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Preamp Deal of the Century

If anyone is looking for a true "World Class" preamp at a very fair price..heed my advice. I just recieved a Supratek Syrah preamp that was hand built by Mick Maloney in Western Australia, and it is absolutely beautiful! This preamp is the best deal you will ever find. I would put it up against any preamp out there for both looks and sound. Price? $2500 for the Syrah (includes Killer Phono stage). Not into phono? Try the Chardonney line stage for $2100. Don't get me wrong, I am not associated with this company. I am just a very happy owner! This preamp is VERY dynamic, yet liquid. It conveys the sound of music better than any other preamp that I have ever heard! You can check out the Supratek website at www. cantech.net.au
slowhand
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Cortese owners, what is the purpose of the HI/LO gain switches on either side of the 6SN7 tubes? Is this for cartridge matching?

The manual makes no mention of these switches other than a photo showing their positions.
powers
46 posts
 
Tvad,
Those toggles change the output gain. They are provided, as well as the gain contol dial on the rear to 'work with' the specific input sensitivity of your amplifier.
Try various positions and see which one you like best. My toggle is usually 'foward'.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Thanks, Powers. I find the switches worke best toward the rear of the preamp, and I also have my selector knob on the lowest gain setting. My amps are VAC Standard 160 monoblocks, and are high gain them selves.

I love this Cortese. Simply amazing! My system completely snapped into place when this preamp was inserted.

I am working out a couple of input/output issues perhaps someone can address. First, how does the HT feature work?

Second, if I have a source connected to the AUX2 inputs, and I have the input selector knob turned all the way to the right, I get no signal except for some bleed-thru from the CD input. Anyone know why?

I have also emailed Mick.
kgturner's avatar
kgturner
601 posts
 
I am working out a couple of input/output issues perhaps someone can address. First, how does the HT feature work?

from what i recall, the ht bypass is set on input 4. you connect input 4 to your pre-pros front channel preouts. there should be a toggle switch between the two towers on the cortese. referral to your manual as to which way is on and which way is off.

when you want to watch a movies, just turn the cortese on, flip the switch, and you'll be good to go. all this info is based on my recollection of how my chardonnay (which i sold months ago) worked. the input number may be slightly different from your cortese, but the basic premise remains.
maril555
618 posts
 
Correction:
Cortese doesn't need to be on. HT bypass is completely
passive. Just flip the switch towards the back.
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