Line Stage Preamps that blew you away $2500 Edition

I have been using a CJ 17LS2. Very good used for like what $3,500? New was about $5,500?

Just acquired a new Don Sachs DS2 for about $2,800. Still figuring out how it sounds but after just 50 hours it is as good as the CJ if not better.

FWIW

Dsper

@gochurchgo 

I got my hours wrong, the DS2 has only 15 to 20 hours on it. Don't know where the 50 came from, although Don told me it would take that long to break in. 

It started out with a bit too much treble, but that went away pretty fast; and it is more detailed compared to the CJ 17LS2. Also, the DS2  soundstage is a bit taller and deeper. 

My goal was to try 6SN7 tubes in a preamp, which are supposed to sound different than the 6992 tubes in the CJ. So far I am not able to comment on that. Again, early times with the DS2.

By the way, the comments about Don Sachs being good to work with are true. He is knowledgeable and will take the time to share and does not sugar coat things. 

Thanks for listening,

Dsper

@gochurchgo ...My fear with passives is sounding thin...

I own an Axiom II passive and I understand your comment. In my experience, ever, a thin sound could reflect how the sound of your source is is playing nice, or not, with the rest of your setup..

FWIW, as I improved my transport and DAC, the Axiom II sounded better. I plug it in occassionally and listen for a few days and then switch back to tubes. Just like the texture and body I get with tubes. 

Dsper.