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Fantasy or reality? Inexpensive solid state preamps that get you 80% there?

Recently, I posted asking about solid state preamps in the $4k region. I got some really good suggestions. Much appreciated. I have that list saved in a folder and will consult it.

I'm still a bit shy about spending $4k. So, lately, I've found myself reading about Schiit Saga and Freya S preamps. Why? Well, the idea of a non-tube preamp still appeals to me but these are much, much less expensive. 

I'm wondering if anyone has done some comparing of Schiit's Saga and Freya solid state preamps? Have you tried either of these preamps and come to some conclusions about their sonic worth compared to other more expensive solid state preamps? Were they worth it? Were they just a waste of time for you?

In brief:

Schiit Saga S vs. Freya S?
Schiit Saga or Freya vs. more costly solid state preamps?

The ultimate reason for asking is that this is a hobby where it's easy to plunk down small amounts of money (relatively) thinking that one can get 80% of what they want only to find that there's really no free lunch. If that's the case, I'll just keep saving for something better (Pass, Ayre, etc.). If not, I might just try a Saga or Freya (or something else — Parasound used? Etc.)

128x128hilde45
dht4me's avatar
dht4me
82 posts
 

I have a very different set of experiences and have found that if your budget is low then its actually easier to get stellar sonics from tubes than lower prices SS.

The Audible Illusions or Musical Paradise 701 gets you much further than SS in their prospective price ranges. SS always seems to impart a grain or glare to transients until you really spend a lot. SS preamps gain structure generally requires a lot of feedback to reduce the loop gain as well vs a low tube count preamp.

I have several high end mega buck preamps and have sampled a lot of other lower cost units as well and there clearly is a trend in sub 2k toward tubes to me.

decooney
1,950 posts
 

@coltrane1 I recently acquired a throwback from the mid 90’s. A Threshold T3i. It’s got a separate and full sized power supply. Likely Stereophile A back in its day. It’s been checked out by the great Jon Soderberg. ...

I was at Jon’s place last night picking up a 50w Class A SS Forte Audio amplifier I had checked and upgraded, fully refreshed. We talked a bit about some of the prior Threshold and Forte Audio preamps. A few of them sitting there. I might pick one up for nostalgia reasons, and growing up with it all around us. Have an eye on a few now. 👍 Doing some SS/Tube A/B comparisons with my custom speakers. 

 

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,033 posts
 

@hilde45 

I feel for you trying to get actual realistic comparables to Schiit products from this group. 

Happens every single time someone asks for advise on equipment purchases that fit within an actual budget.

"Let them eat cake."

robshaw
243 posts
 

I just purchased my 2nd LA-4 from Rory at Benchmark.  Pair it with a great amp and your there!!!!!!!!!!!!!    Made in NY, 30 day trial, free shipping.  Bet money, you'll keep it. A diamond in the rough. Ask anyone that owns one. Remote is an extra $100

hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 

@pprocter Did you see I’m looking for a solid state preamp? Is the kit you’re recommending both tube and solid state, because it looks like a tube preamp kit.

@tony1954 Yes, it’s almost as if I’m a woman talking to men. "Did she say something?" "I didn’t hear it." For example, the continued recommendations for a Benchmark preamp for $2799. Now, I’m totally never going to buy that thing. Out of spite.

Or people who keep recommending a tube preamp after I have said multiple times that I have two.

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