The new Schiit Audio Saga 2 is an attractively priced preamp and headphone amplifier with various interesting features.
The fact that good hi-fi doesn’t have to break the bank is once again proven with this Schiit Audio Saga 2. Made in the USA, by the way, which is always nice to know. As mentioned, it’s a preamp and headphone amplifier. What’s special is that it features a Class A output stage without feedback, preceded by a differential preamplifier. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, there is no audible noise. You can use the Saga 2 as a passive preamp if desired, or as an active variant with either low or high gain. There are balanced inputs and outputs available, making it quite versatile.
The output stage of the headphone amplifier is based on an OPA1656; the volume control in the device is a relay-switched attenuator built with discrete thin-film 0.5% resistors. Perhaps the most interesting aspect though, is the price: you get all this for just $279.