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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
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut OP
373 posts
 
I think he (Mick) does a good job describing the evolution of the Cortese on his blog.  Link is available via the Supratek website. 
dentdog's avatar
dentdog
502 posts
 
Ordered my Supratek 6SN7 Chardonnay. Was glad to see Mick was up and running again. Had read about this for some time and looking forward to some great sounds. I like Mick's approach. 

 
whitestix
720 posts
 
I have one of Don Sachs first preamps, since fully upgraded, but I decided to buy his new preamp, which accommodates the new WE6SN7 tubes that Don prefers and which has several enhancements over his current preamp.  His current preamp is far and away the best preamp I have ever owned (after CJ, HK, Berning, Modwright, Belles, McCormack and others I now forget), and the new preamp will no doubt be even better.  

Like Don, I think there is magic in using 6SN7 tubes in preamps and Don has it all figured out.  Same with the fine Supratek preamp.  
audio123
98 posts
 
Greetings whitestix...and congrats on your new DS preamp...I am the proud owner of a New gen 3 Supratek Chardonnay pre...my Qusetion to you is how do you like the new  Shuguang WE6SN7 tubes?...I replaced the stock russian 6sn7 in my Chardonnay with the  Shuguang WE6SN7 and really like them ALOT....i went thru about 4 to 5 different combo's of NOS 6sn7 and foud the new  Shuguang WE6SN7  were more to my liking (although it was VERY close on 2 nos pairs In my system and with MY audio preference and ears)....just curious what you felt about the  Shuguang WE6SN7?...Did you try any other combo's? once again congrats on your new pre...which i was going to buy and it was a coin toss and sum ears i trusted to move the needle to Supratek(still may buy one to compare in my system...we now have 2 great pre's under $2500!!TRUTH)
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@audio123 I bought a pair of the Shuguang WE6SN7 Plus tubes for my DS pre.  They are very clear and nicely extended.  Unfortunately I'm always trying to tame my accuton tweeters and they made me grate my teeth a bit.  I'm currently running Raytheon JAN's with copper support rods in the driver stage and RCA Grey Glass VT-231s in the buffer stage.  I could see how the WE6SN7's would be great if you didn't have the tweeter issues I've got.
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