[mcullinan]

And get the Supratek Sauvignon! I just received this preamp and it is truly a masterpiece. I have never heard what Cds can sound like, or music for that matter.. until Mick sent me this beautiful andunbelievable, must be heard preamp...

Im no genius and have no idea what the pre does, but what it does do is MAHVELLOUS baby..

Just a FYI.
Mike

Added Pic:

[Big Red Machine]

Certainly is georgeous.  What does it run?  How many inputs?

[ricmon]

Cost to much.

[mcullinan]

I think Its 5 inputs, maybe four... the first input is balanced, and there is balance output, but from Micks website he kind of says he prefers unbalanced operation, but I could run my whole system balanced as all of the necessary pieces have balanced operation.

There are 2 switches behind the 6sn7s for low med and high gain. On the back near the balanced output is the mastergain switch with 5 positions in case anyone gets hiss from the tubes because of a high efficiency amp??? I think, but I hear zero noise. Seperate power supply which is shaped just like the one above except its heavy! and has one tube smack dab in the middle. Supratek supplys an umbilical which attaches both pieces. The tubes are also big and they do run hot so make sure they have breathing space... Also I believe it reacts to cell phones so it may be unshielded, but thats not a big deal, perhaps running balanced would stop that.

For the last three nights Ive been up late listening and its truly amazing! Everything is very even in its presentation, and the sound is clear and crisp. I guess it really reflects the importance of a good preamp and the abilities of the use of larger multiple tubes, which previously Ive never experience. Also Supratek seems to really know their stuff.
Mike

[yooper]

Nice!  It sure is pretty!  The entire Supratek line appears to be very well regarded.

It is interesting to hear your thoughts after owning the Candela.  I recently purchased a pair of the Mono Extreme SE's and decided to purchase the Candela as well, figuring for the money and "synergy", it would serve me well.  I must say, I am very happy with the Candela but also look forward to one day seeing what another pre can offer.  The Supratec, SAS and Dodd are already on my short list.

Happy listening!

Mark

[jbtrio]

Hi Mike,
 I have the Sauvignon also, I made Mick install V-caps for the output caps. I know what you mean the Pre-amp is both beautiful to look at and, even better to listen to. Wait till you change to NOS tubes, brings it up a couple notches.
 The pre-amp is so natural and liquid sounding, but with all the audiophile adjectives, detailed, transparent, extended, dynamic without a smidgen of grain. I just shake my head in amazment. Sounds like real music.

   Joe

[guest1632]

And get the Supratek Sauvignon! I just received this preamp and it is truly a masterpiece. I have never heard what Cds can sound like, or music for that matter.. until Mick sent me this beautiful andunbelievable, must be heard preamp...

Im no genius and have no idea what the pre does, but what it does do is MAHVELLOUS baby..

Just a FYI.
Mike

Added Pic:

Hi Mike,

Ok, how much for the preamp, and got a website?

Ray

[Philistine]

http://www.supratek.biz/default.asp

[carusoracer]

Just chiming in late to the thread...Are you guys still using the Supratek preamps? Any issues or concerns..They certainly look the part

[mcullinan]

Yes. It really is a great piece of equipment. No problems here. After about 200 hours it really shone, and all the parts were well lubricated. Im not looking to change anytime soon. There are so many choices out there, just make sure to give the Supratek a listen.
Mike

[jbtrio]

Still using mine, zero problems. You can tailor the sound to your likings with a wide variety of 6sn7s to choose from.
 Paired with my Spectron Musician III the synergy is first rate.