2. amps-preamps
  3. 165035-156378

Schiit Saga+...What’s the point of the tube?

Just wondering about this. I bought one used because I wanted a passive preamp with 0 gain and remote control. It functions fine and doesn’t seem to color the sound of my inputs at all whether I have it in tube buffer mode or not. 

So then why is there a tube? To sell more units b/c of supposed tube sound? It came with 5 tubes, several NOS American made ones from the 50’s-70’s and some of recent manufacture. I rolled them all and none of my listeners (4 including myself) could hear a difference. 

I’m not into tube voodoo after rolling these tubes and engaging tube buffer mode vs. “normal” mode. Makes me question the value of tube rolling in general. 

I know half of the replies will be bad puns on the Schiit name, but if anyone has a serious reply, I’d be grateful to read it. 
larshepping
seanheis1
624 posts
 
The Saga is just a tube buffer without gain I believe. It’s designed to be a very subtle difference so you will need a resolving system and pretty good ears to pick up on the tube buffer.

The Freya is a proper active tube preamp with tube gain. The tubes will have a greater impact on the sound.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
I've never used the Saga,  but the Schiit website says that you can use the passive mode or run it through the tube.  I suspect you need to push a button or something to switch from passive to tube.  Good Luck
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I actually had one here for over a month and then bought one. My buddy went on a vacation and let me use it..

I like, it pretty transparent, with or without the tube gain. It was a good clean well built unit.. Certain tubes have a greater effect, the 67N has a LOT of options.

That little Pre offers a lot for what it is. It's not what I consider "Tubie" AT ALL. Now if you want to hear how the old tube sound can REALLY change with a tube roll, get a Mcintosh C11, 20, 22s. The C20s are the bomb, NO REMOTE though.. uhhh!!!

Yea I say you're a newbie and MIGHT like something different. I just question if you'd enjoy it any more. Adding tube issues it my not be your cup of tea. A great SS may offer more.. Me I gotta have tone control, no matter what it is..

My purchased Freya+ was sent BACK. Had an issue, but great customer service.. just top of the line..

Respect
tuberist
951 posts
 
+1 Russ
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