Preamp Deal of the Century

I place high value in the Audiogon discussion Forum, and when I see so much aclaim for Mick's Supratek preamps I find it hard to resist. So I didn't resist and have joined the group with an order for the Syrah.
This preamp will join the Air Tight ATM3 amps, which I hope will be a good fit. I sold the ARC Ref. 1 as it offered a bright sound with this combination.
Mick advises the wait is now 4 months for delivery!
---- Wating patiently----
Steve Noble

Jewel,
I have the Genesis 500. They are designed for tube speakers with built-in bass amps. They do sound great with the Air Tight amps.
I have not heard the Karma Ceramique, but they have great reviews.
So the wait for the Supratek continues!

Outlier,
Congradulations on the Syrah shipping!! When did you order it?? Mick received my order in June, so I am hoping for a Xmas present! ( or Thanksgiving??)

Mick advised that construction of my Syrah will begin next week. My order dates to mid-June. Perhaps a Thanksgiving day treat!
Thanks to all postings with advice on tube recommendation.This will be the next challenge. I have been working on dedicated power while waiting for the pre.
The Supratek will be be in front of Air Tight ATM3 mono amps. Listening to other tube preamps suggests the Syrah will be a great addition, especially with the phono ( LP12 ).

Mick advised that my Syrah is ready to ship!!! This was ordered mid - June, so 5 months was the backlog. I am looking forward to the Syrah and will express my impressions here.

The Syrah ordered in June has finally arrived! Beautifull construction. Any suggestions on amount of break-in required??

Based on this thread recommendations I rolled the stock tubes to Tung Sol 6L6WGB ( 5881 ) and Ken Rad Black 6SN7 V231.
This change made a HUGE improvement and brought the performance closer to my expectations of the sound of a high-end pre. Prior to the change the presentation was "thin". This is difficult to describe but I noticed the lack of "depth" immediatly, and actually thought about selling it, but decided to give it a fair trial with improved tubes.

I have compared to the ARC REF 1 , ARC REF2 MkII, Hoveland HP1000, and the new MacIntosh. PRior to the tube rolling, I would not have placed the SYRAH in the same class as these great preamps, however after the tube upgrade the presentation moved into the same league. Each of these preamps has a unique sound and quite a different soundstage presentaton, so difficult to say one is better than another.

The Syrah's dynamics are outstanding, clarity is excellent, but the soudstage is much further back than one might expect from typiucal tube preamps. The phono is especially nice.

I have Air Tight ATM3 mono amps and Genesis speakers. These amps do reflect each component upstream, and I was surprised and how different each of the preamps sound, especially in soundstage presentation. So for the price, the Syrah is an outstanding value. The weakness on mine is specific to the selector control being very difficult to rotate. Anyone have a suggestion on how to improve the selector movement??

Jazzdude, I also had to complete a form received from Fed Exp. to get it released from customs. So contact them if you have not received a release form.

Dennis the Menace asked about line conditioning results. I would also be interested in feedback on this subject.
My Syrah is plugged into a dedicated 20Amp line ( dedicated for all components) and I have very good results. The outlets are "constuction" grade, which I would rate only slightly better that standard commercial outlets. The Syrah is dead quiet with excellent dynamics. I have yet to experiment with power cords or line conditioners. Note that I did seperate the Syrah's power supply well away from other components and the pre section of the Syrah.

The Supratek does require tube rolling to gain maximum sound. Perhaps the sellers have not experimented with the tubes, and when compared to other preamps( higher priced preamps) it sounds "lean". To current owners - do take the time to roll the tubes following the advise given in this thread. I am not sure about break-in time, however the action of the knob/contols did smooth-out after 3-4 months.

I will attempt to shed a little light on First Sound vs. Syrah.
I listened to them side-by-side and must say that they are very close in sound. My Syrah had rolled tubes to Tung-Sol & Ken Rad. I found this change was a great improvement and a must to get close to the First Sound. I did have microphonic issues when touching the Syrah. Dynamics on both are outstanding.The soundstage presentation are very similar with open & revealing sonics without brightness. I do enjoy vinyl and loved the Syrah phono section. But I kept the First Sound as the "stock" preamp had a slight edge on presentation - without modifification, and no microphonic issues. However the cost with an additional phono stage ( ARC PH3SE used) was $1,500 more than the Syrah. This makes the Syrah the best value hands down, but the First Sound has the edge on sonics, plus all First Sound amps can be upgraded. And the debate continues.....

Baranyi,
I am in Indianapolis and have the First Sound/Berning combination. You are welcome to audition if in the area.

Syrah vs. ARC Ref 1
Can anyone comment on this comparison?? Currently have the ARC preamp with Air Tight ATM3 amps. This combo is a little bright.
Would enjoy your comments.
Steve Noble