The Don Sachs preamp is just the VTA SP14 in a prettier enclosure. The SP14, preassembled and tested, with remote control, is $1900 new. $1450 as a kit.
Warm, yet detailed tube preamp
Looking for a warm but yet detailed preamp to upgrade my Rouge RP1 (with NOS tubes). Rest of system is Coincident Frankenstein 300B Mk2, Zu Audio Omen Def Supreme, digital front end with PS Audio AirStream and DirectStream Sr (modified with external power supply for the analog side and different output transformers). The Rouge is a very good preamp (especially for the money), but it does definitely hold the system back at this point. I would like to add a bit more warmth of the overall sound and also add depth to the soundstage (without losing details). And I do want a remote... if nothing else, volume and mute.
Willing to spend about $5k used (or so).