Ever since I saw the tube sticking out of a Schiit Saga+, a preamp that retails for just $399, I knew I had to purchase one. I wanted to hear how that tube sounded in my system. Would it offer that traditional warm “tube-y” sound that I hear in a traditional preamp like my Primaluna EVO-100? Or is the role of the tube different than a traditional tube preamp and therefore not offer any sound difference at all?
After several weeks of listening to the Saga+ (along with my Primaluna EVO-100 tube preamp), I liked the operation of the tube, but not in the way you might think. I discuss the tube “sound” provided by the Schiit, along with the reasons I love this preamp, in more detail below.
Active Vs Passive Mode
My favorite feature of the Saga+ is the ability to switch between two listening modes: active and passive. The passive mode offers a very transparent sound, relying on the gain from your sources (CD player, DAC, etc). The active mode turns on the tube, at which point you will notice an immediate increase in the playback volume, no matter the source. I enjoyed listening via the active mode and kept the tube in operation during my time listening to the Saga+.
Size
The Saga+ is a small unit which will allow for users to fit it almost anywhere. Due to the size, it would make for a great preamp to use in an office, bedroom or any room where space is an issue. Even though it’s small, it still makes for a great preamp in a regular listening room.
Inputs & Outputs
The Saga+ has 5 RCA inputs and 2 RCA outputs which is a lot to offer considering the low price. The unit does not offer digital inputs or balanced outputs, the latter of which can be found on the next model up, the Schiit Freya+.
My audio sources are a turntable, CD player, cassette deck and streaming DAC which means I still had an open RCA input to use. The second RCA output is convenient for anyone who would like to connect a subwoofer or even a second amplifier.
Remote Control
Schiit includes a remote control to use with the Saga+ and compared to remotes from other manufacturers, they provided a well built remote control that isn’t a cheap plastic item.
The remote control adjusts the volume, mutes the audio and allows you to switch between active and passive modes from the comfort of your couch.
How Does The Saga+ Sound?
I listened to the Saga+ paired with my Emotiva amplifier powering my Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ bookshelf speakers. The Saga+ offers a very detailed sound, especially in the midrange and high frequencies. When listening to my vinyl copy of The Best of John Fahey, I heard elements of the acoustic guitar that I didn’t hear listening back with preamps in this price range.
If you are someone that craves a lot of bass, consider hooking up a subwoofer via the second RCA output. I’m not a subwoofer guy and felt the bass via the Saga+ was adequate.
Now, let’s talk about the tube.
Friends asked me if I would recommend the Saga+ as a tube preamp so I compared it to my Primaluna EVO-100 which is a traditional tube preamplifier that retails for $2,799.
It’s important to understand that the single tube in the Schiit Saga+ acts as a buffer, which helps increase gain (volume) while simultaneously lowering the noise floor, keeping distortion out of playback. The tube in the Saga+ handles this job brilliantly.
However, the tube in the Saga+ isn’t going to provide that warm sound one is accustomed to hearing in a traditional tube preamp. That’s not a strike against the Saga+ because again, the role of the tube is to act as a buffer, not a traditional tube preamp stage.
My Primaluna EVO-100 provided a much larger soundstage and warmer sound than the Saga+ and that’s to be expected from a traditional tube preamp operating six tubes versus one.
Let me put it this way…buy the Saga+ because it offers a lot of options at a great price, but do not buy the Saga+ expecting a drastic change in sound color when operating the tube. If you want a warm tube like sound with a much larger soundstage, save your money and purchase the Schiit Freya+ preamp instead.
A Few Things To Note Before You Purchase The Saga+
The Saga+ RCA inputs do not include a dedicated phono preamp, meaning you will need to either use a standalone phono preamp (which I recommend) or use a built in phono preamp on your turntable.
The power switch for the Saga+ is located on the rear of the unit. This does not bother me, but some folks complain about it not being on the front of the unit.
The Saga+ offers an attenuating volume control which makes a clicking sound when you move it up or down. I actually liked the clicking sound but it might bother some people.
Should I Buy A Schiit Saga Plus?
If you are looking for a solid performing preamp with two listening modes, several RCA inputs and outputs, a tube buffer and a remote control for $400, the Saga+ is an excellent option to consider.
If you need a preamp with balanced inputs and outputs that offers a warm tube like sound, save your money and buy the Freya+ instead!
If you’d like to learn more about the Saga+, please consider watching my YouTube video as well:
Also, please consider checking out more gear reviews on our site including the Vincent PHO-8 phono preamp, the Emotiva B1+ bookshelf speakers and the Andover Songbird wireless streamer.
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Nice review! Funny enough I use the same Emotiva amp. However I swap out phono and stream on it. I need a preamp. Will a preamp help the sound or is it just solid for booking up RCAs and using it to switch between components? Great review and glad i clicked it on Facebook.
Thank you!
BTW — Just watched the video. Answered my question.
Is the Prima Luna that much better?
Yeah, the Primaluna offers a much wider soundstage. I still really enjoyed the Saga+ though!