Schiit's website says:
"Relay Stepped Attenuator
Most preamps—passive or active—use a potentiometer for volume control. There’s nothing wrong with this approach, but some pots can have channel imbalance at lower volume levels (so that one channel sounds louder than the other). Saga uses a sophisticated microprocessor-controlled relay-stepped attenuator for perfect channel matching and zero distortion. You can hear it clicking as you turn the volume up and down."
Here's the link:
http://www.schiit.com/products/saga
Location: essex; uk
Posts: 260
I'm richard.
From Schiit's site (I just love that Brand name ) they say the Saga uses a >>
'Saga uses a sophisticated microprocessor-controlled relay-stepped attenuator for perfect channel matching and zero distortion. You can hear it clicking as you turn the volume up and down (relay-switched stepped attenuator with discrete thin-film resistors , 64 1dB steps) '
Location: essex; uk
Posts: 260
I'm richard.
Apologies Andrew, just unwittingly duplicated what you've said with a little extra detail. ..... (I hadn't refreshed the browser so missed a number of other replies too - whoops)
^ no problem
Location: essex; uk
Posts: 260
I'm richard.
Ta.
Suspecting that after a few days there may only be one or two members who see this and reply. Passive pre-amps do seem to be a lottery in my price range (and even up to £550+) unless you spend ££££ and therefore buy 'quality'. Then there's the matching issues too - which is another risk. Arrggghhh !!!
Location: KY - Scotland
Posts: 5,470
I'm Mike.
The Promitheus TVC that wee tee cee is selling would be worth buying, I've heard it in my system and it's superb. Only reason I didn't buy it was because I'm after a matching pre for my Primaluna valve amp.
I had a Tisbury and a BTE pre amp here at the same time as the Promitheus and it blew both of them away.
PS: I posted this before fully reading the thread and seeing that wee tee cee had already mentioned his Promitheus
Location: Coventry, England UK
Posts: 534
I'm Simon.
The Tisbury definitely uses a stepped attenuator, I had one in my system for about 8 months last year.
If budget allows, definitely check the Schiit out. I almost purchased a Saga myself but ended up getting a custom passive built by Jez Arkless, including his active buffer stage.
I do own a Schiit headphone amp which is superb and I do like how the company comes across. Plus their stuff looks well designed and put together too. From my research about the Saga, many prefer it to the higher up Freya as the circuit is more simple, especially if you don't need balanced connections. Plus many are getting into tube rolling with the tube active buffer.
Also, they have an EU/UK store so can purchase without incurring custom fees, plus taking advantage of the warranty and support.