Supratek Owners Thread

Thanks for the info @sc2 . I saw a 3rd party upgrade umbilical cord that was about half that length. It would be very difficult to fit into my rack. The stock Supratek makes it much easier.

Thanks,

aldnorab

Thanks for the extra info @gryphongryph, ​​@jackd , and @jslateiv . I thought the copper might add shielding. High-end Japanese components often use copper lined chassis for this reason.

@jackd which Supratek do you find the D. Sachs closer to tonal balance wise?

Thanks,

Doug A

I also have D Sachs, Dehavilland, Cary, Schiit, and VTL on my preamp list. Dehavilland closed shop and the remote version rarely comes up for sale. VTL would match my amp, but isn't 6sn7 based. The Cary SLP98 may be too euphonic. I use lots of different amps which causes problems picking "the" correct output capicitors for the D Sachs. The Schiit uses lots of solid state parts and that is what rendered my Audible Illusions M3A/B preamp unrepairable. 

I watched 3 D Sachs preamps sell in a week on another forum. Four months from now I may regret not grabbing one. Downside is they cost as much as a Chardonnay, and have no warranty. Think the Supratek is a better fit for me. Also like that Mick designs the whole preamp, and not just augmenting someone elses circuit boards. 

Thanks,

aldnorab

Close to adding a Supratek Chardonnay to my system. I'm confused about a few things.

1. The Supratek sponsored ad on Audiogon, shows a knob on the top panel. The Supratek website shows the more expensive wood & chrome finish with no knob? Is there some Sonic difference between the two units or is it all cosmetics?

2. I'm new to buying on Audiogon. I see a place to make offer, but no where to actually buy the Chardonnay. 

3. Is there truly a chance of getting a Chardonnay in a months time? 

4. Will this work well with a VTL ST150 tube amp?

Thanks,

aldnorab

Thanks @jackd for the information. I'm borrowing a preamp, need to see if 4 months is OK. 

Thanks again,

aldnorab

Thanks @johnk . I'll keep it in mind. Which Supratek did you replace it with?

My friend is OK with the 4 month loan. Have to decide if I want to wait so long for something that hasn't been auditioned. Leaning towards Chardonnay, but maybe a Cabernet makes more sense for such a wait. Want to be careful to avoid thin & analytical sound. The borrowed Sound Valves 101i is about a perfect match tonally for my system. There could be more color and I can't live without a remote.

Thanks,

Aldnorab

Thank you @jackd . Was ready to order a Supratek and wait 4 months. Before sending the email scanned the ads one last time, to make sure I wasn't missing a super preamp deal. I'm on final break at work and there it is... a Don Sachs D2. Thought it wouldn't last until I got home. It did and now it is on the way. I should have it in less than a week. I may still order a Supertek. Now I can return the borrowed preamp. 

Thanks,

aldnorab

@jackd thanks. Bought the chrome model with gain controls. Don Sachs is in favor of deleting them, but I like the extra versatility of adjustable gain and balance, normally a Supratek advantage. Owner sent it to DS for updates, including the new rectifier. Was mentally prepared for Supratek and 4 month wait, now it is DS and a week. Life is always surprising.

Thanks,

aldnorab

The Supratek has big advantages to those with multiple amps. My VTL is 125k input at 2v. The Pioneer Series 20 M-22 class A amp is 47k at 1 volt. I've had other components that run out of volume control. Is there a disadvantage to putting the largest cap needed on the DS, when using other amps, besides size and price?

Thanks,

aldnorab

Congratulations @skypop . This should be a big upgrade. You can spend some of the waiting time reading about tubes. 

Thanks,

aldnorab

Does the Cabernet have the same setup of balance and rear mounted gain controls as the Chardonnay? These features seem very useful and I'd hate to lose them by going to the Cabernet.

Thanks,

Aldnorab

Good idea @skypop . Wonder how long the umbilical cord is? Wouldn't want my linestage 2 ft. off the ground. 

Thanks,

aldnorab

@isaacc7  Glad you were able to eliminate the noise. I recently used a Dremel, with soft buffing wheel, to clean all the tube pins for my Don Sachs linestage and VTL ST150 amp. A huge improvement with the old stock tubes in the linestage. Much sweeter and purer high frequencies. The VTL tubes are only ~5 years old, and there wasn't as much improvement. 

Thanks,

aldnorab

What are the sonic differences between a Chardonnay and Cabernet? Does the copper/chrome have any sonic advantage over the powder coat finish? Still thinking about getting one of these for a birthday present.

Thanks,

aldnorab

@jackd this gives me a good idea how the D. Sachs compares with the Supratek models. Your comparison Helps a lot. Buying a second Supratek also speaks highly of their sound quality.

@jslateiv  appreciate your explanation of the circuitry differences between the Chardonnay and Cabernet. I agree that hand built items are works of art and can be passed down thru the ages. 

I didn't realize the chrome and copper were different cosmetic choices. Thought it was chrome plated copper, possibly used as chassis shielding. I'm fine with black powder coat. 

Thanks everyone,

aldnorab 

@jslateiv thanks for the clarification. Bet the hammertone copper was incredible looking. I'm fine with powder coat black.

Thanks,

Doug A

Do the Chardonnay automatically ship with one set of input & output XLR?

Thanks,

aldnorab

Thanks jackd. Have a question about Chardonnay and Cabernet output. My solid state amps stay on all the time for better sound quality. Does Supratek mute the output during power up and down? 

Thanks,

aldnorab 

@jslateiv thanks. I can definitely work with that. One more question. Is the XLR input truly balanced or a "convenience" connection.

Thanks,

aldnorab

@jslateiv thanks for the info. It was exactly what I was hoping for. Just have to decide between Chardonnay and Cabernet. 

Thanks,

aldnorab

Thanks @jackd . If the Cabernet is even less warm and tubey than the Sachs, I might be better off with the Chardonnay. My system has a little bit of an electrostatic tonal balance. A little extra mid bass warmth and lower midrange presence would be nice. The Chardonnay isn't as syrupy as a '50s preamp is it? 

Thanks,

aldnorab 

Order is in to Mick for a powder coat Chardonnay. I paid extra for the domes. Gotta have the domes for that Supratek look. Appreciate all the patience and help from the people in this thread. Especially lately from @jslateiv ​​@jackd , and of course the thread starter @markusthenaimnut . 

Thanks everyone,

aldnorab 

Glad to hear this @rrboogie . Horns are very demanding. Adjustable gain is a Supratek advantage. It allows better system matching and lower noise.

Those are some highly rated linestages. Glad it is performing so well. I considered Modwright and Rogue before ordering a Supratek. I think 6SN7 tubes and avoiding circuit boards is a step in the right direction. 

Thanks for the review,

aldnorab 

I'm looking at a DAC with srrp tube output stage. It needs a 50k or higher input impedance. Anyone know the RCA input impedance of my year old Supratek Chardonnay? 

Thanks,

aldnorab

Appreciate the info @jslateiv .  The Chardonnay is the best sounding linestage I've owned. 

Thanks,

aldnorab 

@nymarty I also bought the aluminum, 2 button, learning remote for the Chardonnay. Picked the black one with writing. Mine has a tiny circuit board mounted learn button with LED. I installed the batteries and programmed it while the back was still off. Now I wonder if pressing both buttons would enable learning mode?

Thanks Marty for posting the link to this great product. It is very luxurious and matches the Chardonnay perfectly. It is also nice to have an extra remote for backup.

Thanks,

aldnorab