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
My understanding of the Saga +, it is a zero gain device, offering passive output, meaning, the source is driving the amplifier. You have a choice between passive, and passive with a buffer, used for driving longer cables, and helping with impedance situations. Most preamps have a gain stage, the Saga S does not. Hope this helps.
That seems to make sense, as I get about the same total volume from taking an 1/8th > RCA stereo cable and plugging directly into the vidar.  

Seems I may need to get a preamp with some gain....

Any thoughts? 
Look into the Freya units, as they offer a gain stage ( 12 db I believe, which is gain = 4 ).