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
I never heard Don Sachs preamp. I have a Supratek Sauvignon. 
It was modded with better parts but, the circuit wasn't changed. It is a wonderful piece and sounds great. I have it for about 13 years and is the only piece that I haven't changed, that says how much i love this piece.  Never had any problems in all those years. I'll never get rid of it
I have had my Supratek Cabernet 300B preamp for about ten years.Like others here a lot of other equipment has come and gone in that time but the Supratek has stayed.No other preamp I have tried sounds as 3D,as clear or as musically communicative.I recently compared it to a $20,000 Audio Flight Strumento preamp and as good as that is the Supratek was much better.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy either of the preamps, I haven’t heard the Sachs, but can testify to Mick’s Supratek...I have the Syrah model and wouldn’t trade it out of the system for anything else. Running the tube pre with solid state linn amps with a linn TT. Love the combo and the amp really makes the system sing...brought it to a whole new level...
Hi all,
Don Sachs here.   I just want to clear something up.  Yes, you can buy a kit from Roy and build a great preamp.  I use the same board.  I suggested a number of improvements to that board and now kit builders can have them.  That said, my preamp will be 25% or more better than the kit.  The only thing my preamp shares with the kit is the bare board.  All parts choices are mine, I have changed the operating point of the tubes, I have improved the power supply considerably, etc... I have my recipe that has been worked out over 4-5 years.  That said, if you build a kit you will get a wonderful preamp for very little money and have the satisfaction of building it.   If you get one of mine you get a warranty, and considerably better performance.  

As for the other preamps mentioned, I am sure they are very good and the manufacturers take great care in building them.  I cannot comment on their sonic qualities as I have not hear them.

cheers,
Don