I skipped to the end.. I started with realistic recievers and dept store speakers and have worked my way from there. I think the closest we can get to a decent compromise is 2 to 1, speakers to amp. As speakers get better so does their ability to let us hear cheap components, I thought all amps sounded the same because I was shopping the same price range. So your speakers will tell you when you need to upgrade the amp/pre, likewise if you have an extremely difficult room the amps might make a bigger difference tonally than the same outlay towards speakers
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, especially the Threshold, which sounds interesting. @avanti1960 your SLP-05 sounds lovely, but I have a tube preamp I like. Does Cary make an SLP in solid state, too? You keep telling me about tube preamps, but maybe you're telling me about a solid state alternative, which is what I'm asking about? My 6SN7 is very close to the Dehavilland Ultraverve III. It's everything I need in a tube amp, which is why tube amp mentions are totally irrelevant to this thread. |
It's interesting how, for some, the way a solid state preamp is praised is with words like "tuby" -- as if, solid state preamps need to measure up to tube preamps. I realize that some people use tube preamps as their aesthetic standard for all preamps, but for those who do not, what word best describes a solid state preamp at its best? |
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