I recently had my Classe 5 preamp completely refurbished, and it sounds great...
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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That is kind of the path @coltrane1 and I were going down with picking up an older Threshold or Forte Audio or Pass Labs preamp using Vintage Repair folks and/or businesses we all know like Bryston or Conrad Johnson techs to refresh them. While Schiit and a few others have picked up related customers in this space, some of these older vintage preamps can be fun and sound nice too as an option.
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@hilde45 Bryston's service is top notch. In addition to the Topping Pre90 and the Schiit Freya+, I also have an Apt Holman preamp. I used it for several years. If the Apt Holman had a remote volume control, I would never have "upgraded" to a newer unit (Parasound JC2). The Apt Holman is in reserve. I don't plan on selling it until I have to downsize to a smaller house or apartment. |
I'm borrowing a DIY unit from a friend. He writes, "It's built with old Burson buffer modules, only has about 3db of gain, a Jos Van Eindhoven relay stepped attenuator with unobtainium low noise Vishay resistors and a overkill linear power supply." This will likely give me a sense of what something decent might sound like in my system. That might make going ahead with a Bryston or Apt Holman a good idea. I see a couple on USAM right now for not much money. |
The Luxman C-12 is a great vintage preamp. I bought one brand new in 1977 along with two Luxman B-12 monoblock amps, owned all three pieces for over thirty years. They sounded great on my JBL 4430's. I presently own JBL 4435's in my main system. FWIW: I preferred the Luxman over the Apt Holman preamp in my system at the time. 😎 See below: Mike
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