Just got an email from Mick. He said my Supratek should be done within a month, but no guarantees. He is just taking them one at a time in his order book.
That's okay with me. I think Mick is double and triple checking things to eliminate any problems. Being a one man show I am sure the temptation is there to knock them out as quickly as you can to maximize your profit, but quality always suffers as a result.
I had rather wait an additional month and not have problems than to get my pre right away and deal with any fixes.
Anyway, I have many other tweaks I am in the middle of to keep me busy. |
I am on a later boat, order was placed at end of March. |
Wsin - We're on the same boat. My deposit is dated March 29th. |
Question. What is your opinion on asking Mick to make the CD in an XLR configuration instead of RCA's? Would it make any sonic difference? Would it be more trouble than it is worth? Am I just being rockheaded again?
Patrick |
I asked Mick to do that upgrade for me on my first preamp and unfortunately he said he couldn't. If the signal from your CDP is truly balanced, the Supratek cannot handle it - for whatever reason. |
Thanks for the response Bwhite. I am fairly new in this forum and easily confused despite having read about a million posts."If the signal is truly balanced, the Supratek cannot handle it..." Are you saying my cdp won't connect in the good old fashioned left-to-left right-to-right rca connection? |
Yeah yeah yeah.... But what about LAST century?? I picked up a Joule Electra LA-100 for $600. Ha! |
Oh.. ya... sorry I was unclear, it will connect perfectly with the RCA cables. It's the two source signals per channel in each XLR cable (balanced) that the Supratek circuit isn't designed for. |
Anyone received a new Supratek from Mick lately?
I am waiting as I know several others are. |
On our last exchange (May 4) Mick said it would be another 5-6 weeks, maybe sooner. |
Well that's good news. My deposit was 3 days before Jewels-March 26th-and 5 or 6 weeks from May 4th puts it in the 10 to 11 week range for total wait. That's what Mick told me when I ordered. I was afraid the wait might get ridiculous. It does seem like I ordered it a million years ago.
Patrick |
I ordered mine in the middle of February. I am hoping to receive it soon. I'm sure Mick is swamped though.
Warren |
Fiddler,
If you ordered in the middle of February, you are now at about 15 weeks. Could you let us know when you receive it? I'm getting nervous and itchy about it.
Thanks,
Patrick |
Rockhead, Fiddler & others: Infact I just sold my old preamp, meaning, I'm without a preamp altogether until the Supratek arrives. I'm lucky because I use a "Air Tight ATM-2" for an amp which allows for a line-level source i.e., CD player, directly into the amplifier using the amps left and right attenuators for volume level control -- but the sound is too thin for me for any extended or meaningful listening. I wish the old pre wasn't snapped up as quickly as it had, oh well! |
I just emailed Mick yesterday to ask him if the Supratek came with an IEC or a hard-wired power cord. He said IEC. (That's what I had hoped as I want to use one of my Virtual Dynamic power cords with it)
I did not ask him what the status of my unit was and he didn't mention it in his reply. I am just trying to be patient.
I had rather wait a little longer and not rush him and receive a first-class preamp.
Believe me, as soon as I receive it, I will post here and give my initial impressions and will follow-up with a second post after break-in.
Warren |
Jewel, let me know how you like the Virtual PC on the Supra when you get it. Thanks. |
Asa, I don't follow you, what is a "Virtual PC"? |
Jewel.....Virtual Dynamics powercord. |
Thanks Bradz. To Asa again - I don't own any Virtual Dynamics PCs. I use all "Absolute Powercords", these are your basic hospital-grade powercords marketed by GTT Audio. The only exception is my "Air-Tight ATM-2" amp, it comes with a (mine did anyway) non-detachable factory powercord with a 2-prong plug. You probably have me mixed up with someone else. Sorry. |
Asa meant to address the Virtual Dynamics comment to Fiddler.I'm jumping into this thread so I can follow it for awhile. This is all very interesting. |
I have been following this thread with interest, and like Mick, am Western Australian. Bwhite mentioned that Mick lived in a remote area of Western Australia - from his address he is in a suburb of Perth, a beautiful coastal city on the Swan River of about a million people (although I understand that Perth is the remotest capital city in the world).
As you have all seen, his products are beautifully made, using a local hardwood (jarrah) for the bases. I understand that he began building
electronics in the small town (fishing village) of Dongara, north of Perth.His earlier equipment was made under the name of Micrex and looked very similar. It was very reasonably priced and to me, sounded very good. I recall that Ken Kessler wrote some enthusiastic notes about it after a hifi show in Sydney some years ago.
Not too many Australians seem to have his amps and for some reason most of the interest comes from the US. I have never seen a Supatek product at a retailers over here, although I do know of some people who have his preamp and are very pleased with the results it brings.The weak AU$ against US$ is a bonus for you Yanks.I think that I am going to have to check them out and perhaps end up standing in line with you guys. |
I was told by Mike around the end of March and confirmed on the early of May again that he will try to finish my pre-amp around the early week of July. Now it is about four weeks away from the delivery date. After reading a few response on this thread, I am kind of nervous about getting my pre-amp on time. Any comments.
|
Anyone had any feedback from Mick lately on a timetable for your preamp?
I ordered mine Feb. 15th and haven't received it yet. I don't know if it is in the works or if Mick has even started it yet. I don't want to bug Mick, but I am curious if anyone else has received info on their order.
Warren |
Fiddler - Like you and others I'm just sitting tight. Obviously none of us want to bug Mick every 15 days but I'm surprized (worried) to know you haven't heard anything yet. I was hoping to receive mine by the end of June. Doesn't look like it will happen -- what a pain in the &$@%.
I once tried counting the number of units in order just from this thread alone - I beleive it was 11 or 12. Without additional hands/help I don't think Mick can pull off the 3-month arrears. |
Hey, has anyone who has ordered a preamp received one yet? I would like to purchase a new preamp but will wait until some of you guys receive yours so I know this company is for real. |
I check this thread almost everyday to see if Fiddler got his yet since ordered about 5 weeks before I did. The fact that he has not disturbs me. On 6/5 I received a email response from Mick saying it would be another 2 or 3 weeks which would put my total wait at about 13 weeks. Fiddler has been waiting longer than that now.
Patrick |
Aloha Tennispro,
Mick is definitely for real. I have spoken with other people in Australia who sell audio equipment and Mick is well known and for real. You have to understand that this is not a company per se in the usual sense. It is one guy making all of the products himself.
Several of the guys who have received their Suprateks already have corresponded with me and they say their units sound phenomenal.
I am not concerned about Micks credibility, I was just curious if anyone else had recently been in touch with Mick and had been given a new updated timetable.
Aloha,
Warren |
Sorry you guys haven't received the Supratek's yet...
I know of someone who is selling a Cortese - I don't know the details of the unit other than the fact that its new - just received at the end of May. The current owner has had some health problems recently and its put a significant financial burden upon him, which is why he must sell. If anyone is interested in the Cortese, please let me know - I can put you in contact with the seller. It might be a fast way to get a "new" unit. |
Would love to, but don't need phono and the Cortese would be considerably more expensive. Otherwise I would snap it up in a heartbeat.
Warren |
Hang in there guys, I ordered my Syrah before everyone started ordering them and it took 12 weeks to get mine. My point is that although I know you guys are going nuts with all this waiting I am sure Mick is doing his best with all the orders he is getting. This preamp is a pure joy to listen to, and it only gets better with time. I have never heard an audio component tht sounds so natural. By the way, when I ordered mine Mick said it would take about 3 weeks and it turned into 12 weeks, but he was working on the new Parafeed design. Mine was the first to be shipped with this design. |
Just got an email from Mick and he said he thought he would have my Supratek ready in 2-3 weeks. I will keep you guys posted.
Warren |
Found this thread yesterday and have been drooling ever since...I'm currently using an ARC LS16Mk2 into a VT100Mk2 and Avalon Opus speakers. The description of the Supratek sound is very alluring. How does the ordering process work? Does Mick charge your credit card when you order or when he ships (i.e. what is your financial risk until receipt?) Can anyone comment on the sound of the Cortese vs. the Chardonney? I use only CD and SACD, so the phono stage is not important. Thanks for your input. |
Syrah vs. ARC Ref 1
Can anyone comment on this comparison?? Currently have the ARC preamp with Air Tight ATM3 amps. This combo is a little bright.
Would enjoy your comments.
Steve Noble |
Afveep -
When I ordered mine (a chardonney) back on March 29th, Mick accepted only PayPay and/or Wire transfer. A deposit of 50% is required when you place your order. The wait is probably around 3-months or more. But couldn't tell you how it sounds - I ordered mine based on the buzz alone, and of course the looks! Good luck. |
fiddler, will this preamp run 6 meter interconnects ?? i have a bc-3 and it is dead quiet & runs this length with no problems. i had a ai3a once and it simply could not ??
this preamp buzz has me wondering. do you know if there are duty fees inconjunction with shipping fees. do you know ball park shipping cost to the u.s.a. 100.00, 200.00 etc...
thx, tim |
Tim, my suspicions are yes and I don't know.
But I don't want to speak out of school and post any erroneous information. Send Mick an email and he usually responds within a day or two.
Warren |
Bluebottle, this is slowhand. I have a Supratek Syrah. To answer your questions, the shipping cost me $130 to ship via Fed Ex which as I understand it is the only way Mick will ship. That price is very resonable for shipping a 48lb. piece of equipment from Australia. The customs fee was $152. The bill for that came about 6 weeks after I got the preamp. Yes the unit is supposed to handle long length ic's with no problems. The sound of the unit IS as good as everyone says! I have never enjoyed my system as much as I do now. |
What do you guys thik of something like this? A multi-channel Supratek (with phono).  |
Bwhite - That's so cool...how did you do that, meaning, what software (other tools) did you use to create this rendition - just wondering... |
Hi Jewel - I used Adobe Photoshop to sketch the image. :) |
thanks, fiddler and slowhand for info. in the interim i e-mailed mick. if either one of you would e-mail me your phone # i would like to discuss this preamp if i could.
ambertube@hotmail.com
thx,tim |
Thanks for the response. The Cortese is better than any verbiage can do justice. It is also a piece of modern/retro sculpture. Mine also works perfectly AND it is not fully broken in yet. Please contact me if you're interested in more details. |
OK...Micks preamps are great... iam convinced... I am thinking of getting a Cortese, but i allso need an amp,whats the word on his 18 watts amps?. |
Another week gone by and no word from Mick. No word from Fiddler. Patience, patience.
I did see a guy over at AA just received his Cortese. I suppose that's a bit encouraging. |
Last email from Mick said 2 or 3 weeks. That was on the 15th. Today is the 27th, 12 days later, no word, but I can feel it, I'm close. Will let you know.
Aloha,
Warren |
I got the "2-3 weeks" email on the 6th. I am also feeling close-just ordered a new rack and a fancy-pants IC for its impending arrival. Now I'm looking for a PS Audio regenerator for it. Next I'm hanging balloons and putting up a "Welcome Syrah" banner behind the system.
Patrick |
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. |
Patrick,
There are a couple of ways I look at this situation.
Mick apparently keeps a book on orders and builds them in the order they come in. The extended wait could be due to Mick slowing down production to make sure there are no QC issues with any new units.
Another possibility is since Mick builds several different preamps and amps, the more expensive units (read: more profitable units) may get pulled out of line and built first. For our sake I hope not, but as a businessman, it would be very tempting to make the most money as fast as you could. And I am not sure there would be anything unethical about it as long as no promises were made to anyone about a specific delivery time. Mick has always been sufficiently vague about delivery time and I can't fault him for that. He is a one man band and delivery promises are often difficult to keep, especially when there is great demand for your services.
But for all of us who are waiting, I just hope the wait is worth it. If I receive a first-class preamp with first-class sound and no QC issues, the wait will be no big deal. And if I didn't have confidence that my expectations would be met....eventually.... then I wouldn't have ordered anything from Mick in the first place.
Aloha,
Warren |
Wsin,
thanks for the tip. I'll, of course, try it both ways.
Warren,
I really think it will have been worth the wait. Of course I want Mick to take all the time he neebs to do a fine job.
Cheers,
Patrick |
I place high value in the Audiogon discussion Forum, and when I see so much aclaim for Mick's Supratek preamps I find it hard to resist. So I didn't resist and have joined the group with an order for the Syrah.
This preamp will join the Air Tight ATM3 amps, which I hope will be a good fit. I sold the ARC Ref. 1 as it offered a bright sound with this combination.
Mick advises the wait is now 4 months for delivery!
---- Wating patiently----
Steve Noble |
