2. amps-preamps
  3. 174675-96787

Don Sachs DS2 Preamp - too good to be true?

So I'm looking at trying out a tube preamp. Have always been SS but curious about tubes. Came across a lot of buzz on this forum and others for Don Sachs' custom DS2 line stage preamp, and it has really piqued my interest/curiosity.

I guess I'm wondering if the hype is too good to be true? A lot of people seem to favor this over commercial preamps that far exceed its price. 

Has anyone tried it and been unhappy? I guess the 2 main thoughts in my head are:

1. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

2. Why couldn't any given established audio company, with I'm sure deeper pockets and more resources than Don S has, put out an amp that performs as well or better at a comparable price?

The normal answer would be to demo/try it for yourself, but that seems basically impossible in this case as there is no dealer network, demo units, etc...

slazechko

Showing 1 response by armstrod

armstrod
619 posts
 

I own the following:

Modwright LS-100

Don Sachs DS-2

LTA MZ-2

Atma-Sphere MP-3

The one that’s staying is the MP-3. All of them are very good, but the MP-3 is best in my system; not surprising, since my amps are Atma-Sphere M-60s. It combines the great tone of the DS-2 with the inner detail of the MZ-2.

I could live with any of them; the differences are small but noticeable. So is the DS-2 too good to be true? Not at all; it’s very good. Are there better preamps? Of course. Are there better preamps at the same price level? Only you can determine that.

A larger company would have a difficult time duplicating Don’s craftsmanship, quality, customization options, and customer service at anywhere near his price, due to their far greater overhead.

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