Preamp Deal of the Century

Hi, Ecclectique, both amps use the 417a/6GK5 or 6FQ5 tubes. I am pretty sure it is not the phono stage that is causing the problem. The first amp went bad in the line stage functions too. It acted the same for the phono as well as the pre amp functions.
Having two Syrahs with the same problem would make me think it is something we did or another problem with both of our systems. We have spent a lot of time ruling that out.
Remember, the first Syrah sounded wonderful in both systems, and for over a year.
Thanks for your time and responses.

Hello Vetterone. Thanks for the prompt reply.Due to this abberation being common to both units and through both the phono stage and the line, I think it would probably be the most logical to start with the rectifier and regulators in the power supply. A weak rectifier or mismatched halfs of a full wave rectifier can have a profound effect on both the line and phono and can indeed demonstrate the characteristics that Patrick is alluding to. Can you test your rectifiers and tell me what rectifier you are using [5ar4, 5z4,5u4,5v4?? etc]as well as regulation tubes. Do you have any spare rectifiers around you can substitute? The regulation tubes are not likley the culprit here unless they are very weak or grossly mismatched as they do not have much influence on the tone per sey,but... rather more with spacial cues and air in the soundscape. Are you experiencing any woofer pumping in the phono stage? Try turning up the gain in the phono "Without" cueing the record and observe the reaction of the woofers. Is it a thinness that may be highlighting the upper midrange/treble range? Sorry to ask so many questions here sir, but persevere here and I am sure we can get to the bottom of it in time for Lugnut to entertain his guests. cheers David

Cabernet users, I am expecting my pre-amp anywhere from now until the summer!, but I'd love to hear some feedback. Stock tubes, rolled tubes, how long a break in period. I am matching with a solid state mac 352 and driving B&W 802's. Balanced output? Mick seems to lean towards unbalanced. My speaker cables are 2 meter Granite audio 10awg copper, while my interconnects are the 577 silver. Playback is a Sony sa-xxxes sacd player. I'm dying for info as I wait. Thanks supratek users.

I was able for the first time to listen to my new Chenin that I bought from Audiogon last night. I feel that pictures really do not do this preamp justice because in person it is a visual knockout. It also sounds great and I only was able to listen to CD's last night. I can't wait to start spinning some vinyl again! I have a couple of questions that have come up since last night. I think there are about 8 inputs in the rear of the unit and only 4 settings for inputs on the front selector. Can someone inform me how this works? Secondly, what makes a greater difference tube rolling or a new power cable? I have seen many postings dealing with NOS tubes, Is there any consensus about which tubes are the best for these preamps? Which tubes make the greatest difference? Lastly, do most people use the high or low gain setting? Thanks in advance. Bob

Larryrosen,

Congratulations on your choice. I think you can look forward to a VERY pleasant experience. I say this confidently as my sys. is quite similar to yours in many ways & the Supratek was a perfect match in mine. I too use a MC352 paired to a Chardonnay driving TDL Reference Studio Monitor 'M' . Are your B&W the Nautiluses ? I have heard the N802 & in many ways they sound similar to the TDL's. I too run everything in un-balanced mode. Have been leaning towards sigledriver / horn / 300B sys since of late. The Chardoanny performed admirably in this combination as well. So hang in there & keep counting the days.

Now if only Mick puts his mind to a 300B SET .....................