Preamp Deal of the Century

Pjwd, I am not sure adding hardwood under or over the metal plats is a good idea. According to Mick, the metal surface functions as heat sink. To prevent the metal plats from vibration - I place a small wet special sponge (the type becomes hard when it dries up) on the top and another small piece underneath. At least it gives me a solid sound when I knock the metal part.

Do I hear a difference? Well I can't even tell the difference between different cables. But in this case I think there's better control and clarity. Didn't really bother to do the AB test.

BTW, my AB test is the most reliable way. My better half will switch whatever cable, cones or tweaks without my knowledge in a few weeks or months after my initial craze over it dies. So far I can tell I didn't detect any difference when between cheaper speaker cables, bi-wiring, power conditioner except when the power amp connected to it.

Wonder if I should just stuck to mini compos?

I just found one of the Phillips E180F(SQ) tubes broken on my Grange. Any recommendations as to a substitute pair? Or should I stay with the same brand? I was happy with the sound but did find it on the noisy side. Good tube sources of late?

Thanks,

Crubio

Chelvam - you could be right - the hardwood would conduct heat and transfer to air but not as efficiently as metal - if you really wanted to lose heat better if top plate was black and well ventilated- I have actually since changed bottom plate to a sandwich panel of aluminium sheet with foam core due to rack height limits and new tubes but I suspect the hardwood was better - life is too short to AB everything - in any case a stiffer base plate and improved footers help

Cheers,

Just to chime in. I am currently using a Supratek Syrah with my highly modified (capacitor & wiring upgrades including the amazing rhBackert proprietary dynamic linearity circuity mods)pair of Conrad Johnson Premier 8A Monoblocs driving Magnepan 20Rs and it is a match made in heaven. I have tried a lot of highly reviewed and regarded and very high $$$ preamps all great but the Supratek so far is the best I have found in my system. For what it's worth.

Bbro,

I had the same experienced. I thought the Supratek synergized very well with planars and electrostatics, be it driven by SS or tube amps. That was my impressions when I had my Martin Logans and Magnepans.

regards,

Abe