Saga 2 Ideas from Freya S?

I can't +1 this enough. Moar outputs

 

Okay, since we are blue-skying...

...what about an ADD-ON product to Freya S/+ that gives you HT Bypass, Processor Loop, and maybe some more I/O--seamlessly integrated via a new remote control that covers both Freya and the "Freya Missing Connectors" add-on product? That way we don't need to come up with a Ragnarok-sized preamp just for the customers who want this functionality?

Again, blue sky. Nothing is designed. Warning: adding ideas like balance control and such makes this get pricey fast. If it's just a HT/Processor/Output switching box, it's pretty straightforward.

Just an idea...

 

Yay outputs. I imagine there'd be a market for something like: 2 balanced-out (2-ch power amp and headphone amp, maybe fixed for the latter), 2 variable SE-out (power amp, sub), 2 fixed SE-out (HT, headphone, or even the tape decks that seem to be enjoying a mystifying renaissance among the young).

 

This would be very interesting for me. The details of implementation would make or break this product: will it feel and act like 1 integrated box, for example, or will the two boxes sometimes go out of sync, and start doing crazy things?

 

1. it’s not designed yet
2. since when has Schiit ever brought to market something that worked like that (and why would they)?

 

Updated my initial thoughts post.

• More steps is not needed, since it is balanced thus doubling the 64.
• A clear way to display unity gain. Something like the new OLED tech in the works for other projects(or just a led). This took some thinking of what the real problem I want to solve is. I just would like to know when I am at unity gain in passive, x1, or x4.
• Maybe even the possibility of changing the attenuation when moving though gain settings.
  
  Some thoughts on the addon box.
• Add-on box is a reasonable solution, effectively cutting a Freya in half and stacking them.
  
• Saves horizontal space
• Can create interesting thunder-dome products.

 

I for one welcome our new out of sync, doing crazy things preamp overlords.

 

I would personally upgrade to this setup from an OG Saga if you were to make it. But, I think such a product is only going to create confusion. I didn't really realize such a product would need to be as big as Ragnarok, in my head it I was thinking it could all be fit into a 2.75" or 3" tall chassis.

The other two features I want (balance and mono) probably belong on the phono preamp but almost no one makes a phono preamp with those features.

 

There's no need to be defensive. We're just brainstorming at this point, and it is a legitimate concern with two boxes synced only by IR. I've also had bad experiences with badly programmed preamps in the past that had a very frustrating user experience: since it's the main control interface for your system, the quality of its operation is important.

 

+1 on a Saga-size pre with balanced/XLR inputs and outputs. Especially as the new Bifrost 2 MB is so competitive. That would be a cool little stack. I'd get one and run it with a pair of Aegir or Vidar.

 

I have a Freya S which I like very much. I also have a Freya, which has been repaired but I still find the tube section to be noisy, so I am more interested in an all- solid state design. I would like HT bypass. I like at least 5 inputs, with a combination of rca and xlr. What I would really like are HDMI inputs, like I have on my NAD C658, I would also be willing to pay more for a high quality headphone input. Also, if people are willing to spend $899 for a Freya +, then how about a solid state preamp that competes in this price range (with some of the features I mentioned and others have mentioned).

 

I've given up on HT bypass in preamps. I just use a simple switch now like one from Goldpoint or even cheaper like this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B089FX2NRR?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title which is surprisingly very transparent.

Every time I have used HT Bypass mode in any preamp I get added noise in the LR channels compared to when I run the AVR directly into my stereo amp. Most preamps with HT bypass just max the volume on that input which in my experience drastically increases the noise floor when in bypass mode. I am not a stickler for home theater sound quality but there is no point in adding extra noise.

 

I think I've talked myself out of the HT Bypass add-on, because as soon as I tell everyone it's $399, everyone will decide that simply turning the volume all the way up on the selected channel (which is the "HT Bypass Mode" on ALL Schiit preamps) will do just fine, thank you.

Cynic take: some people might be fine with a $2199, Ragnarok sized preamp that does this...and doesn't meaningfully improve on the sonics of Freya+.

 

I think you're on the right track, simpler is better. I think preserving Nexus from the Freya S is the most important thing. And a balanced pre-amp that fits somewhere in the Modius/Bifrost price/size range would seem to make sense for the overall lineup.

 

Would a Saga 2 be cheaper being on its own chassis? Or would it be cheaper to strip down a Freya (no balanced outputs, 2 instead of 4 tubes), that way more parts can be shared?

The amateur businessman in me wants to know. I'm curious if a Freya with room for add on modules/upgrades could work as a business model, kinda sorta like Schiit DACs do.... Maybe sorta?

 

Throwing in my two cents. I prefer the black Schiit units I would hope that black will be an option. Also, since space is an issue I would hope the power supply will not be compromised and similar to the supply in the Freya S.

 

I got the Freya S because of the two Balanced inputs. One for the Bifrost 2 output and the other for a future PS Audio Stellar phono stage. The PS Audio has a balanced output with two inputs for MM and MC cartridges. *product hint for a dual input MM/MC future Mani?*

My original plan is to have a balanced system from sources to the outputs. The Single ended inputs were not really as important to me. Nice to have but are plan B.

 

I've been thinking about this a lot recently after putting together a near-field setup on a second desk. What I'd ideally want in a new Saga outside of sonic improvements trickling down from Freya would be the following:

- at least one set of XLRs
- switchable outputs
- SS option
- black

 

This talk of a "Saga 2" has definitely piqued my interest. I'm in the market for a balanced preamp, and the Freya S seemed to be the most appealing to me (though no longer available new).

I have a question for those who've used both the Saga and Freya. How valuable do you find the 128-step attenuator in the Freya (vs. the 64-step in the Saga)? My assumption was that this is a substantial benefit of the Freya. When listening to music, especially through headphones, I find the ability to make very small volume adjustments quite valuable. I've never used an attenuator with 64 steps, though, so I'm not sure if I would think that would be granular enough. I do have an attenuator with 24 steps, and I definitely don't find that to be granular enough.