2. amps-preamps
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Don Sachs 2 vs. deHavilland Ultraverve 3

There seem to be quite a few discussions and reviews on these preamps, but I haven’t seen any direct comparisons (I have done several searches).

Both are octal / 6SN7 tube line stages, include similar inputs/outputs, have similar features including optional remotes, place the tubes above the case, and are similarly priced. I would be grateful to hear about how they differ regarding their:

  • Sound (reviews of both say they are detailed and also include aspects of the traditional/warm tube sound, but I can't tell how they compare to each other) and

  • Design and Performance (ie the impact of design differences such as 4 6SN7 tubes in the Sachs as opposed to 1 in the deHavilland or the 48 step Khozmo remote ($200) vs the 32 step deHavilland remote ($500), etc.)

I have seen at least one thread where a member discussed experiences with both preamps, but I could not see any comparisons (such as the Sachs was more [fill in the blank] than the deHavilland).

Obviously it would be great to hear from members that have heard both preamps. There may be members that have not heard both, but may have insights into the potential impact of their design differences, and I'd be interested in hearing from them also.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!!

swingfingers
swingfingers OP
48 posts
 

Gotog,

I get your comments now regarding the deHavilland’s wiring. Apologies as I think my question came from ignorance. Your post helped me to understand so thank you for that!

BTW, do you know if the deHavilland has anything that can help the user know where they are in the volume ladder (the Sachs has a digital readout for this)?

My amp is a McCormack DNA 0.5 deluxe and my speakers are Gemme Audio Tantos. (I'm a bit of a noob at hifi.)  For music, my first passion is jazz (Miles, Coltrane, Jarrett, etc.), my second is classic rock/blues/folk, and I also love classical and a lot of other, diverse stuff.  How about you?  Also curious if there is a genre (or speaker type) you find especially suited to the Ultraverve?


gotog
135 posts
 
Swing,
Nice system...The Gemme Tantos are really nice..We have exactly the same taste in music..in the same order of preference.. As far as knowing where you are on the volume ladder, the Ultraverve doesn't really tell you.  For instance, when you use the remote to change volume it does not move the knob on the panel.  If you manually change the volume using the knob after using the remote, it will just increase or decrease the volume from where it was previously set via the handheld remote. I think it really comes down to what you are looking for to compliment your other gear and room.  The Ultraverve imparts just enough warmth (tube flavor) for me.  My room is a little bright and my speakers are really detailed, and it just smooths things out a little (not too syrupy), especially on recordings that may not be the best.
jsm71
141 posts
 

I haven't had experience with either of these units, but I have a friend with Don's preamp, and have heard nothing but praise from him.  His experience paved my decision to buy Don's custom phono preamp, which I love,

I am however, on my second 6SN7-based tube preamp.  My experience with both is that the tonal nature of these type preamps can be widely altered with tube choice.  To a perhaps an even greater degree, selecting different input tubes changes the character as well.  Have fun with either choice.

As to how tubey a unit sounds, I have found that the most tubey sounding preamps are tightly tied to coupling caps, and those more SS sounding work to minimize that or eliminate them entirely.  My current unit is likely closer in sound to Don's.  I love tube sound without any cap or transformer haze getting in the way.

swingfingers OP
48 posts
 

gotog, Thanks for your comments! Sounds like you have a great taste in music ;-] . It seems strange to me that there is no way for the user to know where he is on the volume ladder of the UV – but I’m sure there is some reason for that design choice, and perhaps I am in the minority desiring such a feature?  I hear you regarding complimenting my gear and room. It’s tough to know how something will sound before actually installing it so it is very helpful hearing other members’ experiences.

jsm71, I appreciate your observations and thoughts.  I have heard how responsive the deHavilland is to tube changes – interesting that it is possibly the nature of all (or most?) 6SN7 preamps.  I found your comments regarding coupling caps very intriguing. Perhaps my biggest goal is adding some of the “magic” that tubes can give but without creating any sense of veil or haze. (I don’t want to reduce any high end as my speakers are already pretty smooth). I’m pretty uninformed regarding caps. I know there are different kinds and brands but don’t grasp the concept of minimizing or eliminating them. Could you elaborate??


whitestix
716 posts
 
Swingfingers,
I am late to this post, but I have had Don's preamp from the beginning, getting the third one he made, after he upgraded my HK C-I, CII, and C-V's.  I have had two upgrades it over the past 4 years and it is back for the latest upgrades at the moment.   It is simply the most revealing preamp I have owned in 45 years of having good to great gear.  

I also have a McCormack DNA .05 amp, upgraded in 2015 to the Platinum version and it is exemplary.  It will be the last SS amp I will acquire.  Don has been adamant that his tube amp would be much better than the upgraded McCormack amp I have.  I always doubted that assertion as I prefer a tube preamp and a potent SS amp for LF extension.  

Well, I got a chance to audition Don's tube amp in my system recently and it took less than 30 seconds to reveal to my ears that Don's amp is even better that the McCormack.  Don's amp has all the balls in the LF as well as the high frequency extension, but the soundstage with Don's amp rendered a 3-sound stage, pretty much holographic, compared to the decidedly 2-dimensional sound stage with my McCormack amp.  Tonally, they were a push, but the air around the individual players was just palpable with Don's amp, recreating a music experience that was mesmerizing.  I have 12-ohm Spatial Audio M4 Triode Master speakers and I can tell you that these speaker love Don's tube amp.  It is alway about component matching, of course.  After hearing Don's amp in my system, I swiftly ordered one which I expect will arrive within a month.

Those of you that have 6SN7-based tube preamp might well experience a great degree of improvement in sound upgrading to the Shuguang Black Treasure tubes.  They are a dramatic improvement over the very good NOS Sylvania, GE's, etc, but of course, much pricier.     



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