One other thing that has really improved the sound I'm getting from my Cortese are some Cardas cables. I'm using old, but new-to-me Cardas Neutral Reference wires from DAC to preamp and from preamp to power amps. Also Cardas NR speaker wires. They're, like, 20 years old, but they are a huge upgrade for my system. Previously I just hadn't paid much attention to interconnects or speaker wires.
Supratek Owners Thread
Greetings All -
It appears that the 26-million-plus view, multi-decade "Preamp Deal of the Century" Supratek thread has been removed. I'm not sure why, but suppose there must be a reasonable explanation.
In any case, on that thread I recently asked whether there might be interest in a "Supratek owners thread" and received some interest.
The purpose of this thread is for Supratek owners to share the details of their system, ask questions, share information about any tube-rolling they have done, and so forth.
I'll kick us off here with a few details about my system -
ancient Linn LP12 with Ittok arm, Dynavector 17D3 cartridge into Cortese LCR phono stage
Power amp is a fully serviced Innersound Electrostatic amplifier
Quad ESL63 speakers (not USA monitors) or JBL 4430 studio monitors
Digital sources are immature and evolving - ancient Fostex CR300 cd player/burner
DacMagic 100 DAC
Nordost Blue Heaven 75ohm interconnect
Due to the fairly long lengths of speaker wire required in the new listening room, speaker wire is Belden 12 gauge wire designed for low-voltage outdoor lighting systems.
Next steps - dedicated circuit, new power cords, new interconnects, new wires.
It appears that the 26-million-plus view, multi-decade "Preamp Deal of the Century" Supratek thread has been removed. I'm not sure why, but suppose there must be a reasonable explanation.
In any case, on that thread I recently asked whether there might be interest in a "Supratek owners thread" and received some interest.
The purpose of this thread is for Supratek owners to share the details of their system, ask questions, share information about any tube-rolling they have done, and so forth.
I'll kick us off here with a few details about my system -
ancient Linn LP12 with Ittok arm, Dynavector 17D3 cartridge into Cortese LCR phono stage
Power amp is a fully serviced Innersound Electrostatic amplifier
Quad ESL63 speakers (not USA monitors) or JBL 4430 studio monitors
Digital sources are immature and evolving - ancient Fostex CR300 cd player/burner
DacMagic 100 DAC
Nordost Blue Heaven 75ohm interconnect
Due to the fairly long lengths of speaker wire required in the new listening room, speaker wire is Belden 12 gauge wire designed for low-voltage outdoor lighting systems.
Next steps - dedicated circuit, new power cords, new interconnects, new wires.
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- 541 posts total
Thanks for the info and keeping the thread alive. Didn’t know Mick still makes/sells power amps. I have a Decware Torii Jr V2 tube amp shipping any day after waiting 2 years to be made. Looking forward to seeing how it pairs with my Cab and 91db speakers. Cables make a definite difference. I have recently bought Audio Envy Power and RCA IC’s and had a wow moment. Cap makes great quality lightweight cables that are well priced. He really knows his stuff. Also, my Revelation Audio Passage Umbilical cord another wow upgrade after break-in. Couldn’t be happier with my Cab. |
@sim_audio_nerd I asked Mick about his 6l6 based amp a few years ago. At the time he said he was so backed up with preamp orders he wasn’t making amps. Maybe he would be willing to now. I took inspiration from his 6l6 amp by having a push pull amp made without a phase splitter in it. Since the Cabernet has a great phase splitting transformer in it you can eliminate it in the amp. I highly recommend it! |
As @isaacc7 mentioned, Mick stopped making them back when Covid hit due to an extremely high backlog of Pre's need to be made. I believe orders have since slowed down a little for him and I'd be willing to bet he would make or certainly consider producing some amps now if anyone was/is interested. Certainly reach out to him and inquire if so. His amps NEVER (very rarely) show up on the the used market. You can probably guess why,. ;-) |
@jslateiv thanks! I have been in communication with Mick but I can't decide if I want a 300b or EL34 Supratek amp to go with my Grange..!!!! |
- 541 posts total