Preamp Deal of the Century

Thanks to all who wrote glowing reviews of the Supratek preamps. In short, the Chardonnay has transformed my system. Instead of listening occasionally, music is flowing most of the time now. From all of your reviews, I expected an intimate, dynamic and organic presentation, but
the transparency and spot-on tonality surprised me.

I think it is safe to say: Everybody digs Supratek.

Glad to see the thread back on thread. I've admired the participants here not only because they use their own ears to evaluate equipment, but also because, unlike so many audiophiles who submit to the conspiracy theory that the government is withholding the use of matter transmitters each time they insist they cannot wait for overnight fedex to get those new, great cables that will change everything forever, you all have been able to wait for a truly outstanding product that you have never seen or heard. Hmmm. Or that an indication of another kind of weirdness?

I'm selling my beloved Chardonnay linestage and wanted to know what fellow owners think it might be worth before I post a classified ad.

I purchased it 9/03. It is in perfect working order and looks the same as when I received it. With NOS input tubes, customs expenses, state tax and, yes, the halo dampers, the total investment (without shipping) = about $2,500. Mine has an antique copper finish (don't know if those are still available).

I currently use a cdp with a tranformer coupled triode ouptut stage (sound familiar?) and am using it directly connected to my amp (also tubed). Since I don't have other source components, there is no need for a preamp. While I've been thinking about keeping the Supratek as a collector's item, I also would like to upgrade my existing gear. Oh, the terrible upgrade bug...

So, the unit is used, but it is available for shipping now.

Phil

Oh, forgot to mention that my Chardonnay does NOT have a remote (important to some folks).

I have the original manual and box (of course!).

Phil

Tvad,

Thanks for the suggestion. I believe we have the same apl unit, although mine doesn't have the latest upgrades (yet!). I have tried it both ways for a while and find the sound very, very similar (which says a lot about the Supratek's transparency). That being the case, and given my inclination for simplicity, and for upgrading the apl, I'm leaning toward selling.

I appreciate your advice.

Phil