Don Sachs 2 vs. deHavilland Ultraverve 3

Not exactly answering your question but thought I would share my experience with the Ultraverve 3.  First let me state that I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.  I too was deciding between the Sachs and Ultraverve and went with the Ultraverve because I got a deal on a 6 month old unit that is black on black (very cool looking in a stealth kinda way).  I also really like the retro look of the Sachs unit.  My experience with the Ultraverve is very similar to what 4hannons described.  I would also like to add that I have higher sensitivity Tonian Lab speakers and the Ultraverve 3 is perfectly quiet-- even with my ear right up to the speaker.  This is so important to me as I am very sensitive to any background noise.  The Ultraverve presents music on a nice black background.  It is also responds well to changes in the 6sn7 tube -- and the really nice thing is that you only need one.  So if you want to splurge on a Tung-sol round black plate you don't need to worry about getting multiple matched tubes.  I also find that the modest 12 db gain on the Ultraverve is nice in a high sensitivity system.  In the past have always had issues with too much gain.  And finally, for whatever reason, I have always been biased towards point-to-point wiring -- the deHavilland has 100% hand wired point-to-point circuitry in the audio as well as the power supply circuit.  I am not saying that the Ultraverve is better than the Sachs in any way.  I know Don is extremely responsive to customers and can tailor his product to meet your exact needs.  Just wanted to share my experience with the Ultraverve in case it may be helpful to you in any way.

My point-to-point wiring comments were based on my understanding that the Sachs was based on the SP14 board from Roy Mottram at Tubes4hifi; whereas the Ultraverve is point-to-point hand wired (no board).  Also, the tube compliment that comes with the Ultraverve contains quality NOS tubes tested and specifically selected for the preamp -- at least mine did.  They are very nice quality tubes.  The 6sn7 will most likely be the only one that you may end up rolling if you are trying to tailor the preamp to your taste.  Mine came with a very nice vintage Sylvania that suits me just fine-- no need for me to roll at this point.  Just curious, what amp and speakers are you using and what type of music do you listen to?

Swing,
Nice system...The Gemme Tantos are really nice..We have exactly the same taste in music..in the same order of preference.. As far as knowing where you are on the volume ladder, the Ultraverve doesn't really tell you.  For instance, when you use the remote to change volume it does not move the knob on the panel.  If you manually change the volume using the knob after using the remote, it will just increase or decrease the volume from where it was previously set via the handheld remote. I think it really comes down to what you are looking for to compliment your other gear and room.  The Ultraverve imparts just enough warmth (tube flavor) for me.  My room is a little bright and my speakers are really detailed, and it just smooths things out a little (not too syrupy), especially on recordings that may not be the best.