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Preamp Deal of the Century

If anyone is looking for a true "World Class" preamp at a very fair price..heed my advice. I just recieved a Supratek Syrah preamp that was hand built by Mick Maloney in Western Australia, and it is absolutely beautiful! This preamp is the best deal you will ever find. I would put it up against any preamp out there for both looks and sound. Price? $2500 for the Syrah (includes Killer Phono stage). Not into phono? Try the Chardonney line stage for $2100. Don't get me wrong, I am not associated with this company. I am just a very happy owner! This preamp is VERY dynamic, yet liquid. It conveys the sound of music better than any other preamp that I have ever heard! You can check out the Supratek website at www. cantech.net.au
slowhand
theresa
5 posts
 
Would this pre-amp be a good investment for someone who only uses a CD player and power amp? I am assuming I would need only the Chardonnay?
rmml's avatar
rmml
204 posts
 
Hi Theresa, I would say it is a worthy investment, point being is you probably will not upgrade your preamp for a long long time, like most of us in this thread. I have the Chardonay myself and if your willing to deal with the waiting and the little quirks here and there you will be rewarded.
Until now my Chardonay somehow never ceases to amaze me everytime I listen to it.
jazzdude
332 posts
 
How are the Cortese linestage tubes wired. Is is one tube per channel or does Mick use one triode section of each tube for the left and right channel?
tonnesen
137 posts
 
Any news on Mick's status - is he still overwhelmed with back orders and still doing all the work alone? I'm considering getting the Syrah, wondering if those of you who already purchased are still so overwhelmingly enthusiatic about Mick's work? (And Thanks, I've appreciated all the info in this thread!)

Also - I posted this question in the topic on ARC preamps but may get a better response here - any opinions on using an ARC LS8MkII with PH3 versus the Syrah?
rockhead
83 posts
 
Well, I've had mine and still am in love with it. After my speakers, it is my most important piece.
I have not compared it to other pre's in it's price class or higher. I completely believe people who say the Audio Note has even more to offer but it's out of my price range.
Theresa-I only play CD's right now but I got the Syrah so I would have the option to try out vinyl after I restocked the music fund. The extra $400 is less than a good phono stage in the future.
Alot has been written about the glories of the KenRad black glass tubes in the Supratek. I have a good pair and agree with almost everything that has been said of them. However, in my system they are only second best. For me and my ears, my Pearl Cryoed Brimar CV/1988 are best. More top extension, as good or better lows, set a blacker background, and have crystal-clear detail without losing musicality. I have a NOS pair on the way that are not cyroed. I can't wait to hear if I can tell the difference.
BTW, I saw a very nice pair of the KenRads go for a whopping $260 on ebay the other day. Holy Mackeral. Wish I had put the 401(k) all into KR BG about 3 years ago.
Regards,
Patrick
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