Nuforce STA200

The Saga and STA 200 work well together. The input gain on the amp will easily allow you to use the Saga in passive mode, which I prefer over the tube stage. It is of course personal, and you might like the added color and roundness of the tube sound. Note : It also has to do with your source's voltage output and power supply design, when using it in passive mode. Enjoy ! MrD.

Thanks, MrD!


I probably won't use my system until I have the room ready. And that could be a while yet. But it sounds like this STA 200 is really a nice sounding amp, regardless of price. I have a Freya on my main system, and love the adjustability of the Schitt preamps with the passive and tube choice. Some songs on my main system sounds more transparent and detailed with the passive, even though I use the tube section of the Freya more.

Hi MrD-

Are you using a dac with the STA-200?  If so, which one?  I think we’re both using the same passive pre amp.  I’m using a CEntrance dac mini, but thinking of upgrading.

I have a modified Adcom GDA 700 ( an oldie ) along with an after market cord and fuse. I've tried some more recent units ( all under 1K retail ) and still enjoy mine. I have an AA DDE V3.0, with an upgraded power supply and power cord in another system, which I also enjoy. Enjoy ! MrD,.

I also have a Freya, I could not use the Tube stage with the Nuforce, very loud hum/static/hiss etc. I actually can't use the tube stage with any amp, in my 12' x 13' x 8' room with 93 dB efficient speakers. Nuforce's high gain made it even worse than other amps I tried. 

I found I like the passive mode best anyway though.