***SALE PENDING***
Legendary hand-made Supratek Cabernet pre-amp, in the "DUAL" configuration.
Two-box - two beautiful boxes it has to be said. I am giving this a "Very Good" rather than "Excellent" condition rating, owing to not being myself able to shine up the chrome **quite** like it used to be...however you may well know some tricks for this that I do not. Even if you get past that, there are a smattering of little nicks and such that also mean I can't in good conscience rate it more highly. I've tried to capture these in the fotos - but this is quite difficult to get on the right angle with this surface!
I bought this directly from Mick in early 2019 (still have the receipt which I will furnish to the buyer).
I am not really a tube connoisseur, but this is what the user manual Mick sent me says about the tubes:
Tubes used are:
. 6H8C/6SN7
6N3C (5881,6L6GC ok)
5AR4,5U4C,5R4GY ,GZ37,GZ32,GZ34, ,5V4G ok)
I was using the additional ('dual') circuit on sub-woofer duties (ie. a stereo pair of them...ultimately quite successful, albeit after quite a journey into the dark arts of "room modes" & sub placement!)
I am moving on to a much simpler set-up...possibly without a pre at all / perhaps a passive switcher/attenuator.
I have at least the main box to-hand...but will have to look for the other (for the power unit).
Currently selling WITHOUT the original remote - although I will search again and if I manage to locate I will update the listing or add in the comments.
So I've priced this down a smidge to reflect the condition and the lack of remote..however it's then priced back up a bit compared with a run-of-the-mill Cabernet, owing to the DUAL factor. Idea being that it kinda comes out in the wash around the price you may have seen solo Cabernets in "Excellent" condition going for...
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
### Sound Quality
Users consistently describe the sound as highly musical, natural, and engaging, with key attributes including:
- Tone color, impact, and elegance: Opens "new dimensions of tone color, impact and suavé factor" without drawbacks, adding a "higher potency of magic" compared to passives.
- Clarity, detail, and dynamics: Buffs tonality, detail, clarity, tightens bass, and delivers "sweet" vocals; provides "lifelike timbre and dynamic expression."
- Natural and organic presentation: Makes music sound "natural," reveals speaker potential, and excels with various tubes (e.g., 6SN7 for natural sound, outperforming competitors like Nitsch Magni Piety).
- Synergy and scale: Huge improvements in systems with SS amps (e.g., Audia Flight, Schiit Vidar), creating profound 3D soundstages and "gorgeous" warmth; "excellent sounding" for music lovers.
### Build Quality
- Premium materials and aesthetics: Features Jarrah wood and chrome chassis, Mundorf Supreme capacitors, transformer-coupled design with substantial transformers under chrome domes; described as "beautifully styled, masterfully built."
- Flexibility: Supports 6SN7 output tubes (and DHT variants like 300B/45), noise-free operation with zero hum, remote, and lifetime transferable warranty.
### Reliability
- Generally reliable over long-term use (e.g., 14 years as "heart of main system"), recently serviced with minor updates; only issues mentioned are "a few dead rectifiers."
- Excellent physical condition reported in sales, with custom shipping options available.
### Strengths
- Exceptional musicality and value at ~US$4500 (current build price), competing with pricier high-end gear.
- Versatile with tube rolling and amp pairings (SS or tube).
- Engages listeners emotionally, prompting hours of play and rediscovery of music.
### Weaknesses
- Limited mentions; primarily minor component failures like rectifiers, resolvable via service.
- No widespread complaints on noise, hum, or major breakdowns; some users note tube preferences affect subtle sound tweaks.
### Overall Reputation
Esteemed as a "high-end bargain," "top-line" preamp among enthusiasts, with profound synergy in high-end systems (e.g., Magico speakers, Polk Reserve); users with decades of experience call it "very special" and addictive, often preferring it over alternatives like PrimaLuna. Discussions highlight its cult following for organic, tube-flavored sound direct from manufacturer.
### Typical Price Range by Condition
- New/mint: AUD 7,200–8,000 (direct from manufacturer, including separate power supply and remote; excludes freight of AUD 150–200 in Australia).
- Used/excellent (e.g., low-hour tubes, custom upgrades, pristine cosmetics): AUD 5,000–6,500 (e.g., a 2018-built custom Dual 6SN7 with NOS Sovtek 6SN7 tubes, spares, and Herbie's dampers listed FS in Australia ~Sep 2021; price not specified but implied premium; similar US pristine unit at US$3,495 ≈ AUD 6,300).
- Used/good (standard wear): AUD 4,000–5,000 (aligned with 2023 European sales at €2,700 ≈ AUD 4,500 or CHF 2,700 ≈ AUD 4,800, adjusted upward for Dual/custom AUD market).
| Condition | AUD Price Range | Key Examples |
|-----------|-----------------|--------------|
| New | 7,200–8,000 | Manufacturer Copper/Chrome/Wood (US$4,000) |
| Used Excellent | 5,000–6,500 | 2021 AU custom Dual FS; US$3,495 pristine |
| Used Good | 4,000–5,000 | 2023 €/CHF 2,700 sales |
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Condition and upgrades: Pristine chrome/Jarrah finish, low-hour NOS tubes (e.g., 1970s Sovtek 6SN7s <200 hours), spares (5AR4, dampers), and custom Dual outputs (separate gain stages for bi-amping) add 20–30% premium.
- Finish: Jarrah & Chrome matches high-end Copper Chassis/Chrome/Wood at US$4,000 new vs. cheaper Powdercoat/Wood at US$3,500.
- Age and originality: Built 2018+ units with Mick Maloney mods (e.g., hum-reduced gain) hold value; lifelong transferable warranty supports longevity.
- Market and rarity: Australian-made custom builds (handbuilt by one person); scarce Dual 6SN7 listings inflate used prices; tube-rolling flexibility (6SN7, 5AR4) appeals to audiophiles.
- Location/currency: Stronger in AUD/Australia due to local production; international sales (e.g., Europe 2023) lower after conversion/shipping.
Limited 2024–2026 listings suggest stable value, but verify current Stereonet/HifiShark for fluctuations. Prices exclude shipping/taxes.
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