Just ordered my Chardoney today. Can't wait. I just landed a new job today after many months of job search, so this is my well-deserved treat. Hopefully there are good upgrading times ahead.
By the way, has anyone considered (or better yet, listened to) the supratek power amps? Thanks Bwhite and others for sharing info about what looks like a wonderful product. |
Hi. I'm also waiting for my preamp (since 4/25). Hopefully will be here soon. In the interim, I'll likely shop a bit for tube upgrades. I've heard mention of a few 6SN7 options including Ken Rad Black Glass and JAN and Sylvania VT-231s. I'm wondering would options like RCA Red Base 6SN7 or Mullard EC32s (or EC34s) be better options? Does anyone have experience trying these with the Supratek preamps, or are the previously mentioned options better. I had purchased a pair of RCA Red Base 6SN7s for my Blue Circle BC2 monos on recommendations I found elsewhere and the improvement was shocking (over regular Sylvania 6SN7). Just wondering whether the two options above have been tried or considered by other folks for use with the Supratek. Cheers. |
Thanks BWhite for the tube advice. I'll start hunting for some of those tubes. |
Mick just let me know that my Syrah is finished and will ship today. Yippie! It will be a strange feeling when I get it, not having to wait in anticipation anymore - I may have to order some power amps now to get that nice anticipation feeling again ;-) Echoing Chih38's question, I do wonder how Mick's power amps stack up. |
I'm doubly anxious to get my Syrah because I am almost finished making my Teres 135 turntable (my first turntable) and I need the Syrah phono stage to try it out. This is my first plunge into vinyl - I had originally ordered a Chardonnay but with all the talk about how grea the phono stage is, I just had to try the move to vinyl. |
Good to hear it ships fast - I live in Silicon Valley (like BWhite), so hopefully I'll share the same fast shipping experience he had of three or four days
Noble110, to answer your question, I ordered my preamp in and around April 24th (the day I got word of my new job - I went for the Supratek as a bit of a celebratary gift).
Rockhead, good to hear you're still loving your Syrah. I can't wait as I have to put my brand new turntable through its paces as well (and I'm a vinyl newbie). Fun tims ahead, but it never ends - I'm eyeing up my cables now as upgrade candidates ;-) |
I got my Syrah today (just three days - very fast). Well as others have said, I don't wan't to comment too much on the sonics as it's just breaking in. It's sounding very very nice so far. Even thought it's early days, I can't help but comment on a few noticeable good impressions - a few adjectives I'd use would be clean, resolved and musical. And, it's beautiful. I managed to break my stylus today, so I can't comment on the phono section just yet ;-) I have to get a new stylus from the UK now so will be able to sample the phono section in about two weeks. I think NOS tubes are likely a must - for the 6SN7 secion anyway. I replaced the two 6SN7s with a couple of standard Sylvania GTBs and there was a good improvement (it's still amazing without the NOS tubes, but you might as well swing for the upgraded ones as they're relatively cheap.) I'll be looking for some better 6SN7s and 5881s. |
T_Bone, I can only answer your question related to remote control. I got one with my Syrah. The price was an extra $150. The remote is somewhat 'tacky' - it's a plastic off-the-shelf type learning remote with just a few buttons to control volume up and down, and mute (which just quickly reduces the volume to zero). There is no channel change funcionality on the remote - only volume. There are two channel change buttons on the remote, but they operate as simply a fine tune on the volue (slight up and slight down). Still, it's worth it if you're like me and need to change volume frequently and value the convenience.
I've been with my Syrah over a week now and can't say enough good things about it. Its magical.
Best,
John. |
I've had my Syrah up and running for about two weeks now and it's glorious. However, one problem I've found is that I'm getting quite a bit of hum from the phono stage setting. I'm a newbie to vinyl, so am not sure whether the phono stage is buring in, or whether there are some ground issues. Even after disconnecting my turntable from the Syrah (interconnects and ground cable), the hum is still fully there. It could be that the Syrah is close to the floor - it's on a wooden slab on the floor, with three brass cones seperating the Syrah from the wood. Also, I just got new FIM Gold power cords on my power amps, so maybe they're just burning in, and having an impact on noise at this point. I just rearranged my components, so it's hard to attribute sounds & hum to any particular change I made. The hum was there when I first got the preamp (in phono section only), but seemed to dissipate over time. Now it seems to be back in full force though. HOpefully, the hum will go away following further break-in, but I wanted to check whether others have experienced the same issue. I'm keen to get the vinyl rig going with minimum hum and background noise. Thanks! |
Asa, thanks for the advice. I managed to isolate the hum issue. It was related to the close proximity of my Syrah to my power amps, believe it or not. I had to rearramge my room again, and bring my power amps right next to my speakers, leaving the Syrah in the middle as far away from both amps as possible. Hum is now completely gone. I'm a happy camper now. Mick's preamp certainly wasn't at fault. As my turntable burns in further, I'm now beginning to see how good a vinyl rig can be. Fingers crossed it will overtake my CD player soon. Happy listening! |
One other suggestion I'd add to reducing noise levels/hum with the Syrah is to keep the preamp as far away from amps as possible. That's been my experience - I rearranged my room so that my amps were on either side of my Syrah and things suddenly got very noisy. When I rearranged again and moved amps far away, the hum went. It was particularly noticeable on the phono stage. Also, for whatever reason, I find having the tonearm on my TT close to my amp causes similar hum issues. All this could be just with my system synergy (or lack thereof ;-) but just thought I'd mention. |
Mick's new website is up! Check out the latest eye candy:
http://www.supratek.biz
Also, alongside the new Supratek stuff, for those on the vinyl upgrade path, check out Teres Audio's new Teres 340 rig. Holy cow, just when I thought my upgrades were over for a while. I guess it never ends..
www.teresaudio.com
Cheers,
Outlier |
Hi Bwhite, many thanks for the input. Sounds like good advice. I'll see can I return the tubes to the dealer I got them from. It's a pity it's so hit-or-miss with these tubes. 1 in 10 sounds like such bad odds ;-) Cheers,
Outlier |
I got my hands on some KenRad Black Glass VT231 from a reputable seller and I tried them on my Syrah. I found that while the sound was great, there was a huge amount of 'wind' coming from the tubes. It wasn't a hum per-se, but it sounded more like I was at the beach, listening to the sea. It was really too much background noise, and it was apparent form both channels equally (that said, the sound was great on all but quiet passages). I'm just wondering whether others have had such an experience with the KenRads, or other tubes. I had believed that these KenRads were perhaps the tube of choice for the Syrah/Chardonnay, but from my experience it wasn't the case. I substitued back in some Sylvania 6SN7s and got better results.
I've since applied the KenRads to my Blue Circle BC2 hybrid amps. There, I found the bass deeper (which matches the KenRad reputation) but perhaps at the expense of some treble - which now seems a bit hidden and less delicate (tubes replaced here were RCA Red Base 5692)s. Anyway, I'm wondering whether I should continue to experiment with tube choice, or just call it quits (I was a little disappointed to spend $125 on the KenRads and not get a bang for the buck). Anyway, I'd welcome thoughts and insights from others on potential other selections (maybe Sylvania VT231s, or 6SN7Ws, or metal based variants??).
On another note, my Syrah is totally kicking ass. It got me into vinyl and I haven't listened to a CD in months. I'm so glad I didn't go with the Chardonnay, but took the vinyl plunge (TT is Teres 135, OL Silver arm, Shelter 501Mk2).
Thanks,
Outlier |
While we're on the subject of wine, just in case everyone doesn't know already, Mick's top end preamp, the Grange is named after what is generally considered Australia's finest bottle of wine - The Penfolds Grange. I think the preamp is well named, because the Grange wine is unique, mysterious, lasts for decades and cannot easily be compared to another wine. It basically sets the standard, as I'm sure does the preamp. I have the Syrah right now, but in a year or two I'd consider taking the plunge and getting the Grange. If I do, I think I might treat myself to a bottle of Grange at the same time. I think they'd go well together :-) (Incidentally, if you do buy a bottle of Grange, get the 1998 vintage. It's rated 99 points by both Wine Specator and Wine Advocate - almost perfect - you'll have to dish out over $220 for a bottle though, if you can find it :-) Cheers,
Outlier.
(Life's too short to drink cheap wine!) |
Hi T_bone - In terms of buying The Grange, I recommend checking out winecommune.com. It's essentially the Audiogon of wine. Pretty amazing site - you can buy just about anything. Prices can be pretty good as well. The '98 Grange can still be had for about $220 on the site. Also, if you can find it, Costco has had it for $159. If you're shopping for other Aussie wine, I recommend checking out Clarendon Hills (their '01 Astralis is 100 points by Parker, and the lower end siblings are stunning for the price - each and every one of them - the best Aussie wines I've had). Cheers, and happy listening! |
Hi Folks:
I purchased a pair of KenRad 6L6G for the regulator position in my Syrah, but one of the tubes does not appear to show any filiment lighting up and it's cold to the touch even after extended use (whereas the other one is lit up and warm/hot). I'm thinking the tube is dead but I've no equipment to test it. I got the tubes on eBay and they were listed as NOS but were untested. I'm wondering is my thinking right (is the tube definitely dead)? The strange thing is the music plays just fine, but then I tried removing the dead regulator tube to see how the music sounds, and it still sounds fine. Hence, I'm wondering what role these tubes play at all??? Any opions are welcome. Thanks. |
Hi Bwhite, thanks for the tip on the other tubes. Yea, I guess the KenRad likely is dead (cost me $110 after shipping for the pair too ;-) I'll see can I get refund or replacement.
Yea, I do need to get my hands on that PC. Right now I'm between CD players (just sold my YBA CD1a), and I'm having my Teres 135 upgraded to 245, so I'm musicless right now, but will see can I try the cord when I get back in action with the 245. I have to get a new CD player now too. I've heard good, interesting things about the Meitner/Phillips rig - might try that (if it doesn't cost me an arm and leg). Cheers, and happy listening. |
Hi Bwhite. Wow, $10k certainly is an arm and a leg. Fat chance of me getting that rig. I think I might very well follow through on your Bidat recommendation.
Yea, I'm looking forward to the Teres upgrade - should be quite a treat. Cheers. |
Hi Hpfish:
I have a Syrah, and I live in Los Altos, Ca. I'd be happy to let you hear it in my system. However, I'm between CD players right now, and only have a DAC on hand (no transport as yet), as I mostly listen to vinyl these days. Hence, if you can bring over your CD player (or Transport), you can check out my Syrah (which for line stage purposes would be the same as the Chardonnay).
To be honest though, you really can't go wrong with ordering a Supratek. I had a $5k Stereophile Class A line stage preamp before the Syrah, and the Syrah is unambiguously superior, with phono stage, for half the price. It's a no-brainer if you ask me. My next and last preamp will be a Cortese and/or The Grange.
Let me know if you want to swing by - just email me direct. Cheers,
John. |
I just wanted to share a photo of my Supratek. It's supported on a Sistrum platform, which apart from the sonic advantages, looks very cool IMHO:
http://cgim.audiogon.com/i/vs/i/f/1112246444.jpg
Rack support is an Adona double stand. I believe I've noticed sonic improvements with both supports added, although still tweaking things. The sistrum may be overkill for support for this application - the improvements were more substantial with the SP-004 platforms I added to my Virgo II speakers.
I used to get a lot of comments/questions from guests on the Supratek, but I get even more now that the Sistrum is under it. Looks pretty aggressive. I guess the subjec is covered somewhere in this long forum, but I'd be curious to learn what others have found for optimum support for this great preamp. |
Mc5baby, if you still have trouble with the tight volume control, it may be that the steel knob is touching the sides of the wood enclosure. You can remove the knob and recenter with an allen key. If that is not the issue, and it seems that something internal is awry, one potential fix is to seat the preamp facing up (so the volume knob is facing toward the ceiling, remove the volume knob and place a drop or two of oil into the mechanism). Of course you should check with Mick first to confirm if that would be an appropriate course of action. I expereinced similar stiffness with my input switch over time on my Supratek. I resolved it another way (had to resolder a new input switch I got from Mick), but the Tech who worked on the preamp for me (Nick Gowan from Truesound) had some positive results by just applying a dab of oil to the switch mechanism. Anyway, just a thought - again, no substitute for confirming with Mick on best way forward, but thought I'd share my experience, which has similar symptoms to yours.
Cheers,
John. |
Just to note, I'm putting up my Syrah for sale in the next few days if anyone is interested in it. It's still a gem of a full-function pre. I moved to Doshi linestage & Thor phono. |
Mine died a couple of years ago, and Mick got me a replacement for a nominal cost. |
I have what may be a silly question. I've been enjoying my Syrah, and I've a friend who is poised to purchase a Chardonnay. Question is, he want's to connect it to a pair of monoblocks and a subwoofer. I know these pres have two sets of outputs, so I assume the subwoofer can comfortably use the second set of outputs, but I just wanted to confirm. Also, if my friend were to upgrade later to say two JL Audio Fathom 113s, is the connection one single RCA per sub, so that the Chardonnay could accomodate the pair of monoblocks and both subs?
thanks in advance! |
Kgturner and V21, thanks so much for the info. Good to hear that the combo works great. |
(I meant to say that the Bendix is not nearly as good as the Mullard, IMHO of course..) |
Thanks Ait (Have you tried the GZ37 though - just curious about the comparison). |
I just wanted to mention another great little Supratek story. Two days ago my Syrah wasn't powering up - it just seemed dead. I emailed Mick and Kevin, and they diagnosed/suggested that my Rectifier tube in the power supply might be dead. They also told me that when this happens it automatically blows a fuse (accessibe easily next to the plug socket) and that there is a spare fuse already there next to the spent fuse.
Sure enough, they were correct, and within mintues I was up and running again just by switching in their already-provided and easily accessed spare fuse, and swapping in another rectifier I had handy. I'm up and running again.
Anyways, not only was the communication swift and accurate, but I was amazed that I didn't even have to figure out what the replacement fuse type was and then go shopping for it. Not sure if this replacement fuse feature is typical, but is struck me as so convenient.
So, long story short, I continue to be a very happy Supratek owner. |
I can only weigh in as a happy Supratek Syrah owner. I bought my direct from Mick about six years ago. One of the remotes died about two years ago (four years after I had had the pre). I got a prompt response from Mick, who sent me a new remote for about $15 including shipping - which was perfect. Also, the remote dying was likely my fault (wear and tear). I also had an issue with the volume knob siezing up. I got it fixed locally by an audio tech, and Mick offered to pay half (and he sent on a new volume pot).
I'm guessing that perhaps service/quality dropped in more recent years? As, it's hard for me to reconcile my very good experience with that of others' bad experience. One thing I will say is tht the pre was late, by maybe a month, but he only asked for final 50% payment days before shipping.
Finally, the pre is a gem - like some others have said, I've tried 'upgrading' the phono stage, but to no avail - I guess I need to spend way more $$.
Dev, sorry to hear about your experience. I think the input you provided is all valid - the only point I have trouble with is the references to the remove(s). Yes, they are crappy, but there were never advertised or marketed as otherwise. The remote met my expectation based on discussions in the online forums here.
happy listening.. |
Rectifier tube question. I know i could probably find answers to this question if I spent an hour looking through these threads, but thought I'd just save time and ask outright. What is the best rectifier tube I can try for my Supratek Syrah? I've been using Mullard GZ37, comparable to this one:
http://www.kraudioproducts.com/Mullard-Brimar/ProductDetail.aspx?CatID=65&ProductID=150
and have gotten fantastic results from it, but it went dead last week. I've since been using a Bendix, but it's nearly as good as the Mullard. Should I just get another one of these GZ37? Might this more pricey GZ37 do the trick:
http://www.kraudioproducts.com/Mullard-Brimar/ProductDetail.aspx?CatID=65&ProductID=155
or do I need to refocus elsewhere. thanks in advance! Still looving my Syrah after about 7 years now!!! It's the only piece of my equipment that hasn't changed! |
Thanks for the info Ait. I'll see can I get my hands on the GZ33. Just to mention, I was using the GZ37 on the Syrah for about 6 years, so it had a good innings. It really was so beautiful compared to the Bendix I'm using now which seems a bit hard/etched - it's subtle, but I hear it. Anyways, happy listening. |
