Preamp Deal of the Century

Yes, it is true. Mick and I corresponded over the weekend and he is indeed giving up on audio and Supratek is no more.

I was his original importer and friend and he has his sights set on something new for his life.

It is making me think hard about whether I will sell the Cortese I have listed on Audiogon, or not, as I feel his gear will become classics. I've owned a bunch of his preamps and amps and while they have had some build issues, they all sound like real music.

I sure wish him the best of luck.

Yes, it is true. I exchanged e-mails with Mick. He is just not making a profit anymore. He told me he had to step up production to make any money, and he felt quality was suffering as a result. Mick is very proud of the preamps he builds and he is not willing to let quality suffer. He is going to manage a vineyard and he seems very excited about it. As a result of starting the "Preamp of the Century" thread, I felt I had become good friends with Mick. The news hit me pretty hard, but I told Mick that he has to do what makes him happy. I wish him all the best in his new endeavor.

I hope this won't mean the end of this thread, as I have made many new friends here. Mick should be in the audio hall of fame for his brilliant designs. As you know, specs never meant much to Mick. The music is all that mattered to him. HERE'S TO YOU MICK!

Hi Guys.
yes it's true- I'm afraid I'm going to have to wind up Supratek, at least for now. It's gotten very hard to make a living with the Chinese competition and the exchange rate.
I would have to double the prices to get back to a reasonable return , and then you get into the market where it's all hype and opinion over good innovative circuitry , which has always been the strength and fun of Supratek.
I'll finish off the orders we have, and maybe my assistant might do a few Chardonnays in the future , but pleased be assured that i'll always be available to help with any warranty issues or questions.
It's been fun and a pleasure to deal with everyone, even the crazy besotted audiophiles with their mad "upgrades" .
Thanks to everyone for their support, especially Dan and Kevin ,truly wonderful generous people .
And to Tom who started this thread so long ago.
Who knows- maybe Supratek might come back , but it's a different world now than it was 10 years ago, and for now i have other obligations.
Look after yourselves, and your families.
Mick

All the Best in your future ventures Mick ...

Its a wonderful thing you have done to create Supratek, all those shining pre-amplifiers glowing in the dark, continuing to give listening pleasure to hundreds of music lovers Worldwide ...your legacy lives on.

You may have hung up the soldering iron for now, but I suspect the passion for good music continues to beat in your heart, so we shall see what the the future brings.

Best regards,

Steve.

Mick-

Thanks for everything you have done to advance the art of bringing a truly wonderful preamp to the market at a real world price.

My Supratek is not only a joy to listen to, but a joy to look at as well. Every time I fire it up for a listening session I will think of you with great fondness.

I wish you the best on whatever road you go down, and I wish you and your family health and happiness.