Schiit Saga Active/Passive Preamp with Remote Control

Amazon was selling out this older model for a good price. I was in need of a remote controlled, preferably passive preamp and the hybrid tube is an added bonus. The stepped attenuators that ‘click’ with the remote volume control do take a little bit of getting used to, as does the preamp input selection, however overall the sound quality and build is excellent.I’d probably give it 4.5 stars if I could right now. I do wish the power on/off was a little more straightforward (there is a hard toggle switch in the back, as well as a standby remote mode). With tubes you really just need to leave it on all the time, so it draws around 25w at minimum. Schiit does sell a newer model version of this pre that is pure MOSFET sans tubes, so if the tube warmup, cooldown, & replacement cost isn’t up your alley then that’s probably a safe bet.There’s an Austrian guy that sells an auto-sensing/switching DAC which could render the inputs on the preamp somewhat useless, tho if I ever get the vinyl back together the added analog pre-inputs will be useful.

Two improvements to the deal: 1) The remote control is a heavy metal affair rather than the plastic card shown. 2) The valve is a tung-sol and not the no name generic as noted by other reviewers.Kudos to Schiit. Not yelling about sweeteners is classy.Initial impressions: This is the first hour so may not be very relevant. I prefer the tube buffer in, despite the small difference. It appears to "smooth" things out a little more, and a little more "air" and no shimmer to the imaging. In passive mode the details available is astonishing, to the point of brutally exposing the shortcomings of the source and can sometimes be jarring if your gear is not silly money. My only worry of the steps of the volume control being too coarse is addressed, but not fully. It can't be finely adjusted like an ALPS pot but I think I can live with it, perhaps 0.5 dB (say six to eight) steps at mid span are too tall an order to ask for the money. Excellent build quality, metal work feels like a Swiss watch.Overall firmly recommended for a glimpse of the "high end". Will update if it improves my enjoyment of the music, or send me down a path of endless upgrades.

I have the Schitt Saga Preamp conected to an Adcom GFA 5500 power amp, which is powering ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 bookshelf speakers, and this setup is amazing, it brings music to a whole new level. Bass is tight and controlled, midrange is crystal clear and vocals pop out and sound so lifelike, and the treble is detailed without sibilance or harshness. Great preamp. Would definitely recommend to anyone in need of a preamp for music listening.

I had bought the item quite awhile ago and only have a chance to unpack it recently, but found out a remote controller was not in the package. I never thought Schiit Audio will send me a remote as the item was purchase quite some time ago. Having say that, i tried to message asking Schiit Audio on the issue, and they response promptly. They immediately send a remote controller to me without any question asked. I am glad that i have made my purchases with Schiit Audio. Very reputable and Highly recommended. Excellent services.

Schiit Audio. Amazing. I was in need of a well built, remote control pre amp. 5 inputs, plus the warmth of tubes.I’ve enjoyed using it, plus selectable tube buffer or active.Anyone looking at a pre to put with a power amp, needs to make the Saga the center piece of their hi fi system.

A good entry level pre-amp, I’m pleased the the sound once Schiit stepped up and fixed a tube issue. I am happy with their service and product quality

Nothing I can say.

Package came with a cracked tube.