Preamp Deal of the Century

Any of the supratek preamps that I have seen 4 sale on the GON seem to sell "immediately" at full retail or close to it [depending on condition]and rightly so.I for one...cerainly would have purchased one on the GON if given the opportunity- just to avoid the 9-10 month wait to have it made.The preamp truly is a world class reference product that can compete head on with anything out there- especially if your system is vinyl based.Some may not like its open tube architecture while others consider it an art form.I personally don't care one [way or the other] what "any" equipment looks like as long as it gets me closer to the music.I have 2 legendary Classic tubed preamps to compare it to and can honestly say the supratek will definitively stand the "test of time" and one day also become a cult classic as well.It certainly betters both my ARC SP-10 mk2 and my Luminesence B through the line stage and has the luxury of a remote to boot.The Supratek also betters the sp-10 when a low output moving coil is employed.I still prefer phono stage of the Lumi in my set up, however,to be candid, it is much like comparing fine wine or fine art. Different strokes for different folks!Chosing one over the other is another matter of perspective when it comes to selling.At this particular jucture in my life I would "never" sell my Luminescence and I would have a tough time selling my ARC sp-10 as well[sentimental reasons].I have owned it and enjoyed it immensly since 1985 and it has always been my benchmark for comparison!One day: one or the other will make it to the classifieds and when it does I suppose the fair market value at that time will dictate its worth.I for one would bet on the Supratek at maintaining its value and high demand.If your looking to buy one and the opportunity presents itself? "BUY IT" Its a no-brainer" The world would be a very sad place without music! Enjoy.

What about warranty if you buy second hand, is it transferable? I'm going to join club of happy Supratek owners somewhere in the future. So I really appreciate this thread.

I am the owner who just sold his just after getting it. Everything was great and build quality is top notch. I was forced to sell to raise $$$ for moving expenses. It takes so long to get one, a lot of things change in 7 months!
I sold mine for full list price and think that it was totally fair. 2650 for the pre and remote, 200 for nos tubes, 130 shipping, 150 for customs, tube dampers 20. Some people emailed me asking why i was selling a "used" preamp over list price. This thing was brand new{ less than 2 weeks} and you don't have to wait 7 months. Do the math and it comes up to over $3k. I know i would have bought it 7 months ago.

It's been since last october that I commented on this forum, but I just had to tell all who may read this that Mick's Cortese is a work of art! Nothing I've tried has even approached its ability to convey music in my listen room as though it were REAL, ALIVE, RIGHT THERE BEFORE ME! If you are contemplating buying one, do it now. Don't wait another minute. There is so much enjoyment ahead for you. This preamp (and all the comments from others in the forum) brought me back to vinyl and I couldn't be more please. Vinyl through the Cortese's phono stage is magical. It is music with all the life and dynamics that exist in the real thing.
Now I've ordered Mick's new Burgundy mono block amps. 100w into 8 ohm (more into 4). Each channel consists of two chassis. One is the power supply the other the drive and output section. The size of each is that of the Cortese's chassis. I've got some pictures of the prototypes if anyone is interested (oltzhome@aol.com). Can't wait (you know the story- months after months), but at least I've got my Cortese to keep me company.

I ordered my cortese in the middle of november and it was completed in the end of february, much sooner than I expected. So not everyone has the long wait. Don't know why mine was done so quickly but it is a linestage only with no source selector so that may have been a factor.

Someone here recently commented on the "open" tube style of the preamp's design. I think that is one of the strengths of the preamp since it allows for a wider selection of tube substitutes. It also allows the tubes to resonate in the open and dissipate heat.

I wouldn't be overly concerned about people selling the Supratek's. Firstly, be glad that they do sell. Secondly, if you are a happy owner why would you care what someone else thinks of your preamp. I have purchased about $7k in NOS tubes for my cortese, a lifetime supply. Me and my cortese will be together till I croak.