Preamp Deal of the Century

Indeed let's move on, so for those of us that are contemplating purchase of a Supratek linestage, can anyone offer any observations on the relative performance among the following: Cabernet (latest production), Sauvignon (latest production), Sauvignon (older model) and Chardonnay. Keep it simple by just assessing the line stages or the line stage performance of their equivalent full-function counterparts (Grange, Cortese and Syrah respectively).

Linkster
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I would suggest that you get either a Grange, Cortese or Syrah rather than a line stage only Supratek pre. The incremental cost of getting a model with the phono stage included is very little compared to the value (many believe the phono stage to be one of the best phono stages available) you get. Having both stages should greatly help your resale / demand (not that you will want to sell it anytime soon). You will also be more than set if you get into vinyl someday.

I have a Cortese that is about a year old and I have not heard the Grange nor I have I heard any of Mick's new iterations that started coming out late last year.

I think that either Steve 1960 or Mick can give you and informed / honest opinion as to how much the newer models have improved the various aspects.

I would also like to hear from anyone that might have heard either the new Cortese or Grange releases and how they stack up against the older models.

It would also be great to hear how much of an improvement that the Grange is over the Cortese on both the line and phono sections.

Eccletique,

Any updates on the new NOS tubes used as regulators, which you believed will "hold it own with the esteemed WE 350b"

TJ

I now have a Cortese to A/B verses the Syrah. I am also lucky enough to have a CJ Premier 16LS MKII , on loan, to go head to head against the " highly praised" Supratek models.

Thus far I wish the Syrah had more body, foundation and overall weight to the music. The CJ beats the Syrah in these areas, but is not as transparent. The CJ throws a larger stage also. I am only listening to CD's thus far. I will test the Cortese and update all on my progress. The Syrah was built in mid 2001 and I am not sure of the age of the Costese. Inside I noticed it was tweeked by "someone" with vibration deadening sheets.Serial number is RL136.
I understand much of the outcome will be based on system and room matching.

Grannyring

Hi Guys,

I'm in the process of upgrading the tubes on the Sauvignon (Line Stage Cortese) and need some advice. I'm currently running the standard stock tubes at the moment.

If my main objective is to 'Tighten the Bass' and 'Increase the detail'. Any magic combination you would recommend ?

I've just acquired the Mullard GZ34 to be used as the rectifier as a start, and will place the tube into service once it arrives.

I've heard on this news group that using the Ken Rad's will result in Bass which is Not so tight in comparison to the Sylvania VT-231.

Any Thoughts.
Clipsal.