Despite forming the beating heart of every hi-fi system – either separately or as part of an integrated amplifier – preamplifiers are unfairly overlooked. They're really important to the final sound because if they degrade the delicate audio signal going in, then there's no getting it back later. The Saga 2 is a highly affordable line-level design from US-based company, Schiit Audio. It will likely be of interest to those wishing to spend proportionately more on their source, power amplifier or speakers – the hope being that it is good enough to do the job of something that would typically cost a lot more.

The Schiit is a nicely finished and compact design that weighs just 620g. The front panel sports a volume control that operates a 64-step relay ladder, something that you usually find on more costly high-end equipment. This means you can hear it in operation as you turn the dial, but the quality of this type of control outclasses conventional volume pots. There are no tone or balance controls. Push buttons allow the selection of four line-level inputs, and there are three further buttons to select either passive operation or the low and high gain active gain stages. A headphone stage is also included, but the front panel jack socket does not mute the output to the loudspeakers, so you need to leave your power amp(s) switched off for headphone listening.

Internally, the Saga 2 is a zero-feedback Class A design, which avoids crossover distortion, as all transistors remain constantly switched on. While Class A power amplifiers generate more heat than other solid-state topologies, and can even run hotter than some valve amps, this little box gets warm but not too hot to the touch. It sports balanced outputs via rear-mounted XLR connectors, alongside a set of regular unbalanced RCAs, plus four line-level RCA inputs. With no phono stage fitted, you'll need to buy a separate box for vinyl replay if your turntable doesn't feature an in-built one.

THE LISTENING

This is a great sounding little preamplifier at the price – but there's more to it than that. The Saga 2 offers a choice of passive or active modes; the former is where there is no amplification applied to the line-level signal going in, and the latter is where gain is applied electronically. The open and airy passive mode works better in conjunction with my valve phono stage, yet active amplification acts as a superior interface for my streamer and CD player, sounding more robust with improved solidity and focus. Partnering the Saga 2 with excellent Topping B100 power amps driving BBC LS3/5a monitors makes for a fine desktop system.

The Saga 2 is conspicuously free from hash and mush when driving the B100 power amps, which is quite unlike the sound of typical low-priced solid-state gear. This preamp possesses a smooth, almost liquid character that I usually only hear through tube designs costing a good deal more. For example, Cowboy Movie by David Crosby delivers a degree of air and space to the treble that I usually only enjoy from expensive equipment, allowing the ride cymbal work to sound exquisite. Top end extension is so good that it's almost as if a super-tweeter is being used.

This little preamp delivers excellent midrange separation, allowing the listener to focus in on any musical strand that he or she wishes. Vocals and guitars come across with accuracy for a product of this price – and soundstaging is great too. The latter is a testament to Saga 2's superb channel-matching. Further down, the pillowy texture of the bass drum and its relationship with the throaty bass guitar is a treat for the senses – as well as proving how seamlessly the Schiit integrates everything from bottom to top.

The current interest in 'Dylan goes electric' as portrayed in the film A Complete Unknown, leads me to Cat Power's 2023 album, Sings Dylan which faithfully recreates Bob Dylan's legendary 1966 Royal Albert Hall concert. Here, the open nature of the Saga 2 reveals the atmosphere and ambience of the hall, to offer a lifelike presentation of the performance. The listener gets an eerie sensation of being at the show – meaning that it's a thoroughly convincing and captivating experience. Not bad for a preamp costing this little.

THE VERDICT

With a wallet-friendly price and a desktop-friendly size, there is much to like about Schiit's Saga 2 preamplifier – and its excellent musical ability further seals the deal. Despite being small and inexpensive, it does what the finest preamps do, which is to step aside and let the music do the talking. It really is a stellar bit of kit, so comes warmly recommended.

Visit Schiit Audio for more information