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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Supratek Triode Syrah Preamplifier (Tube) by outwest

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REVIEW: Supratek Triode Syrah Preamplifier (Tube)

68.40.194.56


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Model: Syrah
Category: Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $2500 (Increase Pending)
Description: Full-Function Tube Preamplifier with Transformer-Coupled Output and MC Phono Stage Based on Loesch Design
Manufacturer URL: Supratek Triode
Model Picture: View

Review by outwest on September 30, 2008 at 13:06:17
IP Address: 68.40.194.56
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for the Syrah


This is a review of my pre-owned Syrah and the service it has recieved.

I bought my Supratek Syrah used back in 2004. After extensive research for "the one" I was extreamly proud of my purchase. I run a vinyl only rig that consists of a VPI Scout with a Shelter 501 cart, the Syrah, Classe' 101 power amp and a set of Montana SP2's. The electronics sit on a full suspension pARTicular Novus.
Initially, I had my system set up in an upstairs room with dramaticly sloped ceilings. While I know this room was less than ideal, it was the scapegoat for all my sonic distastes. After all I just bought the preamp of the century! The harshness and tinnyness of cymbols couldn't come from the syrah. Nor the fact that I could never dial in the right volume off the attenuator. Always too loud or not loud enough. Not to mention the music always was, for lack of a better word, plain. I was truely in denial.
Then things got worse. I began to get some good pops when I changed the volume. Annoying enough, I rarely needed to adjust volume anyway I convinced myself. So I lived with it. Wasn't much longer when the power amp blew its fuse. This was a setback that took YEARS to recover from.
I took my amps into Deltronics of Chicago after hearing much praise of their work. They claimed to have changed a faulty cap and charged me $100.
Got it home and it blew the fuse right away. Took it back to Deltronics they said they couldn't find anything wrong with the amp. Frustrated and confused my system collected dust until my recent move to Ann Arbor, MI.
It was around that time I enquired on the asylum for a good tech. I got this response:
http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=general&n=525022&highlight=ann+arbor
After speaking with Mike he had the problem narrowed down to a DC offset and he was sure he could help me. Mike had never seen a Supratek before and I did not have the schematics, So he warned me it may take three weeks. I didn't blink and im glad I didn't!
Three days later he had not resolved the problem, but had contacted the original maker (Mick Maloney) and discussed his thoughts of upgrading the unit. Mick is quite leary of unknown techs making upgrades to his baby. After he learned Mikes plans he confessed thats what I do with my top of the line preamps!
Mike really made a point to not only get the unit working, but dramaticly improve it as well. He upgraded all the caps (oil), cleaned all the parts and swapped many tubes to Mullards. Both sections of the preamp now weigh considerably more. No more problems dialing in the right volume. No more harshness, but not too warm and lush either.
How does it sound now? Accurate and dynamic. Pacing and attack are lifelike. imaging is improved (although the scout has always excelled at that imo). Note decay sends shivers though you. Listening to Blues Breakers (Mayall/Clapton) Erics amp is in my room. I do have a guitar amp in this room and it sounds like this!
Charles Mingus, Hampton Hawes, Danny Richmond TRIO sounds both intimate and palpable. I can see Mingus motioning in and out of his solos!
King Crimson - Discipline just makes your jaw drop to hear with this accuracy. I have never heard a more tight recording, and until now never with this amount of seperation and supurb imaging.
Monk - Alone in S.F. Not the blackest background on this album, but its never sounded so... organic.
I've heard it said that every piece has a weakness. Its also been said the best preamps are the ones you can't notice. My Syrah now lets more of my vinyl come through than I've ever heard before. But I believe it adds just a little magic as well. I wouldn't trade it away for a more analytical/transparent piece ever.


Product Weakness: not as transparent as a passive
Product Strengths: Imaging, soundstage, note decay, accuracy and dynamics all while maintaining a very organic presentation


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Classe' CA 101
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Syrah
Sources (CDP/Turntable): VPI Scout
Speakers: Montana SP II
Cables/Interconnects: VPI wire (don't remember the name)
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz/Blues/Classic Rock
Time Period/Length of Audition: see review
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Brickwall
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Supratek Triode Syrah Preamplifier (Tube) - outwest 13:06:17 09/30/08 ( 19)