2. amps-preamps
  3. 182740-139155

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
yyzsantabarbara
4,921 posts
 

@hilde45 The pre90 may get you happiness with the right amp. The Stereophile reviewer uses it with 2 Benchmark AHB2 and KEF Blade 2 Meta. As I said before the AHB2 is an amp that works with the pre90. Put a CODA #8 on it and it is a disaster. A lot of posts on ASR about the volume issue.

I would go with the Schitt Freya+ at the $1K level. It is a robust unit that worked with everything I connected to it. It is not as clean sounding as the pre90 or LA4, but that is likely by design and preferred by more ears.

BTW - In my future Livingroom system, I will use a $50 Schitt SYS volume control with 2 analog RCA inputs. That goes into the RCA input of my CODA #16 amp. The XLR input of the CODA #16 will be connected to a DAC that is a lot more than $50. The SYS sounds really good for my usage with a tuner (a very high level one). There is a XLR - RCA toggle switch on the front of the CODA #16. 

I am doing it this way because I am saving a lot of money on a another LA4 preamp, that is until I think I need another LA4.

 

hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,008 posts
 

Just in case anyone has an opinion, I am seeing a Conrad Johnson PF2L PreAmplifier, used for around the price of the Schiit Freya S. Any thoughts on that matchup?

barts's avatar
barts
724 posts
 

@hilde45 

Hey there,  Life is too short to worry about tube life, especially pre tubes.

You mentioned that you have two "excellent" tube pre-amps.  Why not consider selling the "lesser" of the two and add your $1k to the selling price and begin to look for a SS pre that is "better" than the remaining tube pre? Then repeat the process.

You could leap frog yourself to sonic heaven while maintaining the "balance" of SS and tube pre-amps at the ready.

Regards,

barts 

mr_bill
347 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara 

 

I'm thinking of doing this very same thing - have a good amp with selectable xlr and rca - then use my dac on xlr (with volume control) and my tuner into rca.

 

Right now I use the adjustable gain control on my Onkyo and Sansui tuners to adjust volume and should look at a Sys.  My amp has adjustable gain.  

yyzsantabarbara
4,921 posts
 

@mr_bill Try the SYS for $50 it was better than the volume out of my Sansui TU9900 and Accuphase T-101 tuners. Those tuners sound better FIXED volume.

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