2. amps-preamps
  3. 136177-87441

Don Sachs 2 vs. deHavilland Ultraverve 3

There seem to be quite a few discussions and reviews on these preamps, but I haven’t seen any direct comparisons (I have done several searches).

Both are octal / 6SN7 tube line stages, include similar inputs/outputs, have similar features including optional remotes, place the tubes above the case, and are similarly priced. I would be grateful to hear about how they differ regarding their:

  • Sound (reviews of both say they are detailed and also include aspects of the traditional/warm tube sound, but I can't tell how they compare to each other) and

  • Design and Performance (ie the impact of design differences such as 4 6SN7 tubes in the Sachs as opposed to 1 in the deHavilland or the 48 step Khozmo remote ($200) vs the 32 step deHavilland remote ($500), etc.)

I have seen at least one thread where a member discussed experiences with both preamps, but I could not see any comparisons (such as the Sachs was more [fill in the blank] than the deHavilland).

Obviously it would be great to hear from members that have heard both preamps. There may be members that have not heard both, but may have insights into the potential impact of their design differences, and I'd be interested in hearing from them also.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!!

swingfingers

Showing 1 response by jsm71

jsm71
141 posts
 

I haven't had experience with either of these units, but I have a friend with Don's preamp, and have heard nothing but praise from him.  His experience paved my decision to buy Don's custom phono preamp, which I love,

I am however, on my second 6SN7-based tube preamp.  My experience with both is that the tonal nature of these type preamps can be widely altered with tube choice.  To a perhaps an even greater degree, selecting different input tubes changes the character as well.  Have fun with either choice.

As to how tubey a unit sounds, I have found that the most tubey sounding preamps are tightly tied to coupling caps, and those more SS sounding work to minimize that or eliminate them entirely.  My current unit is likely closer in sound to Don's.  I love tube sound without any cap or transformer haze getting in the way.

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