No sound

Did you blow a fuse in the component? If you haven't checked the fuse do so. 

@rvpiano 

Since you have multiple sources, you have ruled out that it is a source problem.

Pretty much leaves the speakers (unlikely) amp or preamp.  If you had a spare amp or preamp you would have already tried them.

If it was me I would order a Sys from Schiit Audio for $49.  This is a passive preamp with input for two sources.  While not a high-end piece, it will allow you to enjoy your music and not rush to make decisions while investigating your next moves.  I have one that I purchased for exactly this reason.  It now sits not used but is available if I need it again.

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With the Sys, assuming you have a preamp problem, you are up and running for the price of a cheap tube.

Thank you for the suggestion of the Sys.  I’m  just recovering from a hip replacement then dislocation, so I really can’t get into the insides of my system very easily, but I can hire someone to do  it.

I’ll experiment as much as I can.

No sound at all is almost always user error make sure no mute is engaged and definitely check fuses. Also of you disconnected your preamp from the system make sure you re-connected it properly.

Well, I got the system hooked up properly and the loud tone is back.  So I assume the problem is with the preamp, which I’m going to bring to to be repaired.

I’ll have to wait 4-6 weeks! for the repair. I already ordered the Schiit Sys but it’s not coming until next Friday.  At least I should have some sound.

Excellent way to get by in the mean time and check out something else. I’ve got some “extra” components (Schiit) that I put now use for burning in cables that I acquired while waiting for delivery of something else.

@rvpiano 

I don't have a credit card on file here at A'gon anymore, so I think this is how I have to reply.

It's been a couple of years since I have used the Sys.  But yes, the Sys was a step down from using my Copland CTA 305 tube preamp.  Although the Copland is not one of those you read much about, it has served me well.

I think of the Sys as a substitute to be able to listen to music while a higher quality preamp is not available.  

Inside of my preamp:

@jetter

Thanks for the reply.

Neat looking preamp!

My pleasure speaking with you.

Well, I hooked up the Sys, and lo and behold, I got sound.  Of course it’s primitive compared to my CJ preamp but over all, not too bad.

Thanks to @jetter for the suggestion.

Now I find it’s not so primitive.  It sounds damn good!

Very good to hear.

@rvpiano 

Happy to hear you are up and running.

It is rather amazing what a featherweight, tiny piece of kit can do. 

Size: 5" x 3.5" x 1.25”
Weight: 1 lb

@jetter 

Yes it is!

Well, I hooked up the Sys, and lo and behold, I got sound.  Of course it’s primitive compared to my CJ preamp but over all, not too bad.

I was surprised to hear the Schiit Sys being compared as 'not too bad' to a CJ preamp. I had the Sys before but returned it after a fairly short listening period. On my humble system, its sound was restrained and not open at all. The Saga 2 is much, much better—and it's here to stay.

@lanx0003

I have not been in the market for a preamp for years and was not aware of the Saga 2.  I took a look and based on your listening impressions it seems like an amazing deal with input for four sources, passive or active gain and remote control, all for $279.

Depending on his longer term plans, if interested @rvpiano can certainly follow your lead and send the Sys back within 15 days for a full credit towards the Saga 2.

For my particular listening preferences, I prefer a tube preamp and prefer two sets of RCAs out.  Notwithstanding, seems like another Schiit smoking deal.

@jetter I kind of wish for swapping two RCA inputs with an XLR input, but this is not, I believe, a truly balanced design anyway. The 64-step relay ladder volume control works great and solves my channel balance issue. Yes, the Saga 2 is a great budget-friendly piece of gear for a humble system.

For a more revealing and pricier system, I strongly recommend the truly balanced Kara or Freya, which can also serve as a backup preamp in the future. 

@lanx0003 

i have a Conrad-Johnson tube preamp which is out for repair for an extended time. That’s why I got the Sys, so I could listen to music.  Of course the tubed CJ is much better, but the Sys is a very good stopgap until I get the CJ back.

It’s very interesting to to hear the set effectively without a preamp. The signal is direct from the amp and the DAC to the speakers. The Sys is a passive unit and ostensibly adds nothing to the sound. So the sound is extremely clear but cold. It lacks the pleasing coloration a preamp brings. 
Certain recordings (especially older ones). don’t seem to need the coloration and sound just fine.

It sounds better than it has any right to sound.

Eliminated my preamp with amazing results

@cdc 

Yes it’s amazing.  Especially good on LP’s.

i still think my original preamp does a little better, on sound staging and highs.  
 But the direct transmission is incredibly clean.

Strangely, the SQ with the Sys is improving greatly.  I don’t know if it’s breaking in (I didn’t know a switch could break in) or I’m getting used to it.

@rvpiano

Also, there is a possibility that the sound of your Conrad Johnson was subtly deteriorating over time without being noticed until it stopped working altogether.

And once repaired will be glorious.

(I didn’t know a switch could break in)

Maybe the volume pot?

I got along without a pre for quite a long time, and still do for the most part; eq’s with a level control or even the soundcard can do that....
I was gifted with a rather nice pre above my normal means awhile back...it’s taken some ’doit’ to lace it into the tangled web I weave, but it’s an option....*G*

...still like to opt for the shortest possible wires ’n ic’s involved, tho’...

Strangely, the SQ with the Sys is improving greatly.  I don’t know if it’s breaking in (I didn’t know a switch could break in) or I’m getting used to it.

Only active component like capacitors require some break-in time.  You are mostly likely experiencing psychologically.  As I mentioned before, the sonic disparity between the Sys and Saga 2 is immediately noticeable in my system even Saga could benefit some from break-in.  Nevertheless, I am glad that Sys works in your system and you save hundreds, 

@rvpiano Glad to hear your problem has turned into something of a blessing. They say some of the greatest discoveries have happened by accident. I always look forward to your threads.

I agree with jetter after you live with the sys for a while, then get your CJ back, which one will you like the best.

@cdc 

Thanks for your interest and comments.  Although with the Sys the system sounds very good, I still sense a lack of highs and sound staging which the preamp brings.

As per another thread I posted concerning appreciation of the music, ironically I’m finding it easier to get into the music now that I’m not fussing over sound staging and other audio niceties.