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
Hard to believe this thread is 17 years old, Hope I dont upset anyone by posting here, but just to let all know that Generation 3 of the Supratek preamps are now being built . Its the result of 30 years of design and essentially I went back over the many hundreds, possibly thousand designs over that period and had a good look at what worked best and incorporated it a design that isn't exactly new, and isn't old. Its still state of the art tube design, but centred squarely on sound. In a nut shell , Gen 3 is wider, deeper, louder and quieter. Wider and deeper because of even more 3D quality, still the renown Supratek sound but even more engaging. Louder because of the explosive dynamics. Quieter , and really proud of this, perhaps the lowest noise tube preamps out there. Certainly the moving coil phono section, which is capable of 0.1mV MC's is the quietest active tube phono with noise floor well below the vinyl noise. One of my recent customers has a famous $30,000 phono only stage , that requires a step up, and he says the Cortese is quieter. I'm also proud of , that in addition to a continued reputation for fine sound the Suprateks have proven to be reliable and trouble free. I recently had a 2003 model back for a tune up, and pleased to see that it was functioning in near new sound quality . The 2019 Gen 3 models are even better , I've built a lot of preamps since then, and learnt a lot over the years. They will still be keeping people very happy in 2036! Its a bit unfortunate that its still the case that so many audio guys dont realize how much effect a good tube preamp can have on a system. They tell me a Supratek does amazing things to Magico speakers, but I've yet to hear any system that didn't have a big jump in musicality and engagement from a competent tube preamp. There's a couple of new Supratek preamps for sale on Audiogon at the moment, do a search. They are incredible value for what you get, I think I've always sold the Suprateks for far less than what they should retail for, but I never could bring myself to price out of the reach of "normal" people. Its always been about the love of music and doing the best I can to spread that around. www.supratek.com.au www.supratekaudio.blogspot.com.au
I hear you Ralph, whatever "floats" a boat in the scheme of a specific business model. Nick's designs seem ever evolving from one idea to the next. I like that approach, kind of, but the problem is there is no definitive end, just a continuing work in progress ever evolving. I came to this conclusion when i couldn't obtain a schematic in spite of repeated requests. Plenty of passion and value regardless especially for the diy crowd, at least it used to be. Whatever the next iteration of Supratek, Mick has my warmest regard and a sincere hope for future sucess. His passion is unquestioned, at least by me.
Hey guys, looks like Mick is back to building Supratek preamps again. This is great news! Mick has a new phono design for the Cortese preamp. Sounds like he has new products in the works. Here is a link to his blog. www.supratekaudio.blogspot.com.au
Nordicnorm - like you I had a Doge, inky black line stage, great dynamics and separation of players on the soundstage. What I couldn't appreciate was it seamed like the midrange was turned down as a tone control might do. Further in owning other preamps with the same tube types I wrote it off as a design flaw. I've since moved on to other 6sn7 based preamps. While none that I've tried had a recessed midrange, thay all seam to have more 'meat on the bones' that seams to be a characteristic of the 6sn7 family.
Was your experience similar when you moved to Don's preamp?
Base model is US$1,699. You can add different tubes (Don highly recommends the Shuguang Black Treasure CV181z, I do too!), change the output caps to either Jupiter Copper, or Duelund CAST PIO-Cu, or add XLR connectors.
I just replaced my Doge 8 preamp, which I felt was great value for the money, with one of Don’s preamp. It don’t know if the difference I’m hearing is the result of going from a 12AT7-based preamp to 6SN7-based one, but the improvement in sound is startling.
With upgrades, my unit came in at AUD$2,700. Don stands by his work.
Hi folks, I am a new owner of a Supratek Chardonnay and i LOVE it, it is incredible! This unit has upgraded Jupiter flat caps, Lundhal transformers, Mundorf S/G/O in power along with much more and it is breathtakingly good, best i have had. Massively smitten kitten over here!
After trying the pre i am after some monos, does anyone have any feedback on the Merlots?
If anyone is thinking of selling some Supratek mono blocks please PM me : )
Just to note, I'm putting up my Syrah for sale in the next few days if anyone is interested in it. It's still a gem of a full-function pre. I moved to Doshi linestage & Thor phono.
I bought this unit from Mick in 2009. Within a year the tubes on my left side failed. I replaced all of them with similar tubes and yet again it failed. After emailing Mick, he asked me to measure some voltage in the socket pin and it was off by about 1V.
Mick was helpful to provide the correct value for the resistor and my friend soldered it for me. and I was a happy customer till last month.
Now, there is some crackling noise on the right side. mick mentioned that the pots could be dirty and need to be cleaned by rotating. The problem with this is I couldn't find any pots in the preamp. After sending the photographs of the circuit to Mick he told me that it was the previous model without pots. The only option available to me is to send to a technician and asked for circuit diagram which he said he would send me.
Unfortunately, he didn't send nor responding to my email. What should I do? Anyone here with Chardonnay schematics? The only part looks damaged is the big white colour caps? If they are caps can someone suggest a replacement?
I have Chenin but having some problems. This is the original MK1.
The sound is very lean and the bass is very rolled-off. The whole bottom octave seems MIA and it's that which I'm sure creates the leanness through the frequ.
I've tried a few different tubes....Mullard in the PS, Tungsol, EH, then Golden Lion KT66 and Sovtek KT66.
Nothing I change really makes a different to the bass.
I've tried all combinations on the gain set. Actually, even with gain set to low/low there is rather too much gain, but I have vol control on CD to compensate...but this gain not making different to bass.
If anyone have any suggestion please help!
I have a cheaper SS Pre handy and it sounds deep, warm, good tuneful bass. Not the 3D of supratek but much much more warm and musical satisfy.
Help!Schematics for Chardonnay!My local tech needs schematics for my 2005 Chardonnay.I moved and setup my system.And no sound!I checked the umbilical at the power unit ,and it turned beyond what is normal and made a sparking noise.I turned the power off.The local tech says the wires inside to the umbillical came off and on one end they are color coded ,but not on the end that came undone.!! I have emailed Mick,no answer yet.Also is 97.00 to fix,solder 3 wires about right?Only working 15 to 20 hours a week,every penny counts.Help!Need my music!Thanks,Ray
I just received a new pair of supratek mondeuse power amps Sound a little dry there new I guess. Using a Sauvignon pre and Dynaudio Contor 3.3 Speakers.
How long did your amps take to run in and open up? Email is garry_turner@me.com Thanks, Garry
They are not fighting because they do not know it, no professional reviews, no ads. Mick tried to convince me to buy Chenin mkII (the some schematics), nearly the some sonics.
Sorlowski, I do have a MkII Chenin, that I got from Mick a few months ago, which is the same generation, as your Cortese. Actually, Mick told me, that MkII Chenin schematics are identical to MkII (SE) Cortese, wth the only difference being "less robust power supply, and no XLR outs". I have NOS RCA 5AR4 rectifier tube, not Bendix. I do agree with you- this new generation Chenin is much better, that the first one, and I did have Chenin and Cortese before. I have to admit, that I did replace this Chenin with a much more expensive ($20 K) linestage (Joule Electra LA-450 ME), so Supratek is for sale now on A-gon. I actually don't undestand, why people here are not fighting each other to buy it !:), it's rediculous value at it's direct retail price of $3500.
I decided to upgrade my old Chenin to new Cortese, lets call it SE, have contacted Mick. He redesigned all his preamps in 2010 and claimed that new designs have even better transparency and music involvement. It was to be 4 months waiting period, so I have signed up. Unfortunately, for some reasons I have got Cortese SE after 10 long months and countless reminders, there was a time that I did not believe anymore that I will ever going to see it. To give justice to Mick at the end he has given me 10% discount to reimburse me for long and frustrating waiting. In that time I went from my CDP Audio Aero Capitole mkII directly to Claytons monoblocks (using Thiel 3.6), very transparent sound with big soundstage, great resolution, I only wished for more harmonics in the mids and more dynamics. But finally Cortese SE arrived After 2 weeks of burning time I have given it a try (with stock tubes): big bass, very flat soundstage, a lot of slam. This is not what I was hoping for, I have given it 2 more weeks of burn in time, nothing changed. So I have exchanged stock Russian unnamed 6l6 tubes with EH cryoed 6l6 and some cheap unnamed Russian rectifier with black base Phillips Miniwatt gz34. Pretty serious change: much deeper soundstage, bass lost its exaggerated bloom, better transparency, but still no a transparency which I have got when I was going direct. I was less disappointed but still not thrilled. So when after 2 weeks of burning time and not much of a change I swapped Philips black base gz34 with cryoed Bendix 6106. O my .. this was not a change it was different preamp altogether. Preamp from different league I must add. Finally sound was not dark anymore like with Philips it lost bass bloom completely and finally has opened up. Resolution was pornographic for the lack of better word, transparency simply spooky. Much better then going direct, I do not know how it is possible but it is the case. I remember Chenin sounding slightly better with Bendix then with Philips but difference was subtle, not anymore. New Cortese should be sold with Bendix, without it IMHO, it simple does not sing. I have borrowed from friend two runs of Tara Zero Gold and Omega speaker cable (to be sure that IÂm not limiting it anyway), simply unbelievable resolution and transparency (actually I have heard better one only from Jadis). What is interesting with Chenin my cheap turntable Realistic Lab 420 with Empire 9 cartridge was much better sounding then my AA Cap. Now gap is closed, I do not really hear my entry level turntable sounding any better. CDP now sounds really alive, new line stage is really something, real world contender. To hit audiogazm I need more harmonics in the mids and more slam, more PRAT, but I have not changed driver tubes yet, still using stock Russian Tung-Sol provided by Mick. I will keep you posted. I still cannot neither believe nor understand how stupid rectifier can have such profound effect on sound, but with Cortese case it does.
I too have the same Supratek Preamp, Chenin, since 2004!
I build my own amps and other preamps so it was so easy for me to tweak it but I cannot do it as I want to preserve its own "tone" that I have been accustomed to for so many years sinced I owned the unit.
I enjoyed, and still enjoying, my preamp to this date and I am still very pleased on how it sounds especially with my horn/SET based system. Much better sounding to me when I had SS or PP tube amps and conventional or active speakers.
Thanks Tubegroover. I too am still using my Supratek Cortese. It has given me many years of musical pleasure. I just returned from the RMAF in Denver, and I did not hear any preamp that I felt would make me want to give up my Cortese. Thanks Mick for making such a great preamp!
Well it has been awhile since I've posted to this thread so it is probably time to chime in. I still have the same basic system that I had when I purchased the Supratek Syrah in 2003. To be honest, I never had the "urge" or inclination to upgrade in the line simply because I calculated the level of improvement would't add enough for me to pay the difference. I find the Syrah to this day a delight that has continued to provide enjoyment and keep step with my system. I've found other areas in greater need and focused on those, of the significant improvements with lesser outlay. Being an audiophile, in addition to improving my enjoyment of my system I also focus on cost effective improvements. I have used many of the regulator and output tubes with delight at how I can tailor the sound in the system with changes. Of course over time preferences sometimes change. In any event, it is a relatively inexpensive way to realize "changes" without the stress changing out components can bring. I may not speak for everyone with that last comment but I'm sure I speak for many of us. I've gone through periods of boredom with the system but have always found inexpensive (relatively, after all most of us are card carrying audiophiles afterall)changes that eventually renewed my enthusiasm without giving into the temptation to "throw the bums out". After all I wouldn't have lived with this system as long as I have unless there is something intrinsically right if not ever perfect.
The Supratek Syrah a full function preamp at 2.5K new with a superb phono stage realizing use of a low level MC cartridge has been a "Deal of the Decade" if not the Century, at least for me so Slowhand, (Tom) you nailed it for many of us, good call!
Sorlowski, enjoy your new Cortese and keep up posted. I always enjoy reading other's experiences with these great pre-amps from Mick.
Have anybody ever compared Mendouse and Burgundy, I had Chenin for 5 years (great preamp) and have recently ordered from Mick new improved Cortese mkII. Thinking about Supratek power amp, but information is scarce. Right now I have Clayton M100 monoblocks.
Thanks for the info on the Malbecs. I started this thread back in 2002. I can't believe how big it became. Mick makes some amazing amps and preamps. Where do you live? Your system looks great and I am sure it sounds fantastic.
I ve got them a year ago. I needed to wait a couple of years for them to be finished as I ordered them the period that Supratek wasn't on business. I believe today that Supratek is back on business it will not take more than a few months for them to get ready. I still feel that I could wait another couple of years every time I sit and listen them. They are masterpieces Also the option to remove completely the negative feedback, or to choose variable amounts of negative feedback with positive feedback makes them sound like SET (phenomenal mids and sound that floats in front of the speakers) and at the same time have the control of a SS amp on the lows. I honestly haven't heard anything that sounds better than these. Here is a photo of my setup:
The best amps I ever paired my Sauvignon are the Malbec monoblocks. While I was waiting from Mick to make them for me I used a Quad 606. I was happy with the pair, excellent sound and good midrange. It was like you were looking through a window on a bright day with the curtains on. But when the Malbecs arrived, it was like I removed the curtain from the window and I could see a colourful landscape and at the same time feel the wind on my face. The micro and macro details come in spades from the speakers adding a realistic feeling of space and air between the instruments. The midrange with the EL34 is magical. Also the gain matching of the Supratek preamps with the amps is unsurpassed as the Malbecs are made for high gain preamp match.
The best amp I have ever paired with my Cortese is my Berning ZH270. This pairing is magic in my system. The sound is very fast with a beautiful liquidity. I recently had a Meitner MTR-50 in my system for a few days and it sounded good as did a Forte class A amp that a friend let me borrow. The Berning is very hard to find these days, but it is a wonderful match. Of course everything in this hobby is system dependent. Good luck, and enjoy the Chardonnay.
Hello, I've read a couple thousand comments in this thread. I'm amazed how little chat there is about pairing an amp with various supratek pre's. Thanks for so much interesting commentary from all. This thread certainly played a major role in my decision to buy one. Just won a Chardonnay on Audiogon and now am in need of an amp. So Chardonnay, Klipshorns and about $1500 (or less) to buy an life enhancing amp. Needless to say I need an amp now... how else will I hear my new pre?
Couple possibilities on Audiogon now. Belles 150A, Audio Sector Patek, PassAleph3 (whoops, now sold).
Wow, it's so true that you listen to the power supply - the upgrade sounds excellent. Went from the stock values of 33uF/10H/100uF to 6.8uF/10H/47uF/10H/100uF using Mundorf Supreme/Silver oil and Solen caps and Lundahl LL1638 chokes. When I computer modeled the PS, I optimized it so that I would get the same output voltage as stock, and the upgraded unit put out 299.1V versus 300.0 from the stock; a slight tweak of the regulator adjustment pot and I was at 300.0V on both sides. The model showed ~30uV of ripple before the regulator (yes microvolts!), and ripple was undetectable on my oscilloscope, so that was accurate as well.
Way more bass slam, more body through the midrange and smoothness everywhere. The preamp sounded very good before, but it is even better now. I have a attached a snapshot of the new PS unit.
Well, you could always buy a Chenin and gradually upgrade it. I have done tons of work to mine, changing the output tube type, plate loading scheme, output transformers, bias scheme, power supply, etc. Point-to-point wiring makes it a lot easier to upgrade.
Just now working on an "ultimate" power supply upgrade for the Chenin, which I should have completed within the next week. It is a CLCLCRC design using Lundahl LL1638 low DCR chokes and all film caps. Just fits inside the Chenin PS unit! It simulates very well on PSUD-II, giving a 100x decrease in ripple noise from the stock, while also having a faster settling time. The Lundahls are dual-coil chokes, meaning they can be wired with one coil each in the + and - legs of the circuit, which should give added common mode noise reduction. I'll let you now how it sounds.
Good luck convincing Mick to build you a Grange or a Cabernet. He says they are too labor intensive and expensive to build so he decided to focus on the lower models.
I have been contemplating purchasing the Supratek grange, but cannot get an email repy from the company. I have tried three times and to no avail. does anyone know how else to contact them.
People asked above about remotes. The remote codes are in the Logitech database, so the Harmony One will work. I love it. It replaced something like 10+ remotes. My wife says it is the best audio purchase I've made, better than my Maggie 3.6 speakers, my Pass amp, or even my Chardonnay.
And the obvious question would be can old ones be upgraded? Or, (I'm sure he doesn't want to be deluged with old stuff in the mail) can an 'upgrade pack' and instructions for a local tube-expert guy to do be purchased? Obviously not now, but its a thought. If the sound difference is substantial could be worth it. I suppose first we should see what people think about the difference. I have a Chardonnay personally.
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