@whitestix the Kootenay amp is very interesting. Wish my tube amp didn't require me to bias it. Looking forward to reading more posts about it and how it performs with the new speakers.
Thanks,
aldnorab
Don Sachs Owners Thread
A place to discuss amps, preamps, and phono stages from Don Sachs.
I just purchased a like new D2 linestage. It has 2 gain controls, 64 step volume control, and digital volume readout. It is set up for the new rectifier. This is my first 6sn7 based linestage. It came with Ken-Rad Vt 231and gray RCA tubes. There are 3 rectifier tubes. A huge Philco 6BY5G, a Tung-Sol 6BY5G, and a Bendix 5852. There is also an Ice Age Audio power cord. With 2 different sounding outputs there are a lot of options. I need to find out what value the output caps are. I have the D2 connected at the moment to a VTL ST150. Input impedance is 125K and 2v in for maximum gain.
I placed the RCA tubes in left front and rear and Ken-Rad in the right. Used Philco rectifier. Plugged VTL amp into output 1. The brightest sounding preamp I've ever heard. It was comical, bass drums sounded more like cymbals. Output 2 sounds like normal music. This surprises me. With 125K input, I thought there would be no problem getting bass response.
Some questions.
1. Are the 6Sn7's in the right locations? I guessed by looking at the sellers photograph.
2. Is the Ice Age Audio the AC cord the brand Don offers as an option?
3. I'll audition all 3 but which rectifier would be considered tops?
The linestage sounds amazing.
Thanks,
aldnorab
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Barondla, I told Don that I would never again consider a tube amp that did not auto bias and he assured me that he sorted this out with the Kootenai and the LED meter on the Kootenai has been locked on solidly since I got the amp for all 4 power tubes. By many accounts, the Carver Crimson 275 amp is a good performer, albeit with questionable current output, but it too required manual biasing which to me would be a PITA. With modern electronics, this auto-biasing feature ought to be de rigueur for all tubes amps. The Dyn's are to arrive in a couple of days and since you asked, I will report back how well the Kootenai performs driving the consistent 4 ohm load they present. They will be compared to my Buchardt S400 SE speakers which are quite good. |
@whitestix Thanks for the description of the Kootenay. It sounds like a wonderful amp and great complement to the DS2. You got me looking up Wells Audio. Their amps seem very well reviewed. Which model 'matches' the Kootenay in your setup? I have been thinking of replacing my trusty old Pass Labs, which also spits out a lot of heat. Cheers, Soren |
Gents, I am picking up my Wells Audio first-gen Innamorata on Friday at Jeff Well's studio. I currently have the Wells Audio Majestic which was uniquely configured as a pure power amp and it absolutely betters my former McCormack SS amp in all respects. I am sure that the there will be even more of the same "goodness" with the Innamorata that I currently hear with the Majestic. I heard the Innamorata at Jeff's studio 10 years ago and have since heard it at several audio shows and it always make feel as if I were listening to a very quick and accurate tube amp. Just like with Don's gear, I somehow knew that Jeff's amp was something that was really special, a legacy piece of gear. Between the Kootenai and the Innamorata, I am going to be "amped" up for a good long time.
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- 138 posts total