I owned a DNA-1 with revision B and the best sounding tube preamp was the VTL 2.5 preamp and I have tried several others that were considered very good. My wife commented that this was the magic combination and the best sound yet. A few years back I sold both pieces and have not had that level of sound quality yet.
McCormack DNA with Schiit Preamp?
Hi - I have a McCormack DNA-1 deluxe amp and looking for a good preamp match. Very hard to find a McCormack RLD or similar but in reading on this forum, it appears having a good line drive step attenuator volume is key with this amp. So I was looking at the Schiit Audio Saga or Saga+ as it boasts a very accurate stepped attenuator. Plus you can use with it in either passive or active with the one tube engaged or not.
Anyone tried this setup, or if not, could recommend a line stage preamp for my DNA? Thanks in advance
Anyone tried this setup, or if not, could recommend a line stage preamp for my DNA? Thanks in advance
- ...
- 11 posts total
In my basement workout system I have a Schiit Freya S driving a McCormack DNA.5 Rev C driving restored, re-capped, re-wired Large Advents. The sound is pretty amazing considering the vintage speakers. Tight forceful bass, wide soundstage. No soundstage depth or imaging to speak of but that is a function of the loudspeakers too. |
Check out ‘The Truth’ linestage: https://cheaptubeaudio.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-truth-line-stage-active-buffer- |
What are your sources? Since the Saga has unity gain it may not work well with typical phono stage output. Input sensitivity is only 1.2V on the DNA which is the same as my power amp. I’ve been pretty happy using a Saga+, but digital sources usually output 2V so I don’t need any gain. Output impedance is so low it shouldn’t be a problem with any amp. The single tube also makes it a lot cheaper if you want to tube roll without fussing about matching. 15 day return policy means it isn’t much of a risk if you decide you want to move up to the Freya. Roll the dice. |
- 11 posts total