Don Sachs Owners Thread


A place to discuss amps, preamps, and phono stages from Don Sachs. 

 

I just purchased a like new D2 linestage. It has 2 gain controls, 64 step volume control, and digital volume readout. It is set up for the new rectifier. This is my first 6sn7 based linestage. It came with Ken-Rad Vt 231and gray RCA tubes. There are 3 rectifier tubes. A huge Philco 6BY5G, a Tung-Sol 6BY5G, and a Bendix 5852. There is also an Ice Age Audio power cord. With 2 different sounding outputs there are a lot of options. I need to find out what value the output caps are. I have the D2 connected at the moment to a VTL ST150. Input impedance is 125K and 2v in for maximum gain. 

I placed the RCA tubes in left front and rear and Ken-Rad in the right. Used Philco rectifier. Plugged VTL amp into output 1. The brightest sounding preamp I've ever heard. It was comical, bass drums sounded more like cymbals. Output 2 sounds like normal music. This surprises me. With 125K input, I thought there would be no problem getting bass response. 

Some questions.

1. Are the 6Sn7's in the right locations? I guessed by looking at the sellers photograph.

2. Is the Ice Age Audio the AC cord the brand Don offers as an option? 

3. I'll audition all 3 but which rectifier would be considered tops?

The linestage sounds amazing. 

Thanks,

aldnorab

aldnorab

Showing 4 responses by firstgrowth

I just sent back my model 2 for some upgrades.  Don completed the work and had it back to me within 2 weeks.  I'm not sure he knows how to retire.

He upgraded the caps, improved the regulated filament supply, and modded the hole for the rectifier tube so it can accommodate a 6BY5 tube.  

Ok, first impressions since upgrade AND installation of my new Weiss DAC.  Background is blacker, more detail (that's the DAC and the upgrades.  There's a drop of tube noise but considering there are at least 15 in the signal path it's not a surprise.  Soundstage has gotten deeper and higher.  I'll give it a bit of time to run in and post again but I'm sure the upgrade path was the way to go.

Before the Weiss I was running everything through an Oppo 205 upgraded by ModWright.  The Weiss is a considerable step up, everything is faster so notes on complicated passages stay individual and precise.  Friday Night in San Francisco is  a great example.  Al DiMeola plays so fast it used to blur the music to my ears, with the Weiss it's a whole different story.

 

I'll check on the tube he sent when I get home.