Preamp Deal of the Century

Jazzdude, I don't think we know the real story in this case. I think, however, that we cannot say much about the buyer except that he did not get what he expected. I certainly never saw wiring such as shown in the pictures within my Syrah.

Whether or not Mick chooses to comment on this incident publicly, there's a lot more going on here than the second buyer knows, according to a reliable source.

I have read comments before about the "hanging tube" found in Merlot monoblocks. I suspect the photos are of a Supratek developed and factory executed design.

If you look inside a new Supratek preamp, it is much cleaner looking because there is less going on inside the small chassis - but still it is not clean enough.

A few posts above, I commented that Suprateks would be better with some "minor" changes. This is exactly the kind of thing that I was referring to and why I chuckled when it was suggested that better speakers will allow us to hear more of the Supratek.

A slight change of tack, but important(at least to me).
Have bought about half a dozen pairs of nos 6SN7s.
Two sets of CBS Hytrons - both pairs have a noisy one in the pair and are slightly different so can't make a good pair.
One pair of Sylvanias that were nice till one 'gave up' - loss of one channel and a gentle @rushing'noise thru one speaker.
Another set of Slyvananias, one dead on arrival, installed the replacement(when it arrived) and within 10 minutes, a bang, a high pitched scream followed by a very frightening, extremely loud & getting louder by the second noise thru the right speaker.
I was very glad I was sitting near the power amp and able to dive over & switch it off !
I now have 6 really nice single 6SN7s , CBS Hytrons, rca and a 3 different Sylvanias - none of which are exactly the same type so can't make decent quiet pair.
Using cheapo Valve Arts which are at least quiet and seem dependable but not the cat's whiskers soundwise.
What worries me more is what damage will a tube letting go do to my system ??
Sorry for my ignorance but I'm fairly new to tubes.
I had to buy a passive radiator for my Virgos and hate to think what a tweeter and mid unti would cost.
I'm tempted just to go for a pair of new Electro Harmonix and hope for the best.
Thanks in advance,
Simon

Simon, IMO it's important to know who you are buying tubes from. Many of the NOS tubes for sale are 30-50 years old and their history/storage/handling is critical. I have a vendor whom I trust because all of the tubes are tested and guaranteed. That being said, I probably have paid a few (actually more than a few) dollars more than I could have but peace of mind is worth it to me. You know the old penny wise dollar foolish thing. I don't need the repair bills and/or down time because I saved $10 on a pair of tubes.
Two things I would do are ask Mick about the specific tube you want to use and then find a reputable vendor who will back his product.