My “Dream” system needs a preamp

At this price point I almost went with the Don Sachs preamp but chose the Audio by Van Alstine Fet Valve CFR for its relay-switched inputs. That and I feel you take a larger gamble at getting future service with those one-man operations. 

Good point 

At this price point I almost went with the Don Sachs preamp but chose the Audio by Van Alstine Fet Valve CFR for its relay-switched inputs. That and I feel you take a larger gamble at getting future service with those one-man operations.

That was quite a review ! More helpful reading

+1 on the Don Sachs preamp. I have been running one for about 6 months now and it is phenomenal. Great detail, PRAT with a deep and wide sound-stage along with everything you want from a great tube component. Don is busy and I would not expect to see him close up shop any time soon. And say 20 years from now when you want to have it serviced, if Don has retired, his circuitry is well laid out and any good tech, with tube gear experience should be more than capable of bringing it back to spec for another 20 or 30 years of service.

Hi tinear123

I saw your post from September of last year stating you switched from the PS Audio BHK pre and replaced it with a Supratek Cabernet. I am considering doing that exact same thing. I've had the BHK pre for almost 2 years now and after changing the factory tubes to a pair of nos 60's Telefunken 12au7's I couldn't believe how much better it got. I've been very happy with the BHK but can't help thinking it's the weak link in my system. The more I read about these Supratek preamps the more intrigued I get. I wish there was a dealer in my area so I could put it in my system and hear it for myself. I understand he only sells them factory direct to keep the cost so affordable which I can appreciate but makes it a little more difficult in deciding.

If you could tell us what other equipment you use it with in your system  that would be very helpful. If you could take some time to answer a few questions I would really appreciate it.

1. Did you use the factory tubes in your BHK?

2. What do you feel are some of the differences between the Supratek Cabernet and the BHK pre.

3. Did you hear one before you bought yours or just bought it based on what you read?

4. Which Vabernet did you get, the 6sn7 or the DHT?

I learned  a long time ago (the hard way) that just because it's more expensive doesn't guarantee that it's better.  Any opinions you can give me would be very helpful and greatly appreciated. 

Best,
Scot