Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Supratek Triode Chardonnay Preamplifier (Tube) by M. Vidal

Model:	Chardonnay
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2,200
Description:	6SN7 Tube Transformer Coupled Preamplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Supratek Triode

Review by M.Vidal on May 24, 2008 at 16:07:12
IP Address: 70.45.141.25 Add Your Review
for the Chardonnay

I know, Supratek closed its doors but ever since I bought this preamplifier I have wanted to say something about it. I also know that there are more forum members that have Supratek electronics than the actual Supratek reviews might indicate,so, here it goes.

Physical description or impressions:
This is an elegant design in a sort of retro way, similar to all Supratek products. You can see a picture if you go to the Supratek site, which is still up. The preamplifier kind of reminds me of a 50's Buick; with the chrome top plate and what I believed were bullet shaped "output transformer" covers, although they are not, though the output transformers are inside the chassis. These are for looks only. I guess this has to do to the fact that Mick uses the same chassis for all his products, including the amplifiers, and had to do something about those holes on the plate intended for the amplifier output transformers.

Design:
It is a transformer coupled design, some people in these forums have called it "parafeed", but I am not sure this term applies to this design. It is tube rectified and regulated. It can use 5AR4, GZ34, GZ37,6106, etc. tubes as rectifiers and 5881, KT66, 6f6G, etc. tubes as regulators. The audio tubes being the 6SN7's. There are two gain options for users: One by the implementation of a voltage divider network which can be dialed in by the user. The other by a switch on top of the panel that I guess disengages part of the gain circuit. I use these in the low and high gain positions respectively. With these settings the volume control travel is limited to 9 or 10 o'clock. The volume control, btw, is a motorized Alps attenuator.

Sonic impressions:
Very natural and smooth. Musical, that's it. Soundstage is well presented both laterally and front to back. It lets the music breath, instruments and voice have body and while all this is going on, it manages to make a very fast and dynamic presentation. These last two qualities remind me of the Transcendent Sound electronics I used to have.

I use it with a Plinius P8 stereo amplifier, and still all the above qualities shine through. I am considering getting a tube amplifier to complement it in the near future.

Tube Swapping:
I have experimented with various rectifier,regulator and signal tubes. Presently I am using the Bendix 6106 and a Valvo GZ34. I have also experimented with a GZ37 on loan. The Bendix came with the unit. As regulators, I use the Westinghouse 6fg6G's and Valve Art KT66's. For 6SN7's I use a pair of NOS RCA's. I have also tried the Sovtek 5881's as regulators that also came with the unit but the others produce a more refined presentation. The difference between the 6106 and the GZ34 is not that great, the 6106 being a little more dynamic and the GZ34 a little bit warmer.

Product Weakness:	Too much gain
Product Strengths:	See Review

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Plinius P8
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Supratek Chardonnay
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Shigarki transport and DAC/Dumpty PS
Speakers: Reference 3a MMDeCappo's
Cables/Interconnects: All Jena Labs
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, 0;s and 70's oft rock, Pop
Room Size (LxWxH): 12' x 11' x 9'
Room Comments/Treatments: carpet
Time Period/Length of Audition: one year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Jena Labs
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Plinius P8
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Supratek Chardonnay
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Shigarki transport and DAC/Dumpty PS
Speakers:	Reference 3a MMDeCappo's
Cables/Interconnects:	All Jena Labs
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, 0;s and 70's oft rock, Pop
Room Size (LxWxH):	12' x 11' x 9'
Room Comments/Treatments:	carpet
Time Period/Length of Audition:	one year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Jena Labs
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner