Abe, You been busy!
Interesting path your going down.
Markvetnz,
Could be the original tubes were getting alittle tired and with a fresh pair your pre came back to life.
Yep the ECC-33s in another design other then Supratek would certainly raise your eyebrows.
I also tried them in my Chenin afew years ago,HO hum.
I had one really quiet pair of TungSol black glass oval plates which I used for a short while then sold, couldnt resist the going price.
Tried Western Electric 350Bs and metal base EL-34s, better kept for an investment also tried some early 1960s CCAs in the phonostage, save your money if your thinking of buying tubes like these.
If you bought tubes like these years ago and still have them sitting in a drawer or in a closet.
Put them in a safe....
|
Snopro-Thank you very much.
take care |
No problem, Zachzdb I had an imbalance problem which Kevin fixed quickly. My Sauvignon is dead quiet and works perfectly, with rolled tubes it sounds wonderful.
Good Luck, Kevin's work is very good, if there is a problem he will fix it as good as new.
Regards,
Joe |
03-07-08: Stiltskin
Abe, You been busy! Hello Stiltskin! Nice to see you here again. Yep! Building a 2A3/45 amp and troubleshooting a 300B amp at the moment. Not to consider the time hunting for some nice horns for my future speaker project. Life is good! regards, Abe |
abe:
i built the cable as per your instructions, but the hum is still present no matter which way the cable is oriented. i'm going to try to spread the cabernet, cabernet power supply, and yamamoto as far apart as possible tomorrow just to be sure it isn't some kind of interference causing the hum. any other ideas? thanks. |
Hello Kgturner,
Hmm....I was hoping that the cable will solve your hum problem. I guess spreading the components out is the next thing to try.
So, when you use a different preamp, you do not have a hum? If yes, then does the preamp and amp have a ground point on the back or chassis where you can hook them together?
Does the Yamamoto use tubes? I am not familiar with them but if it does and tube rectified, have you tried a new tube in the rectifier position?
Goodluck!
regards,
Abe |
abe:
the yamamoto is a 45 tube amp and it is tube rectified. i have a few 80 tubes that i can roll to see if that reduces the hum. i emailed kevin covi and he seems to believe the hum is caused by the 101D tube as when i switch the amp to mute, the hum disappears. |
Kgturner,
Let us know what is kevin Covi's recommendation. |
here is what kevin covi had to say:
"The hum is coming from the 101D's, and unfortunately hum (and microphonics) are all-too-common attributes of directly-heated triodes."
i sent him a picture of my setup to which he stated:
"I can see right away that the Cab power supply is too close to the preamp, as are the components sitting on top. The DHT's are quite sensitive to external fields so it is essential to keep them far away from any equipment that contains a power supply. The output transformers are also susceptible in this way. The extremely high sensitivity of your speakers just compounds the problem. You also might try building electrostatic shields around the 101D's. As an experiment try placing an empty tin can over each tube to see if the hum goes away. Or maybe aluminum foil. Either way make sure the shields touch the chassis to shunt the noise to ground." |
abe:
the yamamoto is a 45 tube amp and it is tube rectified. i have a few 80 tubes that i can roll to see if that reduces the hum. i emailed kevin covi and he seems to believe the hum is caused by the 101D tube as when i switch the amp to mute, the hum disappears. I see! If that is the case, ask Kevin if the 101D's filament supply is AC or dc. If ac, maybe he can say if its possible to convert it to DC (by means of adding an SS rectifier inside the chassis). If that is the real source of the hum, using dc filament supply will knock down the hum at least 90 to 95%. IME! regards, Abe |
Anyone have any experience with changing the 6j6 tubes in the Chenin? I read the entire 'tube swapping' Supratek thread and no mention there.
Currently, I'm using Phillips M8081 (unknown age, got em used). I swapped in the original Sovtek 6j6 tubes and it sounded awfully shrill with glare.
Other tubes I'm using and very pleased with are Bendix 6106 regulator, Ken Rad 6sn7, Sovtek KT66. Thanks to the many who suggested these. |
Does anyone know what kind of chassis wire Mick is using
in his preamps? Copper?, silver-plated copper? Silver? |
|
|
Anybody have any idea how long a NOS Mullard GZ34 will last in a Chardonnay? |
Ivarmorten,
A good long time for a early production GZ-34,years as a matter of fact.
One thing,don't switch your preamp and system on for a short period of time then shut it down.
This will shorten the life of your tubes.
Plan on listening for a while. |
Hello Mark,
OT but, any news on the tubes?
regards,
Abe |
Hi Abe,
Sorry ,I ment to get back sooner,forgot...Age
The Cunningham 45s did not test well at all,however I do have apair of RCA 45 Radiotron black plates later vintage that are used though test fine. Is $20.00 each too much?
Crazy thing I have a dozen or so 1920s vintage 201A and 301a Cunninghams that came with the bunch that all but one test great.
I ment to ask you ,how does your Haggerman phonostage compare to your Chenin? |
Hello Mark,
I responded to the your post in my system's page.
The trumpet is a good phono stage no question! The Chenin though is special. It has that liquid midrange but dynamics on the top and bottom are well balance. The Trumpet's bass is authoritative to say the least. this can be trace through the SS rectifier many irons used in the phono power supply design.
regards,
Abe |
Ping Stiltskin! Hello Mark, I forgot to add, my email account is arevz@msn.com Would you please drop me an email privately so I know where to reach you. regards, Abe |
I just wanted to mention another great little Supratek story. Two days ago my Syrah wasn't powering up - it just seemed dead. I emailed Mick and Kevin, and they diagnosed/suggested that my Rectifier tube in the power supply might be dead. They also told me that when this happens it automatically blows a fuse (accessibe easily next to the plug socket) and that there is a spare fuse already there next to the spent fuse.
Sure enough, they were correct, and within mintues I was up and running again just by switching in their already-provided and easily accessed spare fuse, and swapping in another rectifier I had handy. I'm up and running again.
Anyways, not only was the communication swift and accurate, but I was amazed that I didn't even have to figure out what the replacement fuse type was and then go shopping for it. Not sure if this replacement fuse feature is typical, but is struck me as so convenient.
So, long story short, I continue to be a very happy Supratek owner. |
Outlier,
It is funny that you bring up this story. The same thing happened to me a couple of weeks ago. Turned on my Cortese and none of the tubes lit up. I too tried replacing the rectifier. No luck. Put the old rectifier back in. Replaced the fuse and I was back in business. |
Got an e-mail today from Mick after I inquired about a DUAL. He said he is no longer doing Supratek but will continue to support his current customers.
I haven't been on Audiogon much lately because I've been so busy. Is this something new or has it already been posted?
I'm really disappointed but wish Mick all the best.
Frank |
first i've heard of it. that totally sucks, but i guess i'm glad i got my dual cab when i did if it is true. hopefully mick will post to this thread and let us all know. |
If this is true, the few that own Suprateks should consider themselves extremely lucky, as this preamp will be a classic if it isn’t already – I have very little doubt in my mind about that. It is gracious of Mick to continue to support folks who run into problems – hopefully for a long time to come. I honestly hope this is a misunderstanding but if not I wish Mick the best of luck in whatever he does. Being such a gifted designer I hope it continues to be in the audio world. |
Yes, it is true. Mick and I corresponded over the weekend and he is indeed giving up on audio and Supratek is no more.
I was his original importer and friend and he has his sights set on something new for his life.
It is making me think hard about whether I will sell the Cortese I have listed on Audiogon, or not, as I feel his gear will become classics. I've owned a bunch of his preamps and amps and while they have had some build issues, they all sound like real music.
I sure wish him the best of luck. |
Hi Guys.
yes it's true- I'm afraid I'm going to have to wind up Supratek, at least for now. It's gotten very hard to make a living with the Chinese competition and the exchange rate.
I would have to double the prices to get back to a reasonable return , and then you get into the market where it's all hype and opinion over good innovative circuitry , which has always been the strength and fun of Supratek.
I'll finish off the orders we have, and maybe my assistant might do a few Chardonnays in the future , but pleased be assured that i'll always be available to help with any warranty issues or questions.
It's been fun and a pleasure to deal with everyone, even the crazy besotted audiophiles with their mad "upgrades" .
Thanks to everyone for their support, especially Dan and Kevin ,truly wonderful generous people .
And to Tom who started this thread so long ago.
Who knows- maybe Supratek might come back , but it's a different world now than it was 10 years ago, and for now i have other obligations.
Look after yourselves, and your families.
Mick |
Yes, it is true. I exchanged e-mails with Mick. He is just not making a profit anymore. He told me he had to step up production to make any money, and he felt quality was suffering as a result. Mick is very proud of the preamps he builds and he is not willing to let quality suffer. He is going to manage a vineyard and he seems very excited about it. As a result of starting the "Preamp of the Century" thread, I felt I had become good friends with Mick. The news hit me pretty hard, but I told Mick that he has to do what makes him happy. I wish him all the best in his new endeavor.
I hope this won't mean the end of this thread, as I have made many new friends here. Mick should be in the audio hall of fame for his brilliant designs. As you know, specs never meant much to Mick. The music is all that mattered to him. HERE'S TO YOU MICK! |
All the Best in your future ventures Mick ...
Its a wonderful thing you have done to create Supratek, all those shining pre-amplifiers glowing in the dark, continuing to give listening pleasure to hundreds of music lovers Worldwide ...your legacy lives on.
You may have hung up the soldering iron for now, but I suspect the passion for good music continues to beat in your heart, so we shall see what the the future brings.
Best regards,
Steve. |
Mick-
Thanks for everything you have done to advance the art of bringing a truly wonderful preamp to the market at a real world price.
My Supratek is not only a joy to listen to, but a joy to look at as well. Every time I fire it up for a listening session I will think of you with great fondness.
I wish you the best on whatever road you go down, and I wish you and your family health and happiness. |
Mick, from what you've said here and in the e-mail that you sent me, I understand how you feel.
You need a change of pace but I suspect you'll be back when the market is more favorable (stronger dollar etc). Hopefully now you'll have a slower pace of life with enough time to do some R&D work at your leisure which will contribute to an even better product. I'll be waiting for the Cabernet Dual Signature Edition.
All The Best,
Frank |
Best Luck to you and your family, Mick. |
As a very rare Chinese user of Supratek(I'm a proud owner of Syrah ), I'm very sorry to know Mick will wind up Supratek. Particularly, one of reason that force Mick to give up is the competition from China as well as EX rate. As a fiancial journalist, I seem to experienced a live story of EX rate. I will love my Syrah more. Best wish to Mick and hope you make another wonderful real SYRAH in your new veinyard. |
This is like the end of a good movie, but all good things never seem to last long. I hope that Mick is happy with his new profession. Mick,thanks for your help and good luck.
Tim |
Thanks for the good times Mick! Best of luck to you. If you are half as good with grapes as you are with preamps, the wine wiil be world class. |
Mick, You will be sorely missed in High End Audio! God Bless and Good luck. Thank you for all your fine work that has brought me countless hours of listening pleasure. Bob |
I am sorry to hear about Supratek's demise. I have lurked on this thread for awhile, but have not checked in for a month or so. What a surprise.
I own a Cortese, which I bought new from Mick a year and a half ago. The Cortese is very special to me. Spinning records has been more enjoyable than ever before.
Good luck Mick in your endeavors.
Tom |
All the best to you and your family Mick...
Cheers
Mark |
Mick: It is very sad to hear these news. Hope you and your family the best. As far as Puerto Rico- there are Supratek owners and fans.
Manuel Vidal |
OT: Ping Stiltskin!
Hello Mark,
I hope you received my email(sent weeks ago)to you regarding how wonderful the tubes I got from you are!
Thanks again!
regards,
Abe |
Hi Mick,
It was a very sad moment last week when I went into the Deal of the Century thread in A'gon to keep up to date with fellows supratekies comments and news and I read the news of your dismissal of the Supratek operation. Your reasons are totally valid and in any case the decision is absolutely yours. I join all the others in expressing my best wishes for success and happiness in all your future endeavors both personally and professionally together with your loved ones. I am totally sure that your passion and dedication will yield a successful outcome.
The timing is particularly off because I had read somewhere of plans by you of attending as an exhibitor to the next Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver, Colorado next October, and I was looking forward to meet you and experience a complete Supratek electronics set-up. Although I am very happy with my present amplification I confess that your amps. where always tempting, and in the back of my mind .... By the way this show is very enjoyable due to it's nature of being geared to the audio enthusiast and not for dealers and distributors and therefore I would think,very fitting for you; I have gone the last two years and enjoy it very much; your participation this year was the excuse for attending again, now I am not sure ... I think that If you ever decide to come to one of these USA shows you should let it be known, I am sure that many of us would enjoy meeting you.
Again, thanks very much for your passion and dedication and for the legacy of these artesian pieces of electronics and am sure I join many others in hoping that before long you may find a way to bring Supratek back; if you do, please let us know. For now, the audio world is at a lost .... Wish you the best !
Best regards,
Jose Rodriguez |
I did not look into this thread for a while and what a unpleasant surprise.
Suratek is out of the bussiness. That very sad news.
I was kind of hoping to read the great posts about Supratek MONDEUSE... Does anybody got it, any listening impressions ? |
Anyone want to sell their Cabernet Dual? Bob |
i'll sell you mine for $15k. i might even throw in a power cable at that price. :) |
Just to add a little competition to the mix, I'll be willing to off-load my Cabernet Dual for $14.5k |
Is shipping and insurance included?... |
i'll throw in shipping & insurance within the US only. act now, and i might even consider splitting the paypal fees!! :P |
Does that mean that you would pay %9000 for my Chenin? Bob |
Guys, I'll also throw in shipping and handling.
On second thoughts why sell an absolute classic. What could I possibly replace the Dual with? It's taken me almost a decade to get to this point in my pursuit of hi-fi bliss. I mean let's face it, how many other pre-amp manufacturers make a product like the "Dual" (two in one effectively)?
I may just hang onto this little baby like a 1955 Penfolds Grange.
Sorry everyone. |
Fiddler,jmr and other "mad upgraders" - I have followed your lead and replaced the volume pot with the Alps RK50 ( on cortese) - definite improvement - fuller sound, sharper edges, lower noise floor - much more "live" sound - not sure if it is better than the dact but had a ARC ref3 in my system while ago and while it was not as musical as the cortese it had a lot more body and heft - the alps pot seems to go some way to providing that without losing musicality - now looking at selector switch - anyone had a go at replacing that
Cheers |
