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Supratek vs. Thor?

Hi guys,
I own and love a Supratek Syrah. Howver I've notice quite a few Thor TA100 preamps on here lately at astonishing prices for an $8K preamp. So just wondering has anyone compared the two? I know the Thor has gotten some raves in the press and the Supratek has gotten some raves here, and rightly so. Is the Thor legit, or is it another case of press hype. And would it be a step down or sideways versus up to go from a Syrah to a Thor? The rest of the system, Tube Tech CD64 player, Cary 300B monos, Alon Lotus speakers. Thanks in advance.And have a happy Thanksgiving!
128x128jond
jond's avatar
jond OP
3,400 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses. I think the Thor is pretty cool looking and not plane jane. I know it's a line stage, I was thinking about getting it and then later picking up a great standalone phono stage. So I'll spend the Thanksgiving holiday pondering this potential change. Happy holidays to all!
711smilin
513 posts
 
I have never heard the Supratech, but, I did compare the Thor TA 1000 mk ii, to the Exemplar Exception, and felt the exception bettered it in transparancy, bass, sounstage, and listenability. The Exception is gorgeous, and is only a line stage. You should really check it out, cause at the price point it cannot be beat. I use a pair of E1800CC Amperex PW rated at 10,000 hours, so tubes are not an issue. I am also waiting for my new Exception to be completed with siltech wiring, and REMOTE control, which is wonderful for when the wife is yelling, TURN IT DOWN.
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cello
645 posts
 
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Jond,
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The Syrah is terrific, but Mick is cranking out even better pieces at this point.
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The new Chenin is a dramatic bump up from the Syrah and the Cortese is another universe.
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Don't overlook going from the Syrah to either the new Chenin or Cortese (depending on your budget).
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The circuitry on both the Chenin and Cortese are dramatically improved, as are the sonics.
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Are you using stock tubes in your Syrah or are you using NOS ?
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jond's avatar
jond OP
3,400 posts
 
Cello,
I've changed out all the tubes in my Syrah, I'm using NOS Sylvania 6sn7's, RCA black metal 6l6's, Mullard 6gk5's, Raytheon 5842's and a Phillips Miniwatt GZ34. The sound is much improved over stock though I've been advised to replace the 6l6's.I've heard that some people prefer the Syrah over the Chenin because it uses 6sn7's versus 6922's. I don't know since I haven't made the comparison, but I can say that the Cortese is out of my price range. Do you really think the Chenin is that much better? How different is that circuit? Thanks.
juban
2 posts
 
Hi Jond,
I've owned quite a number of preamps, including the
original Syrah, then an upgraded Syrah, also both Thor
TA-1000 Mk1 and TA-1000 Mk2. My experience puts the Thor
at the very top rung sonically. The Mk2 upgrades to the
TA-1000 were not subtle, so any comparisons should be done
with this new version. Increased transparency, air,
dynamics, bass clarity and depth came with this upgrade.
Highly recommended.
Best, Jim
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