Preamp Deal of the Century

Thanks to all for introducing this preamp. There are already comments on tubes, how about hook up suggestions like isolation devices, IC and power cords. Again thanks for the advice.

I am on a later boat, order was placed at end of March.

Patrick, I suggest audition the PP with the Syrah, my concern is that PP does not always work well with triode tube gear. PP is great with digital equipment. However it is all personal preference. Just my 2 cents.

A late thank you to Bwhite for sharing with us some time ago how the Syrah is set up and especially how to iron out the microphonic probem of vintage 6SN7s or indeed other vintage tubes.
Now I will like to know whether anyone has experimented with different cords between the power supply and main unit, I remember the improvement of upgrading the cord with ARC pres. So there may be room for improvement in this area.
It will also be helpful if users can tell us how long the initial break-in period and anything that we should pay particular attention during this break-in.
Many thanks in advance.
WS

Hi, I felt a bit uneasy that I received my Syrah before you guys. I guess my unit being 230V may have helped to reduce the lead production time (Australia is also on 230V).

I was skeptical of what had been said about this pre but now I can confirm what was said is accurate. It is an experience having this preamp in the system and it is difficult to reconcile the price/ performance ratio of this product to others.

My main reason of this post is to remind new owners that when you receive your unit, do thoroughly go through and understand Mick's 3 page instructions before you plug it in. He expects we are all experienced and responsible triode amp users and unlike the more established corporations, his documentation may be considered brief.

The sound of the pre changes at every session as it continues to improve by the burn in. Experiment with the different gains settings. There are a few combinations. I am currently setting the internal pair of switches on low and the switch at the back highest. The various combinations do sound different.

Experiment also with the different phono loadings, I was surprised the loading that works best for me is not the usual loading of my previous pres. When I mentioned this to Mick's S E Asia distributor this was the reply from Mick:
“The phono, like all my products is a little unconventional and will react differently than other pres- I'm glad he found the sweet spot. Once he gets used to the possibilities of the Syrah, he may find more surprises.”

What had been said on tubes in previous posts are excellent advice.

Thanks again for sharing the discovery of this preamp.

Happy listening,

Hi Asa, Syrah is fine and has absolutely no problem. The changes are that I am reducing listening time to have more sleep!