Preamp Deal of the Century


If anyone is looking for a true "World Class" preamp at a very fair price..heed my advice. I just recieved a Supratek Syrah preamp that was hand built by Mick Maloney in Western Australia, and it is absolutely beautiful! This preamp is the best deal you will ever find. I would put it up against any preamp out there for both looks and sound. Price? $2500 for the Syrah (includes Killer Phono stage). Not into phono? Try the Chardonney line stage for $2100. Don't get me wrong, I am not associated with this company. I am just a very happy owner! This preamp is VERY dynamic, yet liquid. It conveys the sound of music better than any other preamp that I have ever heard! You can check out the Supratek website at www. cantech.net.au
slowhand
Hi Fiddler, I haven't mentioned the power cords mostly because I don't know what the availability is, or will be. I didn't want to turn everyone on to these if there weren't any places to get them... or if the manufacturer wasn't interested in mass-production... know what I mean?

I learned about the power cord from a friend of mine who like me had tried many power cords in his Supratek but was never exactly satisfied with any particular cord threfore using a cord which did the least harm. Once he "discovered" these, he ordered five or six additional cords and now uses them throughout his system for everything except his amps - which left him a few extra.

I purchased mine from him and the price was IMHO very reasonable - far less than any decent retail cable. I don't want to post his email address on Audiogon so, if you email me, I will put you in touch with him. He's a pretty cool guy so maybe he'll sell you one of his extras or give you one to audition? I don't know, so just email me.

What I found about this power cord particularly on the Supratek was how it added life to the unit. It is the kind of benefit that (now that I have heard it) I cannot live without in my system. I never liked what Electraglide, NBS, FIM, Virtual Dynamics, Elrod, Shunyata, etc. did on the Supratek. The results were either not enough good to justify the price, or too much.... and sent my system over the edge in one way or another. I had been using an Absolute PC on my preamp for a while because it didn't seem to get in the way, add anything or harm anything.

Some people really love the Absolutes and my feelings with these are love/hate. I loved that it was better than a stock cord & didn't change much or do much harm and I hated that I found nothing which performed better without going over the top.

Its weird, adding the new power cord to the Supratek, the difference was very subtle as if almost nothing changed. Everything seems right.. just like I envisioned it did before, but going back to the old cable and listening, I noticed the system sounded dull, lethargic and lifeless by comparison. Switching back to the new power cord, gave me that "Ahhh... much better" feeling and I haven't removed it from my system since.

The benefit of this PC comes without any apparent shift in tonal balance or any negative "side effects". It is a very, very good match for the Supratek. My friend was so excited about the cord that he sent one to Mick for audition. Unfortunately, he overlooked the fact that Australia uses different connectors. :)
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.
I am blown away by what everyone is saying about this pre-amp. Is there anyone in Los Angeles that would be willing to show off their shinny chrome beauty? Maybe do a shootout with an Audio Note preamp?
Outlier, The Supratek's will play fine without the regulator tubes installed. I am not sure exactly what the tube does but... I presume they regulate... :) I've tried a few tubes in that position and have just recently tried the Metal 6L6 RCA's. (Black Metal tubes) They're kind of ugly but they sound very, very impressive and are pretty inexpensive. Worth a shot if you can stomach the looks.

My guess is one of your Ken Rad 6L6G's is dead.

Also... did you hook up with Ethan regarding that power cord? I think you might like it. I've got one and its a big enhancement to my system.
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.