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.)
The Benchmark LA4 gets me to 100% of reference levels. I sold the following preamps in the last 2 years and kept the LA4:
I liked all 3 above to some degree but had complaints with some aspect of their sound. With the LA4, I feel I do not have a preamp and what matters is my source and amp. No complaints with the LA4. I may get a second one if my next 2nd system DAC is not as good as rumored direct to amp. |
Only issue with the pre90 is that it plays very loud with some amps. The only amps where the volume could move to more than 9AM was the Benchmark AHB2, Parasound A21+, and 1 more that I forgot. All 3 had gain adjustment on the amp. I tried a few other amps with the pre90 and they were awful with them with respect to volume. These included, the CODA #8, Krell Duo 175XD, D-Sonic amp, and LSA Voyager 350 GAN. The LA4 works with everything and is a much better preamp. |
@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.
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