The Don Sachs preamp is just a dressed up VTA SP14. Much prettier and about $1000 more. The Don Sachs model will run you about $2500 and the VTA SP14 comes in at about $1500. You can save $500 by building as a kit. You won't find a better preamp at any price.
But if you're interested in something very cool in a classic piece, look for a Fisher 400 CX-2. This was Fisher's very worthy competitor to the Mac C22 and Marantz 7. But they never sustained the rep, so today on the used market, sell for less than either the Mac or Marantz tube preamps. But they are gorgeous!
You'll typically find them on EBay if anywhere. There are two there right now. One is listed at $2500 and needs a lot of work. The other is totally done over and gorgeous at $4000.
The Fisher 400 CX-2 was the best preamp they ever made and was typically only found in the homes of the very wealthy and celebrities. This piece is special.
But if you're interested in something very cool in a classic piece, look for a Fisher 400 CX-2. This was Fisher's very worthy competitor to the Mac C22 and Marantz 7. But they never sustained the rep, so today on the used market, sell for less than either the Mac or Marantz tube preamps. But they are gorgeous!
You'll typically find them on EBay if anywhere. There are two there right now. One is listed at $2500 and needs a lot of work. The other is totally done over and gorgeous at $4000.
The Fisher 400 CX-2 was the best preamp they ever made and was typically only found in the homes of the very wealthy and celebrities. This piece is special.