Supratek or Don Sachs - which way to go?

@markusthenaimnut
@mickm9  although I do own DS-2 and pretty satisfied withit  I did not know about Supratek when I purchased my DS-2 but this hobby is a rabbit hole being retired myself I spend quite some time with my system visiting audiophile society get to gathers over a period of couple of years I tend to agree with michm9 , their is something "magical" about point to point wiring & simplicity of circuits and proves true talent of a good engineering design   So congratulations on your decision ! 

I'm also researching tube pres in this price range and the deHavilland UltraVerve seems like another good option. 

If you carefully read the pages on the Don Sachs website, his custom phono preamp, line stage preamp and 60 wpc power amp are all based on the circuit boards he gets from VTA  -  http://tubes4hifi.com/

You can buy all of these things as kits from VTA, or have them assembled by VTA as well, for quite a bit less.  What Don gets you is a much better look and possibly some minor tweaks. 

Proud owner of a 16 year old Supratek Chardonnay here. This has been the one piece of equipment that I haven’t changed as I upgraded every other piece of equipment in my system (most more than twice). It blows away every preamp I have owned, auditioned or heard. I have not experienced the Don Sachs amps so this is in no way an indictment of them. 
I have had questions through the years about different tubes and Mick has always responded to my emails and questions promptly (even as annoying as I may have been).
There is something to be said for being able to communicate with the guy that built your your equipment. 
Jared

Can say the same here, have been in correspondence with Mick this last week about his pre amps in regards to maybe buying one, he has always answer promptly, I can also say the same about Don, both seam like knowledgeable guys, friendly and helpful.