If you have ever been into audiophiles, you probably are aware of preamplifiers. They are equally significant in enhancing the quality of sound from your preferred audio source since they dictate various functions of the sound processes including the volume of sound and the HOW of the sound. But not all preamplifiers are created equal for example the Saga 2 Class A Zero-Feedback Differential Preamplifier. Given the fact the Saga 2 is targeted at a wide array of users, it boasts great sound, versatility and reasonable price.
Introduction to Saga 2 Preamplifier
When it comes to audiophile gears, many of which go to share an identical goal of producing high quality sound, the preamplifier often stands out as an important piece on the decision making process. In the use of music, movies or even any other high-quality headphones, the preamp is in charge of picking the volume, sharpening the sound and adequately translating the signals to the loud speakers or to your headphones.
What the Saga 2 Class A Zero-Feedback Differential Preamplifier is capable of accomplishing is stated below. However, it is in this flexibility that the Saga 2 really shines: the ability to provide not just for passive or active sound modes, or whether the user is using headphones or an audiophile-grade speaker system. Now, let’s find out what is unique about the Saga 2.
What is the Saga 2?
The Saga 2 is an Audio Control Center which means controls your sound, you can balance between volume, input and add gain if necessary. But this is not where your preamp ends or begins for that matter, and this is not your ordinary preamp either! It has a Class A, zero-feedback design, it means you get a sound which has been processed in a particular way and has not been added distortion. Secondly, it is differential, in other words, the device utilises two different channels to increase sound and eliminate interference.
Being for the listeners interested in good sound, the Saga 2 has RCA and XLR terminals which would work with almost any amplifier out there. Such connection types provide flexibility which makes the Saga 2 compatible with any type of audio connections. For those who want to connect to a home theater system, stereo or even a fine pair of headphones, the Saga 2 is perfect.
Key Features of the Saga 2
Now let’s look at some of the unique features that make Saga 2 to stand out from other preamplifiers in this price tag.
- 64-step relay ladder volume control: This ensures equal level of the right and left channels thus making the audio as clear as possible even if you increase the volume.
- Class A, zero-feedback design: It also eradicates any form of interference which might give a wrong pitch and allows the sound to be as clear as possible.
- Differential design: This differential structure was achieved by dividing the signal into two channels, thus improving its clarity since noise is also divided.
- Headphone output: Typically, the Saga 2 boasts of a separate headphone output and therefore, the headphone listeners should consider it as well.
- Remote control: It allow you to easily adjust volume and toggle between active and passive modes without moving from chair.
- RCA and XLR outputs: This will work with almost any amplifier or audio system other wise known as Hi Fi.
Designed and built in Texas: The people behind the Saga 2 have taken pride in ensuring that this smartphones is built in the USA, where most of the components used to make this phone are produced.
Relay-Potentiometer for Precision Control
Among the truths, one of the most evident technical differences of the Saga 2 from all other pre-amplifiers is the 64-step relay ladder volume control. Most of the traditional preamps employ a basic circuit that involves the use of an attenuator or a potentiometer to control the volume output, they pose the problem of channel imbalance whereby one of the speakers is louder than the other.
To overcome this problem, the Saga 2 uses a relay-based system. It employs a chain of 64 precision resistors which together make the volume control optimal with the balance feature incorporated with left and right channel being absolute no matter the volume level. This in turn leads to a clearer and more accurate sounding signal which is rich in harmonics but lacks distortion or is imbalanced.
This feature is especially useful to those particular people who like listening to music at low volumes. In these levels, conventional volume control switches fail to provide balance and consistency but with Saga 2’s relay ladder system, you will always have your sound perfectly balanced right from the lowest level.
Class A, Zero-Feedback, Discrete Design
Underpinning the design of the Saga 2 is its Class A, zero-feedback structure. To understand why this is important, let’s break it down:
- Class A amplification: It is relevant to know that in a Class A amplifier, the transistors do not switch off at any point including when no signal is passing through the system. This, of course, consumes more power and produces more heat but it defines that the sound does not distort products or adds more noise.
- Zero-feedback design: Tonal corrections utilize feedback loops that enable amplifiers to stabilize the sound signal, yet this risks creating distortion or even coloration. What is more, the absence of feedback in Saga 2 guarantees you the best unperturbed clear sound possible.
- Discrete design: Traditionally, the circuits that create sound can add noise but the Saga 2 employs fully discrete circuits, free from any integrated circuits. This also results in a higher sound quality and besides that it offers more possibilities for repairing and modifying the preamp in the future.
These design decisions mean huge gains in clarity, so the Saga 2 is designed for the listener who wants to hear their music as it was created to sound like.
Differential 75V Linear Power Supply
The Saga 2 is equipped with a 75V differential linear power supply which contributes to the reliable and clean power supply to its internal parts. Why is this important? This is because any interference in the power supply can cause what is termed as noise interference and this can so much affect the audio signal.
Another key to the Saga 2 is the differential design that makes it very difficult for noise to get into the system in the first place and if it does then it gets cancelled out by the system. This leads to reduction in manufacture of different types of hums or the electrical buzzes that are common in low quality audio devices.
The 75V linear power supply also guarantees that the Saga 2 is well endowed with as much power as is required to power complex audio systems to the best capabilities.
Active vs. Passive Mode: What is the Difference?
Another advantage of Saga 2 with Active/passive switch for the system operation. So what does this mean and why should you as an independent musician or a record label be interested in it?
- Passive mode: When in the passive mode it means that the signal from your audio source is taken directly to the preamplifier without any boost. This mode is useful for users who would like to preserve an original sound of the source that is being played. Unfortunately, passive mode can be very important and helpful, if the used sources are high quality, and more gain is not necessary for the speakers or headphones connection.
- Active mode: As with the first mode, active mode of the Saga 2 slightly boosts the audio signal that is being fed into it. This is particularly useful where you require a little more oomph to power your speakers or headphones. The active mode provides minimum gain approximately at 1x or 2x and increases the sound intensity though the signal remains clear and genuine.
Having this flexibility to switch from one state to the other gives the user more control over the audio output and therefore the Saga 2 mobile headphone is versatile in all settings and usage.
Headphone Output: Quality and Versatility
As with most preamplifiers, the Saga 2 is main designed with speaker systems in mind however it does offer a dedicated headphone output. This feature reseals the Saga 2 as a good headphone Amp as it is capable of powering most of today’s best headphones without use of another headphone amplifier.
The headphone output is like the speaker output and able to give clear sounds in as much as you are listening to music or any other audio. Be it the professional over-ear headphones or the portable ones, the Saga 2 retains superior quality of the sounds in all types.
Designed and Built in Texas
The Saga 2 boasts of its ‘made in Texas’ label and that most of the components are locally made with the majority coming from American manufacturers. Apart from that, guarantees a quality product and service as it controls the quality of the raw materials and manufacturing processes while enhancing its economic benefits like buying from local industries thus encouraging employment.
It was mentioned that a lot of audio companies prefer outsourcing manufacturing to suddenly extend countries in an attempt to save cash, however, the team behind Saga 2 assured that they are going to retain production in-house. This implies that each Saga 2 model that is produced by the company is individually built in the company’s plant in Corpus Christi Texas to the standards laid down by the company.
Unmatched Value for Money
While the hifi specs, the elegant slim design with high quality metal edges and knobs, the convenient buttons, as well as the solid construction of this product may impress buyers, the Saga 2 presents many amazing features at an incredibly low price compared to many other preamplifiers on the market with similar features. Sold for $279, the Saga 2 has perhaps the best value-for-money in the market today. Every now and then you get a preamp that boasts Class A amplification, a zero-feedback design, relay volume control, and differential power at such a cheap price.
This makes the Saga 2 an excellent choice especially for people who are new into the whole high-end audio thing and equally important for people who wish to improve on their existing systems without feeling the pinch much.
Remote Control Convenience
The second amusing aspect is a bundled with the Saga 2 remote control that enables to control volume levels, to toggle between active and passive modes or to choose an input source without even standing up.
This might not appear as a big deal to many as they will be listening to the content, but it will add much convenience in listening to the content. In addition to its simple design the remote control is very convenient to use when switching from the speakers to headphones by simply adjusting the volume with no need for changing dials or buttons.
Perfect Companion for DACs
If you are constructing an intricate digital audio system, the Saga 2 is perfectly synergistic with many of the top DACs available in today’s market. No matter if you have a Modius, Bifrost or any other excellent DAC preamplifier the Saga 2 serves as the perfect middle man between the digital and analog parts of your Hi-Fi system.
The modularity of the active/passive switch in conjunction with RCA and XLR outputs and the flexibility they afford the Saga 2 makes the unit perfect addition to any digital system. All you need is to plug your DAC to the Saga 2 and you will have a music system operated from a distance which will play your tracks without any interference.
Warranty and Return Policy
But to ensure that you will not have any anxiety, worry and stress, the Saga 2 comes with an assurance that is backed up by a 3-year limited warranty for both the part and the labor. If something is wrong you have the assurance of knowing that loss will be borne by the manufacturer.
Apart form the warranty, there is also an easy return policy enabling the client or the customer to return the item in case they are not satisfied with it. Such a level of customer support makes it possible for one to purchase the Saga 2 with a lot ease.
How Does Saga 2 Compare to Competitors?
However, when one puts the Saga 2 into perspective and tries to compare it with other preamplifiers within the same price bracket it becomes quite apparent that the Saga 2 is quite the bargain. Most of the preamps in this price range do not incorporate a Class A, zero-feedback circuit as well as the 64-step relay volume control employed the Saga 2.
Particularly, there is no headphone output in almost all preamps and the Saga 2 is a much better choice for listeners who use both speakers and headphones..
Sure, there are even cheaper preamps available, but there are no other brands, which can offer the same list of features, solidity and sound quality at the same price.
Conclusion: Why Saga 2 is perfect for Your Audio System
Zero-Feedback, No Feedback, A 2 Class A, Preamplifier, Saga 2, Differential Preamplifier: All these names come together to create one powerful distinguished Preamplifier. To be quite honest, everyone can benefit from a speaker like the Saga 2 no matter if he or she is an experienced audiophile or just a beginner.
The Saga 2 offers a conventionally extensive set of features: from the 64-step relay volume control to the differential power supply — all its parameters are oriented at providing the maximum sonic purity, free from distortion and noise. On top of this, you get flexibility of having a remote control, dedicated headphone output, RCA and XLR outputs to make this preamplifier suitable for most applications.
In short, if you are to look for a high quality and high performance preamp, and if you are on a limited budget, then the Saga 2 is for you.
