Considering Schiit equipment

Thank you all for the responses. I simply don't have time for individual responses but rest assured I read them all with great interest!

I understand the difference between the Freya+ F and the Kara F preamps, tubes or not tubes. But if the Saga2 is also so highly regarded, why bother with the costlier ones? 

RCA to XLR adapters. Yes, I would want a better quality one. Audioquest doesn't seem to make them. There's also a LOT of different types, styles, costs etc.

Any recommendations?

Can someone explain the need for Balance controls?  Sorry for sounding dumb, but I haven't figured out the reason for making one channel (Left, Right) louder than the other.  Thanks.

It's not dumb Allen, it's always good to ask about something.  

In my case, I have a Sony DVD player that tends to be a little heavy on the left channel with audio. Been that way since day 1 and works great otherwise. Balance control remedies that. 

The Saga 2, to me, is a great value...but unfortunately the more than twice expensive Kara is better...the original Kara is sonically identical to the Kara F, but lacks the Forkbeard app...

If I went with the Kara F I would need a couple of RCA to XLR adapters though. 

Not sure which way to go on that. 

I haven't ruled out anything yet. As a matter of fact, someone off list told me about Benchmark Media. I took a brief look at their AHB2 Power Amplifier and their LA4 Line Amplifier (preamp). It has XLR and RCA inputs but not enough ( 4 total )even if I use RCA to XLR adapters. This company is actually not too far from me so I'm going to speak to them tomorrow hopefully. Maybe they can do something for me with more inputs. They are also above my price limit but for a local company, we'll see what happens. Maybe one amp and a preamp this year and another amp next year????? Those inputs are the deal breaker/maker. Schiit is definitely still a consideration too. Open to others as well.