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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

aldnorab
aldnorab OP
173 posts
 

Anyone know the power draw of the D Sachs preamp? Considering a power regenerator. 

Thanks,

Aldonrab

mogelsvs
29 posts
 

I asked Don a while back and was told one amp at the most.  

bugredmachine's avatar
bugredmachine
435 posts
 

It uses a one amp slow blow or 2 amp fast blow. Does not pull much.  FYI, the most I ever measured a total system draw at full tilt Class A amps as well for ALL components was under 5 amps. SOmetimes components make a large draw on turn-on, but once running you would be surprised how little current you are running.

 

 

aldnorab OP
173 posts
 

Thanks @mogelsvs ​​​​​@bugredmachine . Glad to know it doesn't draw much. Still undecided about the power regenerator. I have my own power transformer, out on the pole. But, things inside the house can also cause problems. The PS Audio is on sale this month. 

Thanks,

Doug A

rbautista
97 posts
 

Just acquired a DS pre with the rare HT bypass feature that I need for my setup.  Didn’t think I would one with the HT bypass so Christmas came early for me.  Very easy to enjoy this hobby with a wife that supports and also enjoys music as much as I do. 
 

I’m not sure what tubes are installed since I couldn’t make out but the previous owner thinks they are the Shunguang that Don ships.  The rectifier is a Sylvania. I have my Threshold 350e in output 1 and sub in output 2.  Not sure if I need to switch them around but I think it sounds good in this config.  I have the gain on both channels full throttle since Don’s instructions says that’s how he runs his pre and it makes it easier so need to count the clicks. 
 

Compared to my Placette passive pre (w/ht bypass) that I’ve had for 15yrs, the DS is definitely a qualitative upgrade in all areas.  Transparency, imaging, micro-detail, bass.  All the sonics of the Placette are still there but improved.  I was expecting better imaging but with the DS it had me realize how “loose” the imaging was with the Placette. 
 

I may try different tubes in the left sockets but am really enjoying right now.  Almost 2hrs since I turned on and it just keeps getting better.   The one thing I will be upgrading is the power cord.  Previous owner gave me a generic cord and on Don’s site he has a power cord for $89 and improves the ore by 20%.  Sounds like a no brainer. 
 

I’ll report back how the audio progresses but I don’t think I will be upgrading for another 10yrs or so. 

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