2024 has been a strange year in the high-end audio category. Entry-level and mid-tier products that offer excellent performance and value for the money have actually struggled in the market, whilst ultra-expensive components and loudspeakers have outsold expectations.
How do we know this? Manufacturers have been surprisingly forthcoming with information and whilst some brands like WiiM Audio, FiiO, and NAD have done rather well with their more affordable offerings — others have struggled.
There are some significant product refreshes coming in September and October 2024 from brands that have done well in the entry-level and mid-tier categories over the past decade and expect the prices to be higher than you might be used to.
One brand that will not be introducing products with price tags that will raise some eyebrows is Schiit Audio.
The new Saga 2 pre-amplifier includes everything but an internal DAC for $279 and a detailed look through the design features and connectivity options makes us want one.
Saga 2 Preamp
Schiit Audio’s latest product is in the Saga 2 pre-amp. This product includes everything you would find in many preamps but lacks an internal DAC. However, with a price of $279 and a detailed look through the design features and connectivity options make us want one for the desktop.
Core Features
Value: Schiit Audio claims that the Saga 2 is the highest price-for-performance preamp they have offered so far. Practical features include switchable gain, balanced output, and a headphone output for private listening. It also includes a 64-step relay ladder volume cpmtrp; for perfect channel matching, fully discrete, Class-A, no-feedback design, and a linear power supply.
Universal Interface: The Saga 2 provides the ability to interface with a variety of sources you might connect to any amp. RCA and XLR outputs are both. Both active and passive gain are provided.
Remote Control: The included wireless remote allows users to select inputs, change volume, and pick from passive, active low, or high gain setting options.
DAC Companion: Although the Saga 2 doesn’t have its own DAC, you can combine the Saga 2 and Modius or Bifrost (or any other of our DACs) for a no-compromise remote-controlled system.
Designed and Built in Texas: The majority of the production cost of Saga 2—chassis, boards, transformers, assembly, etc—goes to US companies manufacturing in the US. The Saga 2 is then assembled at Schiit Audio’s Corpus Christi, Texas facility.
Warranty and Return Policy: Saga 2 is covered by a 3-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. If you don’t like the Saga 2, you can send it back for a refund, minus 5% restocking fee, within 15 days of receiving it.
Specifications
- Core Design: Class A, Zero-Feedback, Differential Preamplifier with AC Adapter
- Noise: Inaudible
- Distortion: Unmeasurable by APx555 in passive mode, better than any recording and/or transducer on the planet in either active mode
- Heat: gets moderately warm; not surprising for a Class A device
Tech Note:: APx555 Report for Saga 2
Passive Operation
- Output Impedance: Varies, maximum 4.8 ohms
- THD: Unmeasurable (APx555 report)
- IMD: Unmeasurable (APx555 report)
- SNR: Maxed (typically >120dB ref 2/4V RMS) – ( APx555 report)
Low Gain Operation
- Gain: 1x/2x (SE/balanced)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.5db, 3Hz-200KHz, -3dB
- THD: <0.001%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 2V RMS
- IMD: <0.001%, CCIR (active stage)
- SNR: >124db, A-weighted, referenced to 1V RMS
- Output Impedance: 75 ohms
- Maximum Output: >10V RMS
High Gain Operation
- Gain: 4x/8x (SE/balanced)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.5db, 3Hz-200KHz, -3dB
- THD: <0.001%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 2V RMS
- IMD: <0.001%, CCIR (active stage)
- SNR: >116db, A-weighted, referenced to 1V RMS
- Output Impedance: 75 ohms
Inputs & Outputs
- Maximum Output: >10V RMS
- Inputs: 4 RCA pairs, selectable via front switch or remote
- Outputs: 1 XLR pair and one RCA pair, both active at the same time
- Gain Stage: Equipoise differential discrete Class A, zero feedback, 75V rails
- Headphone Stage: Booster based on OPA1656, 150mW typical max output
- Volume Control: relay-switched stepped attenuator with discrete thin-film 0.5% resistors, 64 1dB steps
- Power Supply: Wall wart, 24VAC/6VAC, internal +45V/-28V and 5V/3.3V rails
- Power Consumption: 15W typical
- Dimensions (WDH): 9 x 6 x 1.5-inches (desk- and rack-friendly)
Initial Impressions
We report on a lot of audio components, including preamps and headphone amps that can empty your pocketbook, but fortunately, there are several companies that provide both thoughtful engineering and features that many of us can afford.
Schiit Audio continues its track record and has a loyal following in the inexpensive but practical audio solution category and it looks like the Saga 2 preamp is another example to consider.
Price & Availability
The Saga 2 is priced at $279 at schiit.com and Schiit Audio Retail Store in Newhall, California.
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