Preamp Deal of the Century

I'm selling my beloved Chardonnay linestage and wanted to know what fellow owners think it might be worth before I post a classified ad.

I purchased it 9/03. It is in perfect working order and looks the same as when I received it. With NOS input tubes, customs expenses, state tax and, yes, the halo dampers, the total investment (without shipping) = about $2,500. Mine has an antique copper finish (don't know if those are still available).

I currently use a cdp with a tranformer coupled triode ouptut stage (sound familiar?) and am using it directly connected to my amp (also tubed). Since I don't have other source components, there is no need for a preamp. While I've been thinking about keeping the Supratek as a collector's item, I also would like to upgrade my existing gear. Oh, the terrible upgrade bug...

So, the unit is used, but it is available for shipping now.

Phil

Oh, forgot to mention that my Chardonnay does NOT have a remote (important to some folks).

I have the original manual and box (of course!).

Phil

Phil, I also use a CDP with transformer coupled triode output stage, and while I don't need a preamp, I enjoy the sound of the CDP through the preamp. Just a suggestion, but you might live with the preamp and try going direct and through the preamp for two or three months before you decide to sell the Chardonnay. You might find down the road that you miss the Chardonnay and wish you hadn't been so quick to sell it.

Tvad,

Thanks for the suggestion. I believe we have the same apl unit, although mine doesn't have the latest upgrades (yet!). I have tried it both ways for a while and find the sound very, very similar (which says a lot about the Supratek's transparency). That being the case, and given my inclination for simplicity, and for upgrading the apl, I'm leaning toward selling.

I appreciate your advice.

Phil

Phil 1 and Tvad,

What cdp do you have?