It's new & the tube may need more break-in hours. All I can say at this time is that when I switch between active & passive when using the ST-35, there is only a very subtle difference--but that may be imagined as much as real; which is to say, I know that I changed it & am trying to hear differences, so maybe I think there is a very tiny difference when in fact there is none--better or worse? I have no idea. In my opinion, the Saga adds nothing in passive mode. When switched to active, there MAY be a VERY subtle softening in the highest octave, but I could well be wrong. You might hear it entirely differently on your equipment. The change when using the SS Pass ACA amps is substantial, but that is expected, as the input impedance of the ACA is too low for use w/ a simple passive pre.
From what I can tell, the active mode does not produce a dramatic 'tube sound', at least on my system. As always, YMMV!
The tube is always on when the Saga is on. My experience is that small signal tubes (as opposed to output power tubes) can last a VERY long time, maybe decades. I am not worried about it wearing out, however, I seem to recall once hearing about something called 'cathode poisoning" (??) resulting from tubes sitting powered up but idle. This might be worth investigating. As for me, I think I will just use it in active mode, and power it off when not in use.
The remote is about 3 credit cards thick; black plastic, poorly labeled; really flimsy. BUT--it works just fine. Has volume, source selection (toggles around the 5 inputs), active/passive toggle, and mute (which is no source selected). The Saga is turned on/off with the switch on its back panel; i.e. not controlled by the remote.
Cheers, Jim
