Systemic Development > Tubes
Don Sachs Tube Preamp and Amplifier
mresseguie:
Hello. This is a preliminary presentation of my impression from my visit to Don's home in Nelson, BC today.
Now why is it preliminary and not a full blown review? Well, thanks for asking. It's not going to be full blown until I get my new preamp into my system with my own speakers. You understand, I'm sure.
Don invited me into his home so I could get a really good idea of what my new preamp will sound like. You see, I ordered one about 10 days ago, and I was eager to know what my money had gotten me. Mine is only a little different (better) from today's preamp.
His system is such:
Source: Laptop with JRiver
DAC: Schiit Gungnir
D Sachs Model 2 preamp
D Sachs KT88 amp
Joseph Audio RM25XL speakers
Everything is his system was new to me today. I had never heard these speakers before, and never heard the Schiit DAC, etc. Therefore, all I can tell you is how this system sounded. I cannot tell you what impact the amp and preamp had on the sound nor can I tell you how the speakers impacted my experience.
With that out of the way...
I got to hear some mighty nice live sounding - you are there - kind of music today. The instruments, the singers, the audience (in live recordings), etc. were so real sounding that I nearly pinched myself to see if I was dreaming. The sound stage was huge - at least 8' tall and wider than the speakers which must have been about 7 or 8 feet apart. There was depth as well.
Don played songs that he loves and songs that I love. They all sounded fantastic. The clarity was incredible and even after 4 hours I felt no fatigue.
What did I notice? I didn't hear that syrupy warm sound that I expect to hear from lower grade tube gear. I felt as though I were standing at an open window 10 feet from the musicians. The bass was tight and not soft or sloppy. His amp/preamp will play down to 20Hz because he uses really good power supplies.
[Edit] Acoustic instruments were very defined and clear. There was never any feeling of sluggishness or of muffling of voices, guitar, piano, drums, etc.
Don explained to me his amp/preamp design so much and in such detail that a good third of the information passed right over my bald head. He really knows his shit.
I can't wait to get my new preamp into my system in Oregon, and then, into my system in Taiwan.
Okay. This was a bit scattered, but I think you get it. I'll follow up in a few weeks once I'm back home and can set up my system for a thorough listen.
Michael
richidoo:
Michael, thanks for the pre-review! I've been watching the thread on AC and thinking about these pieces for myself. Looking forward to reading your impressions of your own SP14.
As I understand it the SP14 preamp circuit is designed by Roy Mottram, owner of tubes4hifi.com:
http://www.tubes4hifi.com/SP14.htm
Finished preamp for $1300: http://www.tubes4hifi.com/pre12.htm#SP14
Kits for $240 - $950:
http://www.tubes4hifi.com/pre11.htm#SP14
Ultra-fi version custom built by Don Sachs: $1600+
http://www.tubes4hifi.com/don.htm
http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html
I think Don's amplifiers are his own design?
Do you know who designed the amps they sell at tubes4hifi, like M125 monoblocks?
http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob.htm#M125
Thanks!
mresseguie:
Hi, Rich.
The SP14 was developed by Roy. Don has taken the original design and tweaked it in several places to create the D Sachs Model 2. I guess I'd call the Model 2 an evolutionary development/improvement/redesign(?).
If I recall everything I was told, the Model 2 has a thicker top plate, beefier toroidal transformer capable of producing music down to <20Hz, higher quality resistors, higher quality caps, better wiring, better quality XLR connections, better sounding tubes, and nice looking wood case.
Additionally, customers can customize their preamps by choosing from different brands of tube caps, power caps, balanced or not, etc.
I struggled with deciding which value caps to get to match what sort of amplifier - .33uF is standard, but .47uF to 1uF sizes can be selected. I say I struggled because I'm still not entirely certain which SS amp I want to have in Taiwan. I finally decided to go with .47uF as it will drive many SS and cost just $20 more than the .33uF caps. I selected Jupiter caps by the way. I decided that I just don't need the very expensive Deuland caps.
After spending four hours with Don, I came to the conclusion that he loves to tweak preamps and amplifiers. He took Roy's already good design and created a work of art. I told him he is undercharging for his work, but he is hesitant to charge more. He mentioned marketability and price points. Perhaps, once his preamps become better known, he may raise prices a bit.
When I get this to Taiwan, I'm going to take it to a couple guys I met last time. They are tube-heads and have great systems. As far as Don knows, my Model 2 will be the first one in Taiwan. 8)
mresseguie:
Nick B posted in another thread, "Michael,
Sorry to be off topic, but I just ordered a custom phono pre from Don Sachs. Tell him I said hello. I researched quite a bit and I know it's a gamble of sorts, but I have a hunch it will be excellent
Nick"
Hi, Nick.
I figured it would be more appropriate to start an entirely new thread rather than answering in Don's WTB thread.
I can't tell you much about Don's phono pre. It wasn't in the room, and we listened to digital only. He did mention it, but I really don't recall what he said other than that it is excellent sounding.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about it once it is broken in.
Michael
mresseguie:
A couple thoughts:
Now I find myself intensely curious about Joseph Audio speakers and about similar speakers. By similar, I mean MTM-like designs.
Five weeks ago I got to hear Prana Fidelity Fifty90 (and his Vayu/fs) speakers in Steven Norber's home. Steven insists they are not MTM btw. I came away from that experience really excited. That system was powered by SS amp/preamp. I can't help but wonder how the Fifty/90s might sound with Don's gear. The Prana Fidelity amp/preamp sell for ~$15k yet Don's amp/preamp sell for under $5000. I'll never know for sure, but I think they may be similar in clarity and oomph. [Yes. Oomph is an audiophile word.]
Interestingly, Steven was every bit as certain that SS gear was best just as Don was certain that tube gear is best. I'll stay out of that argument. Anyway, I'd love to someday hear the Fifty/90s powered by Don's gear.
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