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 zm

I can only speak from my own experience, and I’m not about to say or suggest that the Sachs is better than every other preamp in the land.

What I can say is that in the almost two years since it’s entered my system, I have been off the preamp merry go round with no urge to go back. What the DS2 does,it does as well or better than any preamp I’ve heard. But I haven’t heard all of them, and its character may not be everyone’s cup of tea.   

In my system, it’s been magic. I keep an LTA MZ2 on hand for when I want something a little different, but the DS2 is my mainstay for now - and will be for quite some time, I think.