Mick says he prefers the 6SN7 model, so that's what I purchased. If you get the DHT model have them ship it to me and I will break it in for you.
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Thanks for the info jackd. I really appreciate you answering my questions, guys like you make this forum a valuable asset to audiophiles or people that just enjoy well reproduced music. I'm settled on the Cabernet 6SN7 in wood with chrome chassis, It along with my First watt SET-3, should be a big improvement from my PrimaLuna Prologue integrated amp. |
Looking forward to your impressions of the pre, I am traveling the same kind of road, was lucky to catch a private sell of a Belles SA-30 Class A amp, hopefully get it next week, plan is to buy a Supratek Cabernet to go with it, Nick says the amps should be perfect for each other, I have looked at a lot of power amps the last two years, but mostly been thinking about class A, nearly bought the Luxman L590Aii intergraded amp, but was afraid I would miss tubes in the pre section too much..... Tubes..They can be annoying to maintain.... But the sound they make, makes it worth it. |
As soon as I get it and let it break in a little I'll give you an update. After speaking to Mick and telling him about me trying to decide between the 6SN7 and the DHT, he told me that for a short time he'll be making a Cabernet with both outputs, gives me the best of both worlds and I don't have to decide which one to get; I'll have both. I ordered that one. Mick is an amazing guy and is happy to answer your questions; a precious gem to audiophiles and music lovers. Your Belles SA-30 amp is an amazing amp I was lucky enough to hear one in a friend's system, good catch getting one. I think the Cabernet would be a perfect match for it. |
Yeah, Mick is great, always ready to answer questions one has, does not matter how stupid ! Unfortunately I am not in position to take him on the offer he has at the moment, concerning the Cabernet, hopefully the offer still stands a bit later in the year, I am sure the 6SN7 is the tube for me, but being able to choose is very cool indeed. Yes I am really stoked that I got the Belles, the seller was a true gentleman and the buying experience was top notch, now just have to hope the cargo company takes good care of it. |
Hey Jaymark, yep we all have it here, I've bought my last speaker several times, same for my amp, pre amp, cables etc. You know the drill, we're never going to stop chasing the rabbit. I was going to order the 6SN7, but after emailing Mick a few times, I decided to go with the one that you ordered, DHT/6SN7, best of both worlds. It's been 5 weeks now, about three more weeks to go and I'm biting my nails in anticipation. |
I ordered a DHT/6SN7 preamp from Mick on 2/28. Was told lead times were blowing up and it would be 2 - 3 months. I emailed Mick last week asking if he was still on schedule and he confirmed he was - being isolated has helped him get more done. So hopefully I will be receiving mine soon. Will keep everyone posted. |
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I am a new Supratek Cortese owner after ~30 yrs in this hobby. I ordered mine in mid Feb, and received it last week. My previous preamps included many familiar ones from such as CJ, AR and most recent one from a highly regarded German company. My power amp is Audio Research Premier 75 SE. After I received the Cortese, I replaced the stock tubes with Shuguang WE6SN7 Plus, Mullard/Philips CV2492 and Mullard 6688 (total cost ~$350). This amp sounded wonderful with the original stock tubes, but after replacing them with these tubes and break in for ~20h, it sounds no natural and real (I won’t use any audiophile term such as soundstage...). So much like I am sitting in a concert hall. Whether you go for 6SN7 or 6SN7/DHT, you would be very happy!!!! |
Hey wig923, I didn't get mine yet, Mick said it should be about two to three more weeks, I'll keep you posted. |
Still waiting for my DHT/6SN7, it's been four months :(. I got my XA30.8 today, I was on the fence between the XA25 and the XA30.8. I went with the 30 because I'd have more options with speakers in the future. Mark at Reno Hi-Fi is amazing, he's very knowledgeable and would always point you in the right direction. He's letting me keep the SIT-3 amp (that I'd be trading in with him) to do an AB comparison with the XA30.8 for as long as I need to. That is making sure the customer is happy. Now if my pre amp would only get here. |
From what I heard it's definitely worth the wait, I spoke to someone that got his about 3 weeks ago and he's smitten, he said it made a phenomenal difference in his system. It's just a little frustrating but I trust that I will be well rewarded whenever it gets here. Mick said because of the whole pandemic situation, parts that used to take 2 weeks to get to him, now takes two months. It's a different world now so I have to be patient. I'll keep you posted on the progress. |
Just hooked up my DHT/6SN preamp. Listening thru the 300B tubes now. Not even warmed up straight out of the box it sounds good. It is larger than i thought with a separate power supply. Definitely a nice looking preamp. Have about 2 hours of listening on it. I have been listening to Don Sachs preamp. Will report back after about 300 hours of play time. Gonna have to alternate with the 6SN output. |
@jeony You said Audio Research Premier 75 se. I can't find this one. Do you mean Audio Research Ref 75se ? Please reply. Thanks! |
I like the 6SN7 clearly over the 300B output. The stock 6SN7 tubes are ok but the Linlai tubes are a huge upgrade. Definitely smoother, noticeably better low end and just more overall coherence. The preamp is paired with a Coda #16 sold state class A power amp. This setup is a match made in heaven. Superb, pristine sound. |
