Curious why you have eliminated tube preamplifiers? Are they more expensive compared to solid state? I’ve tended to like tube preamplifiers with solid state amplifiers.
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.)
- ...
- 141 posts total
I've had a Schiit Saga -- an excellent, very neutral preamp. The only problem I had was that it is unity gain. My setup needs a preamp with a bit more gain. I ended up switching to a Schiit Lyr 3 which has switchable gain. It has only one or two inputs (depending on whether you get their DAC or phono card installed) but that's fine with me since my only source is a streamer. I also got an excellent headphone amp with the Lyr. I also think, in terms of sound quality, that Schiit is well past your 80% mark. Sure there is always something better, but at what cost? Or, you may just prefer something with a different sound profile -- more tubey, etched highs, etc., but that's all a matter of taste and not necessarily "better" (for anyone but you.) One thing about Schiit is they have a 15 day trial period. You can return items like the above with only a 5% restocking fee. Or, if you want to try it out for a few months, Schiit has a really high resale value on the used market and items typically go quickly. So you can try out either a Saga or Freya without much cost if you decide to move on. |
Thanks for the replies. @petg60 I'm inquiring about things much LESS than 4k euros. This is a lower priced preamp thread. I prefer tube preamplifiers. This is something with a different sound and/or when I do not want to think about tube life or longer warm up times. Keep it coming! |
I owned the original Freya (with tubes). It sounded very good. Then I read about the Topping Pre90. Bought it. Compared them back to back. The Topping was little better with clarity and micro-details. The Freya had a little more bass "bloom". Both are very good. I sold the Freya. Love the Topping. Paid $600 for it new a couple years ago. |
- 141 posts total