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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
russbutton's avatar
russbutton
429 posts
 

@hilde45 Any competent tech can service these things.  In particular, Bryston has the world's best support for their gear with a 20 year transferable warranty.  Mind you, an 80's vintage Bryston will be out of warranty, but they'll be able to service it.

 

Some years ago I picked up an 18 year old Bryston .5b preamp.  I shipped it off to Bryston.  They did the repair, threw in a new power cord (it was pig-tailed on), the shipping carton, and return shipped for free.  Wow...

 

There's a Bryston BP6 preamp for sale on US Audiomart, for $850.  Can't go wrong and it should still be under warranty.

 

One more thing.  Bryston takes a back seat to nobody.  Excellent quality.

 

 

jl35
3,976 posts
 

I recently had my Classe 5 preamp completely refurbished, and it sounds great...

decooney
1,949 posts
 

That is kind of the path @coltrane1 and I were going down with picking up an older Threshold or Forte Audio or Pass Labs preamp using Vintage Repair folks and/or businesses we all know like Bryston or Conrad Johnson techs to refresh them.

While Schiit and a few others have picked up related customers in this space, some of these older vintage preamps can be fun and sound nice too as an option. 

 

ross6860's avatar
ross6860
103 posts
 

@hilde45 Bryston's service is top notch.

In addition to the Topping Pre90 and the Schiit Freya+, I also have an Apt Holman preamp.  I used it for several years.

If the Apt Holman had a remote volume control, I would never have "upgraded" to a newer unit (Parasound JC2).  The Apt Holman is in reserve.  I don't plan on selling it until I have to downsize to a smaller house or apartment.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 

I'm borrowing a DIY unit from a friend. He writes, "It's built with old Burson buffer modules, only has about 3db of gain, a Jos Van Eindhoven relay stepped attenuator with unobtainium low noise Vishay resistors and a overkill linear power supply."

This will likely give me a sense of what something decent might sound like in my system. That might make going ahead with a Bryston or Apt Holman a good idea. I see a couple on USAM right now for not much money.

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