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Unexpectedly low volume with Schiit Saga + Vidar

Hi all, 

I was hoping someone could shed some insight into what feels like low total volume from my system.   I recently upgraded my amplifier from an NAD 316BEE to a Schiit Saga Plus + Schiit Vidar.  Given the Vidar is fairly dramatically more powerful than the 316 (and weighs about 4x as much), I was really surprised it didn't seem to boost the total volume of the system at all.  I have the knob on the Saga + preamp all the way up and it's solid, but it's a long way from "blow the doors off the place."  I also don't really hear anything out of the speakers until the volume knob on the preamp is to about 11-noon.  

The signal path is as follows: 
Spotify > Airplay > Airport Express > Saga > Schiit > Magnepan MMG.  

Yes, the Spotify / Airplay volume are maxed out, such that I'm feeding as much signal into the Saga as I can.  I have the same issue with my turntable (Rega P2 > Schiit Mani).  I know the MMGs aren't the easiest speaker in the world to drive, but it just really seems like this amp should be able to crank them up to seriously high volumes.  

Thanks for the help!
Alex


aslawson
mrdecibel
3,067 posts
 
The typical output voltage of most sources today, is about 2 volts. I use a passive unit ( no gain stage ), but my speakers are very high sensitivity, so passive gives me plenty of output and drive, between any amps I run, from my sources ( I prefer passive ). Active vs passive is a topic that has been discussed here plenty, but it is dependent on the matching of the system components. I would think, a preamp with a gain stage, would benefit you.
aslawson OP
9 posts
 
I get what you're saying.  I'm sure if I had a different set of speakers this would be very loud. 
mrdecibel
3,067 posts
 
Not just a different set, but a more efficient set. However, I do not recommend buying speakers for this reason. If you like a particular pair of speakers, there are always matching products to get you there ( in your case with the Maggies, a preamp with the added gain ). 
aslawson OP
9 posts
 
That's fair.  I love the Magnepans.  I think I need to get the Freya rather than the Saga.  
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Sounds like your analog source before the Saga is too low in gain.
As even with the Saga being unity gain the Vidar is 27db gain and the Maggie although a little low at 86db, you should have enough gain if your source is to Philips/Sony digital Redbook standard of 2v output.
Freya would be an option as it has a bit of gain.
If you know a good tech he could give the Saga some gain, by changing one resistor per channel in the feedback network.

Cheers George
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