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Supratek or Don Sachs - which way to go?

I'm preparing to replace my SS preamp with a tube unit and have read with great interest many threads on this board. This is where I learned about Don Sachs model 2 preamps. They sound like what I'm looking for and those who own them consistently express their satisfaction with them.

Now I've just been reading and learning about the Supratek lineup. Wow. These also sound like fantastic works of art. Leaving me with a new question about which way to go. 

Thoughts? Advice? Experience? Anyone care to share?
128x128markusthenaimnut
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
First, my DS pre does have a mute option. Perhaps that went away for the oled display version without balance control.  Second, even with amps on, there is no power up issues to watch for. Very minor tube rush, but that's it. Third, my unit always begins at 0 volume after power off.
tinear123
241 posts
 
Yes, my new LED version Sachs2 has mute on the remote control and the pre resets to 0 volume on power up so Not a problem.... and I absolutely love this line pre-amp.
soundmasteraudio
1 posts
 
I have a question for Mick or anyone else who can provide a logical answer to my observation that exists on most, if not all Supratek products. I took delivery on a Cabernet DHT about a year or two ago. No problems so far, sounds pretty good for being a DHT (Although, not as nice as my Don Sachs pre with those polish caps installed, and for the record, at the time my Supratek pre was being built, i did in fact ask Mick for a certain type of cap to be installed to which he later on said to me when questioned, “Oh i forgot”). Anyway, i digress. I am the kind of person who ALWAYS checks under the hood of any and all audio gear. I like to see parts selection, design, engineering, execution, craftsmanship, etc., etc. However, when i inspected the Suprateks guts i noticed that those two huge unmistakable canisters that are prevalent on virtually all of Micks products were empty, hollow, gutless and useless (As far as i can see). Am i the only one who expected to find toroidal transformers in those canisters? What are their purpose? Is it to deceive or to imply something? I doubt they were added for aesthetics. Can someone please educate me on why they are there?
highstream
207 posts
 
Seems something to Mick directly, then post the result here if appropriate. If you’re referring to the large canisters on top showing in the photos, I think he changed the design. My Chardonnay doesn’t have them.
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut OP
371 posts
 
My Cortese doesn't have the two shiny domes. It has compact, comparatively low profile heat sinks. I don't know why some preamps have the domes and some don't. I am guessing that it might have been an aesthetic choice Mick made some time in the past and the original purpose was to improve the looks of the heat sinks. But I'm only guessing. 
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