Steve M Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 17 minutes ago, MrRogers said: A few years ago I took along a Cymer preamp (stunning sound) to compare to a Supratek (linestage only model). The price of both preamps was about the same. Because the differences were very small, I remember we were both happy with our own preamps. That Supratek wasn't a DHT. Hi Mendo, As it should be with all great audio equipment ...more similar than different if the goal is musical engagement and accuracy. Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrRogers Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 I totally agree Steve. The two power amplifiers I presently own (ME50 & Cymer PP) sound so similar, even though they are two different technologies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehtcom Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 12 hours ago, THOMO said: I am not so keen on those wires all bundled together like that.I have had experience with a DHT power amp wired like that and some problem caused the ballast resistor on one channel to go and most of the wires that were bundled together welded themselves together.What a stinking mess that was!That amplifier was made in Japan so not some cheap Chinese creation. Resistors are commonly used as a fuse point in some circuits. A good thing yours failed as it most likely averted a fire. From your description, it sounds like another fault (most likely tube or bias network failure) caused way too much current to be drawn, melting the wires and at the same time exceeding the resistors ratings and fusing it. This is one of the reasons why I use very high quality, highly rated components including English made high temperature wire. Apart from the mains fuses, there are also other safety measures I have designed into all my amplifiers. One example. I install 2 resistors on the HT (high voltage) input of the rectifier tubes to not only act as damper resistors increasing the output impedance of the power transformer high voltage winding. But they also act as fuses protecting the power transformer, tubes, and other components in case of a fault. To be honest. I have found that bundling (and colour coding) the wires together results in the quietest, best measured, sounding and most consistent results. It allows me to keep distance between sensitive signal carrying wires and circuit power/heater wiring. I think you will find the previously pictured DHT preamp is one of the quietest DHT preamps available. Even at the lowest volume setting it still maintains a >90 signal to hum ratio. Also a hell of a lot easier to work on if there is a fault. I now refuse to work on some amplifiers for this very reason. BTW I am replying to present my own views and experience with neat, colour coded wiring v not so neat. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 (edited) 23 hours ago, THOMO said: I am not so keen on those wires all bundled together like that.I have had experience with a DHT power amp wired like that and some problem caused the ballast resistor on one channel to go and most of the wires that were bundled together welded themselves together.What a stinking mess that was!That amplifier was made in Japan so not some cheap Chinese creation. Silicon or PTFE coated wire would eliminate any such problems. I am surprised that a quality manufacturer would not use such items in their construction. Edited September 30, 2016 by Zaphod Beeblebrox 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AudioGeek Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 @Steve M It was Tasso who originally recommended the csls to me. Interestingly he upgraded from a Supratek (older model) to the csls and I think he had the first one in Oz. It is a fantastic preamp, but I found lacks a bit of bass - probably a characteristic of the 101d tubes rather than the pre design itself. Was not an issue when I used a sub. @Rob181 very nice Rob! Never heard of this company before, are they also Oz based. I always wanted to try one of Earl's designs. I will one day , they always look sensational! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve M Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Yes, the 101D is a bit tight and lacks bloom in the bass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nada Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 1 hour ago, al said: Wow he sure has changed the styling in the suprateks look completely different inside too. Is this a new line of his ? The thread has wandered a fair bit and the photo is a "Falls Audio" build which is why it looks different to the Supratek. I can see it would be easy to get mixed up as the topology with a two chassis build from Aussie wood with separate power supply and DHT output is something that makes it look like Supratek alright. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 3 hours ago, Nada said: The thread has wandered a fair bit and the photo is a "Falls Audio" build which is why it looks different to the Supratek. I can see it would be easy to get mixed up as the topology with a two chassis build from Aussie wood with separate power supply and DHT output is something that makes it look like Supratek alright. oh ... i didnt pick up when that happened, perhaps should split off the thread as really nothing supratek related in that case anymore ... edit hae split off discussion about this other DHT pre amp to its own thread so it can have its own discussion as deserves , happy to change title to anything else if see appropriate, discussion can return now to supratek DHT as was original intent of OP 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joz Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Love the look of all the xposed tubes, but alas they are not rack freindly. Well my rack anyhow. I had one of Earles TimeMachines pres in my system for a little while and would have kept it if it wasn't for the glass sticking out the top. Loved the sound. Recently I have had a few nice pres in my system including a Supratek Sauv. Glass sticking out the top again but now two boxes of them arrrgh! It was really very nice but world beating would be a big stretch. Anyhow I could live with or without it as I know there are others that sound as good if not better in my setup. YMMV! Had a few people over comparing them and really the biggest thing I could take from my comparos is that I prefer tubed pres. Also a well regarded SS pre that sounded magic in someone elses sytem was just ok in mine. Now imagine if I had bought it on how it sounded on other peoples systems. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob181 Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 2 hours ago, al said: oh ... i didnt pick up when that happened, perhaps should split off the thread as really nothing supratek related in that case anymore ... edit hae split off discussion about this other DHT pre amp to its own thread so it can have its own discussion as deserves , happy to change title to anything else if see appropriate, discussion can return now to supratek DHT as was original intent of OP Al...would you also please re title to Falls Audio DHT Pre & start the thread with the post of the underside with Tango transformers in the photograph... Where did the thread numbering system go...that made life easy...thanks... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zenikoy Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 I'll offer up the gubbins of my recently new to me "Valvemark" (another WA builder) SET amp. Being raised on solid state and printed circuits, I wasn't sure if it was a nightmare or some "point to point" genius. Still unsure but more comfortable. Seems somewhere between the opposing examples of wiring that have been posted here. Photos come @Rocky500 who was the last SNA custodian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BobbyD Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 (edited) Some more point to point wiring........... a former 300B stereo power amp. Edited October 6, 2016 by BobbyD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JohnA Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 i miss my grange...a thing of beauty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joz Posted October 1, 2016 Share Posted October 1, 2016 Not like you John, I see a bit of dust 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefly0071 Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 Are Supratek pre-amps still available for made to order? (apologise if the question is too obvious). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herbyj Posted March 16, 2017 Author Share Posted March 16, 2017 Yes, contact Mick through the website. In my opinion the DHT preamps are world class. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muriwai Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 Yes they are,looong waiting list,but well worth the wait,[emoji57] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefly0071 Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 I have a Musical Fidelity Pre-amp for sale on SNA. If sold, I will need to purchase another pre-amp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hensa Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 16 minutes ago, firefly0071 said: I have a Musical Fidelity Pre-amp for sale on SNA. If sold, I will need to purchase another pre-amp. I'd be happy to give you a loaner to tide you over if you need to wait for a new one to be built. I think you're pretty local to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefly0071 Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 fingers crossed don the Musical Fidelity sale! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herbyj Posted March 16, 2017 Author Share Posted March 16, 2017 My DHT took about a month or so plus shipping time to do but it was an upgraded from the Chenin to DHT. The wait might be a bit longer now but definitely worth it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al.M Posted March 19, 2017 Share Posted March 19, 2017 (edited) Bit late to this post but FWIW, I had two of suprateks in the house and heard maybe several others in another place and they all sounded extremely good, as good or better than a Tram 2, $15k Conrad Johnson ACT 2, and whole lot better than Antique Sound, Ming Da 2A, Audio Rsearch Ls 7 & Sp 9, numerous lower end Kit others. I think we've all had less than expected experences with gear that was well reviewed and been disappointed and it can be due to a number of things out of our control but it doesn't have to come to a conclusion that others are in error. Edited March 19, 2017 by Al.M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefly0071 Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 (edited) I will be in receipt of a SUPRATEK CHARDONNAY next week with tubes. Purchased used. Should be some fun coming! Edited May 21, 2017 by firefly0071 spelling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefly0071 Posted May 20, 2017 Share Posted May 20, 2017 (edited) I am having trouble installing the supratek chardonnay. Is there anyone in Sydney who can help me out with a paid fee? Sorted it out. Wish I had a manual. Here is a photo of the Supratek Chardonnay in my system. I purchased this second hand for a great price. I am listening to my music system with the Supratek pre-amp. Sounds great! I can't compare systems. I purchased the SUPRATEK CHARDONNAY for $1.6k used (not a lot of $ in the pre-amp world in general). It is a used valve pre-amp. But gee I am getting great value for my purchase. The music quality is great (I know this is subjective). I have read negative comments on the Supratek here and there. I feel it is unwarranted in my system especially taking into account how much I paid for the Chardonnay and I my listening. But for those who think my $1.6k purchase is unworthy, they are welcome to come over and listen for themselves (north shore Sydney). Edited May 21, 2017 by firefly0071 More information Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herbyj Posted July 1, 2017 Author Share Posted July 1, 2017 Mick has a new website and a new 6SN7 based preamp: http://supratekaudio.blogspot.com.au Herby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts