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.)
It's interesting how, for some, the way a solid state preamp is praised is with words like "tuby" -- as if, solid state preamps need to measure up to tube preamps. I realize that some people use tube preamps as their aesthetic standard for all preamps, but for those who do not, what word best describes a solid state preamp at its best? |
@tomcarr Thank you! Exactly what I was hoping for. |
Sometimes you get what you need in unlikely places. Over the years I've owned maybe a half dozen solid state and 4 tubed preamplifier's since first buying a used Sumo Athena. I always go back to it, like right now. After enquiring about improving on it in passive mode, I generally hear from manufacturer's salespeople- oh of course! What are you using right now? When told, they have all said, well, that's a pretty good passive stepped attenuator. It's not likely you'd hear an improvement. The only thing I'm missing is remote control with it, and only for movies or cable in my all in one 2.1 system, and for that I use a CS 3010 volume control I built for just over $75 Canadian. It's not new, but has been fine for me over the last 25 years or so, so my original $300 buying second hand price isn't bad at all, and I recovered the cost of most of my "upgrade preamplifiers" it's bested. Athena doesn't have "wow" frequency abberations to get attention. She might not be great at any one thing, but is pretty good at everything |
All of the best sounding systems I have ever used or owned , or heard had one thing in common. A great preamp. Usually the most expensive component in the chain. I had a Zesto Leto for a short time and it completely elevated the performance of everything around it. Your original target price of $4k seems like a lot now but you’ll soon forget about the price if you buy something like a Backert or CJ. Or whatever suits your taste. I have a RME DAC that I tried running direct. Boring. Put a great preamp after any good DAC and Bam…. Much more realistic I retired that DAC for a fixed output tube DAC and it is sublime |
