The Nuprime ST 10 mentioned above is a power amp, just as an fyi
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.)
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Thanks for the additional suggestions. I've been listening to a very very good DIY preamp and it's not convincing me this is a path worth going too far with. At this point, I really want to try a very very very good SS preamp (maybe try one from TMR for a couple weeks) to really rule it in or out. OR get a cheap backup unit -- Topping or Schiit. Otherwise, the critical listening I've done lately says "don't bother." |
@hilde45 Yes, if owning the same as your two other preamps I couldn't see one using anything but a high end SS one as an alternative. |
I owned an Audio Research SP-5 in 1980 for nearly ten years. For its time it sounded very good… it was the most expensive preamp I could afford (used). Great solid construction. A bit lean on the midrange and bass.
The way I look at it, there has been… let me guess, nine successor preamps (I have owned or heard many of them) and in each case the new one sounded significantly better than the former. So, that adds up to a lot of difference. ARC is a good example because they have had a very consistent target on achieving realistic high fidelity over the lifetime of the company, not wavering around on flashy or chase specifications… of exaggerating some aspect of the sound.
But of course it depends on what you are after. The best sound you can get or stopping at some threshold that makes you happy. |
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