with Supratek or no. |
Thank You for the kind words Kgturner. The phenomena of the this tread as well as the number of people participating and being part of "THE SUPRATEK CLUB" can't be explain until one experience Michael's (Mick) products first hand. On the matter of tube choices and its effect on the sound, I am also curies. As much as I would like to share my personal experience with the rest of "S" users - I can't because of my very limited time with the unit. As far as the tubes that came with my preamp, all I can say is that I can not find any shortcomings of that combo. Of course, it is too early for any meaningful evaluation or comparison. What I have noticed is that tubes chosen by a privies owner (NOS Tung Sol-round plate) are very sensitive/microphonic and a use of a tube rings is a must. Other then that, they are wonderful. I would also like to ask: about the preferred way to address vibration control, unit placement (and power supply). I know I am going nuts with all this questions.......one more, power cables/ interconnects - make difference with Supratek or no. |
I would like to thank you Stiltskin for your thorough and very detailed description as well as your insight on these tweaks application and usefulness. As I mention earlier, previous owner was kind enough to leave Tung Sol 6SN7GT/VT-231 round plate (NOS) as well as Bendix 6106 Rectifier tube. I am not in a rush to experiment with different tubes as this combination seems to work very well. I also have some extra tubes: Ken Rad VT-231 black glass (NOS - very microphonic) and few Sylvania 6SN7GT(B & A). If the bug bits me, I have few options to try............but not anytime soon. As of Symposium roller blocks, I happened to have one set as well as few sets of Final "Daruma" ball bearing audio insulators - which are very similar to Symposium. However using those under my CDP is out of question, because of its dedicated stand. Which makes it impossible to use them under Droplet CDP. Here is why: Doplet with Stand I could used them with Symposium platform( got only one) for Supratek, if it helps with vibrations and isolation. I will look into your other recommendations, those also seemed very interesting. Heard a lot about the products you mentioned but have no personal experience to form any opinion. But will investigate some more on your suggestions. Cables I use right now are: CDP to Preamp = Harmonic Technology Magic link 1 balanced Preamp to Amps = Harmonic Technology Pro-Silway MK III(SE) Spk cable = Vampire Wire #CCS/S (Continuous Cast Silver)Bi-W Phono pre = Harmonic Technology Pro-Silway MK III(SE) and MÃRCH cable to MÃRCH UP-4 tonearm. Power = Signal Cable, Kimber Kable 10, Granite Audio. Again, thanks for taking time and effort to answer my questions. Mariusz |
Could be a noisy tube...... If you think it is ground loop problem (you have to be sure) fine a dealer and ask for loan of a Ground Zero made by Granite Audio. (if you are in tri-state area - let me know). I had a similar headache just a while ago. Turn out to be a "noisy" tube in one of my amps. Cheers |
