[wushuliu]

In the process of *finally* getting my 2-channel setup running again I've been trying out different gear, some of which I'll share down the road. For my 2-channel I bought a Schiit Saga+ early on in anticipation of the new setup. Then lo and behold Schiit released the Saga 2 last week. The Saga+ is basically a tube buffer using 6ns7 and equivalent. The Saga 2 is Class A solid state w/ passive plus low and high gain levels, single ended inputs but both single ended and true balanced out (!). For only $280. That was too good to pass up. Having spent some time cycling thru the Saga+ and Saga 2 as 2-channel preamps here are my thoughts:

Saga+ - Replaced the stock tube they provided. It sounds fine, a bit mellow and inoffensive but flat and unengaging in my setup. There are a lot of options of course but I settled on the Linlai E-6SN7. The Linlai brings 3D pop and dimensionality and a more clearly dilineated soundstage at the expense of a little of the warmth present in the stock tube. This is exactly what I was looking for in a tube-based pre (yes I know the Saga is a hybrid). That you can get this with low noise/quiet background and resistor relay volume control for <$500 incl. the Linlai is really impressive.

The Saga 2 has a somewhat similar presentation, which I attribute to the Class A design. It's smooth, slightly rounded at the edges, clearly defined imaging and soundstage. Not quite the 3D pop of the Saga+ but voices and instruments do sound a little more natural. I think it also has a blacker background but not by much. The two gain levels and balanced out are a real nice touch too.

For some contrast I also auditioned the Topping Pre90 Preamp. It's very popular amongst a certain set. It has .000000001% distortion or something. A black hole from which sound emerges by the hype. Personally I found it dry, flat, and analytical to a fault. I didn't hear any more detail than was present in the Shiits. The Pre90 is ~$600.

I'm not sure which of the Schiits I'll end up keeping. The Saga+/Linlai combo is really doing it for me right now. What makes Schiit hard to ignore is that really affordable high quality tube and Class A preamps are really hard to find. I am not a fan of all their products - but the ones that aim for a warmer tone like Asgard 3, Saga+ and Saga 2 I think are a great value.

[AllanS]

Nice write up!  Thank you.
I’ve been undecided about a preamp for getting on a year.  The stock Lyr I’ve been relying on in the interim is surprising good enough that I’m not really in too much of a hurry to replace it.  The only short coming, which I can’t necessarily blame on the Lyr, is a very flat / 2D sound stage.  I’ll give that Linlai a look.

[Sum1]

You say that the Saga 2 is a class A preamp and that these "are really hard to find." In fact, virtually all [analog] preamps are class A, as Jason Stoddard at Schiit Audio points out in his blog. See the following:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-happened-the-story-of-the-worlds-most-improbable-start-up.701900/page-7224#post-17354025

I think it's funny that Schiit advertises the Saga 2 as class A, given this fact. I've read others praising the Saga 2 for being class A. You are not alone.

I own two Saga+ preamps. I think they are exceptional if you choose the right tube. I've tried dozens, not including the Linlai. My favorites are two vintage 6SN7GT tubes with flat, staggered plates: The Ken Rad (later GE) from 1944 to 1947, and the Sylvania from 1951 and 1952. The Sylvania was also marketed under a number of brand names, but it usually has the Sylvania manufacturer code, 312.

The Ken Rad (GE) and Sylvania tubes can be found on ebay. The Sylvanias are sometimes quite a bargain (around $30). It's important to check for balanced, high measurements, around 100/100 on a TV-7 tester or 2800/2800 (or so) on a Hickok tester.

Maybe you'd like to try a Ken Rad or Sylvania in your Saga+.

[fredgarvin]

I've been using the Freya N with four nos Raytheon 6GC7's. I find the Schiit to have an engaging toe tapping sound compared to the Topping. That includes all three modes, tube, buffered and passive.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Great write up.  I am not surprised by your findings of the Topping.  The group that you mentioned that over hype it are so caught up in specs and they have no idea what actual good gear sounds like.

Very interesting that you prefer the Saga+ over the 2.