Don't Go Broke wt Audiophile Separates! Get This Schiit!

[@cheapaudioman]

Download Raid to get Legendary Loki ➡ t2m.io/cheapaudioman_Raid + 2 strong Epics ⚡ Epic champions are available only via my link and for new players ⌛ Hurry, Loki the Deceiver is a limited edition Champion, available by October 23rd by logging into RAID for 7 days

[@Sparklepony]

We NEED a Schiit Documentary. “Cheap Audio Man Rolls in Schiit”

[@bigbadbith8422]

@@Sparklepony Well, I’m paying if you are, sir. 😉

[@Sparklepony]

@@bigbadbith8422 😮

[@dougdavis8986]

Video begins at 3:55 if you want to skip the ads.

[@kenneths.perlman1112]

Necessary.

[@kimekholm7178]

He must be doing poorly financially to accept Raid Legends as a sponsor. Unfortunate. I used to like the fake sponsor's spots he did of the absolutely insane stuff that didn't exist😅

[@ThatHiFiMania]

⁠why not just pay for KZbin Premium???

[@divadgnol67]

I've had the Kara for approximately 4 months now. I originally had it paired with a set of the aca configured in mono. I use the high gain setting because those amps benefit from the extra gain. I have recently switched over to two ice powered 200 ASC monoblocks. With these amps I prefer the passive setting. I agree with cheap audio man that this is truly a versatile preamp.

[@kenneths.perlman1112]

I resurrected my old Denon Cassette player. Wouldn’t work. Finally I turned it over and a nickel fell out. Works just fine.

[@annebokma4637]

And a nickel richer 👍

[@Drackleyrva]

I have an old Denon cassette player from the early 90s---works fine. I love playing my old mix tapes on it.

[@alexlopez-u3i]

Great video Randy. I have Kara and love it. I have it paired with an Emotiva DR2 amplifier and it sounds awesome. Many people put so much importance on the amp and forget the preamp can affect the sound JUST as much. Staging and separation with kara is great.

[@looyoo0-u6i]

Thank you for covering this. I’ve been struggling to find reviews of this in video format and have been looking at this lately so I take this as a sign lol

[@sixergixer]

I've got a Freya N that was a starting piece for a system of separates I was planning, but then the sudden opportunity to buy an excellent used Musical Fidelity integrated amp and a pair of NOLA Contender floorstanders for a fraction of their value from a friend who was downsizing his system(s) resulted in the Freya being set aside. Until... I realized the MF amp had a home theater bypass which prompted me to try out the Freya as the pre instead of the built-in pre -- itself no slouch. What the Freya brought in improvement to the already stunning sound of this simple system blew my mind. Everything I loved about the MF/NOLA combo just got more-er. More of everything I loved. That Shkiit is the real deal! And I love the passive mode just as much as the tube mode, though I've yet to roll tubes in it beyond a pair of ifi GE 5670 tubes I was given. Great and entertaining review, Randy!

[@louiesipes2257]

Jason and Co are always a joy to watch and listen to so yeah dude, roadtrip to Schiit😊

[@ChicagoRob2]

Looking forward to the baby Kara review, which is the new Saga 2. And, yes, please give us a video with Jason at Schiit.

[@JonMoralesLA]

I’ve got the Saga 2 and wasn’t expecting it but I prefer my Ananda Nano headphones out directly from the Saga headphone jack vs the Midgard.

[@purrito4424]

A big reason I buy Schiit products is the 5 year USA warranty. I appreciate that they stand behind their products.

[@kuhrd]

In the last 42 years I don't recall ever having a piece of audio equipment fail from any prominent brand unless it was struck by lightning or a very bad power surge, so I guess I don't generally look at warranties on most things I buy these days.

[@eeyorebill04]

That’s ironic, because I’ve heard about tons of Schiit stuff failing early for no apparent reason, and that their warranty/customer service is absolute trash.

[@waynethompson4315]

Randy, sending you a big thank you. Per your advice, I picked up the Wiim Amp and Sony SSCS5. I got them for about $360 during Amazon Prime Days. I am binge listening daily. The next step will be a turntable followed by a subwoofer.

[@billwoods9302]

One of the most important realizations on the audiophile path is the importance of a good preamp. Many believe that the preamp is the single most important component because it has the potential to be the single strongest source of coloration. How well a preamp measures to a large degree, is based on its transparency. The differences between different brands of music components, from music sources to amplification, should be clearly noticeable with a high end preamp. One thing I was expecting Randy to do, was test different sources and amps with the Kara and convey any differences he could detect. Maybe next time. Still, overall a great review of a great component that's worth saving up $700 for.

[@052RC]

I agree. Unless you mess up with something big like not matching your power amp to your speakers correctly, the preamp is the most important component to get right. Nothing can ruin the sound of your system faster than a bad choice in preamp. Unfortunately, most people don't realize this for a long time. They think the other components are more important, so it gets ignored. When they finally hear what a good preamp can do, they're opinion changes instantly. If there's something about your system you don't like, most of the time the preamp is at least part of the problem.

[@raffiequler7510]

Schiit Audio with Mike Moffat as the head of their digital department is a force to be reckoned with. They make the best sounding DACs in the world and even their cheapest model 'Modi' for little over $100 sounds better than most CD players and DACs up to at least $1000. No wonder they are so successful.

[@052RC]

I have a Wadia 861SE. I can be used as a CD player, a transport or a DAC. How would prove to me that a Schiit DAC is better than the one I have?

[@raffiequler7510]

@@052RC Your Wadia is over 20 years old. Modern DACs are much better.

[@rfw3]

I have had a Kara since it came out as I needed a decent preamp with balanced in and outs. The ability to switch between output levels is addictive (switch for music styles and amplifiers). I have a vintage Krell preamp and the Kara reminds me of its sonic signature - but even better. Compares favorably to $5-10k “high end” pre-amps. If you are thinking of getting this preamp - do it. Of course, Schitt will come out with an even better preamp in about 2 years.

[@gu1111]

If that is so then I will order it right now?

[@carlitosgomez71]

They are already offering the F version (forkbeard)

[@rhorto01]

Right now Schitt is phasing out the Ragnarok 2 selling it for $999 in the "just an amp" config. It also is a NEXUS product, so I am betting there are some shared sonic characteristics with the Kara. Since it doesn't have an onboard DAC or Phono stage you can upgrade it the same way, the difference is you get a very good amp section AND an end game headphone amp. AND if you need more umph you can run the Raggy as a preamp. At the price it is a lot of hifi goodliness.

[@mdfrick]

I have a Ragnarok 2 (fully loaded) that I primarily use as a headphone and bookshelf speaker amp (I have a Bifrost 2 DAC I use between that and a custom tube amp). The only gotcha I'd say to be aware of with the Ragnarok is the transformer hum if you're seated close to it. It isn't noticeable with music playing (except in maybe a near silent passage), but it's also not the easiest component to turn on and off and I'll find myself noticing it and turning it off, then thinking "ah, silence". I love it in the end, but just something to be aware of that wouldn't affect the Kara!

[@rhorto01]

@@mdfrick That is quite the desktop system! Seated several feet away from it I can't hear the transformer. And I tend to leave it on because, yes, the rear rocker switch is a pain to get to.

[@mdfrick]

@@rhorto01 yeah, complete overkill for desktop, but I also have some incredibly hard-to-drive headphones (the kind of stuff people talk about needing desktop amps, where 1W/channel isn't enough to even get to listening volumes) so it seemed like endgame. 😅 You're right that you stop hearing that hum several feet away - a nice, long headphone cable's length.

[@spacetrucker2196]

I pretty much only buy stereo gear from Goodwill or Schitt. I've got the original Freya, Valhalla and a couple of the DA converters.

[@michaeldina1103]

Well I would definitely watch the Schiit manufacturing episode.

[@scottnewton9046]

Schiit is like 1980’s NAD. Love going to the Schiiter in Santa Clarita with my son to listen to their gear. My son is in his 20’s and is totally into their brand.

[@michealmorris3766]

As a happy owner of a 3pc schiit stack for many years now, I want that documentary! Their products are great, no frills, reasonable price, good sound. Fun names, too.

[@cuzwhy9071]

A tour video would be nice.

[@bertraminc9412]

I don't know why I love these videos. I'm one of those who wants the McIntosh units and analog turn table setup for all those smooth 70s audiophile records like Dark Side of the Moon. Always interested in quality items like this that are not way overpriced like McIntosh.

[@052RC]

I'm pretty sure you would like Belles. US made and the price/performance is incredible for what they give you. They don't look like McIntosh components, but all the money goes into parts quality and design.

[@samwilds6399]

Watch a lot of your videos CAM, I like this one the best so far because of your humor, candor and honesty. I own the Buchardt A10s, and really miss the quest. Keep up the great work.

[@sobrcelt]

Yeah, I love my Jotunheim II, so I’d love a Schitt documentary from you!

[@louiesipes2257]

Some would walk out on classical too. I don’t care what anyone else likes😊I like what I like. Have a golden day brother

[@stevengagnon4777]

Big fan of the Budapest String Quartet and Nirvana. I think there are a lot us that do like both. Anyway I saw Nirvana in a small club in a basement in Madison mostly by chance a I never herd them before. Pretty amazing show. Curt was in the mosh pit before going on stage as I discovered the the singer for Nirvana was that same blonde haired dude in the pit. Anyway I tripped on the edge of stage ( it was only 9 inches off the dance floor) during the Nirvana set and Curt caught me keeping me smacking my head/face on the stage floor. Pretty cool as I was 210# and I was going down fast. I remember saying thanks and he gave a big smile back and went back to singing 🎶. A very good show the timing was perfect because they were in town doing some demos with Butch for Nevermind...😊. You have a good day too thanks for reminding me it's just one of those things one always remembers.

[@reserva120]

Not really true - if I’m looking forward to a red wine tasting - and you serve Motor oil with kerosene- but some like - well that’s just stupid- and defeats the purpose and whole point of a red wine tasting - .. “ the whole “ whatever you like is most important “ is a vile Millennialism mentality illness “ that transcends age groups ( and reason & logic)

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

The Schiit Kara matched with the Topping b200 monoblocks is the new combo to beat on a budget.

[@ThatHiFiMania]

Topping??? lol. Just stop with your jokes!!

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

@@ThatHiFiMania have you checked out topping recently? They have some serious gear. The b200 monoblocks are next level.

[@nacarp2000]

Randy, you should note that the Kara does not have line-out/tape-out, therefore you'd have to use one of the single-ended pre-outs if you wish to use a Tape Deck for recording from a different source. If you do that you really should use the 'passive' mode I think to reduce the risk of overloading the tape input. The alternative if taping occasionally is just to connect the source component directly to the tape in of the tape deck.

[@ThatHiFiMania]

This information is helpful to who? 5 people maybe?

[@MykeHawke-r9r]

One day, and you're going to cross the line on the puns... But that day is not today. Youre verbal tap dancing in the minefield of inappropriate-eness is top notch.

[@NeilBlanchard]

I like the stepped attenuator volume control. And by the way, the Saga 2 now has balanced outputs - but only single ended inputs. And it has an external power supply. The Kara is on my list if I was to have balanced amplifiers. My only concern is the lack of an internal phono section - so a standalone phono preamp would be required.

[@ChicagoRob2]

The Saga 2 has a stepped, relay attenuator, which is nuts for a pre selling for $279.

[@SallyMcCracker]

@@NeilBlanchard id buy a used Freya S over the Saga 2. It would be close the price of a new Saga 2 after you consider shipping and taxes.

[@jasonc331]

@@SallyMcCracker You woud be missing out , the Saga 2 sounds bloody fantastic and I already have a Kara, something about that class A just makes for a wonderful sound.

[@SallyMcCracker]

@@jasonc331 Saga 2 sounds better than Freya S?

[@1mctous]

You can start with their Mani 2 and then upgrade to their Skoll.

[@jimx1169]

Yes, go visit TX Schiit in San Antonia when it's all set up.

[@boriss.861]

Randy how about a trip to Schitt and PS Audio and their Recording Studio You know Paul and the team will welcome you

[@mattjones7547]

They are definitely a friendly bunch. My wife and I had a wonderful time when we visited.

[@jonathangonzalez327]

No complains with the Freya Plus... Been using it for a couple of years. I do like rolling tubes and had a bunch around... But Tubes isn't for everyone.

[@s.daniel9224]

I’ve had the Kara since it came out. I think it’s neutral and good separation of instruments. It does a good job of letting the amps shine. Currently, I’m running 2 vidars going to Lintons with 2 RSL subs, which is way too much power for the Lintons. Some days I have this setup rocking loud as I can. The speakers give out way before the amps. My search for better speakers continue.

[@MojoMagic977]

You have the original Vidar’s or the newer Vidar 2’s ?

[@s.daniel9224]

@@MojoMagic977 vidar 2’s

[@spacecadet6575]

I'd love to see a tour of the factory and interview of the founders!

[@Camride]

Yes, please go do a tour of Schiit!

[@ChadHarrisonFord]

I'm with @Sparklepony! Make that Documentary!

[@carlitosgomez71]

Got a kara recently, this thing is very analytical, clear and sweet, very punchy but not to aggressive or sharp, mainly got it for its balance inputs and outputs. Was previously using my integrated 6000a from audiolab in pre mode which is excellent too, but this just takes it to another level maybe 20% better overall, just pure class A analogue sound, no circuits present to degrade or lower the SN level, works great between my chord qutest into single ended rca to xlr balanced out to my power amp. Slightly expensive in the Uk for the silver finish (which looks and feels great), but i was willing to make the sacrifice no regrets as i now know im getting the best performance from my system and as you guys are aware those performances diffences are smaller the higher the tier you go, i guess every little bit counts

[@damayor62]

Outstanding as always Randy! I am a fan of components and total Schiithead (DACs & headphone gear) so I really like the Kara. I currently use Emotiva pre-amps and love them but when they need replacing or if I want to upgrade, the Kara is on my short list. Thank you and keep up the great work. You rock sir...

[@carlsitler9071]

I just picked up a Schiit Heresy for $59 as a preamp for my V3 Mono amps.

[@traildoggy]

I have mine paired with the SMSL ps100 for a $90 headphone setup. It's a great little unit.

[@carlsitler9071]

@@traildoggy Nice. The remote on my DAC sucks so maybe someday...

[@Sparklepony]

That's exactly why I got mine.

[@ScottoGrotto]

As a Saga OG owner, that has a nice passive stage, how does the Kara’s passive stage compare to your Sagas? Cool review and interesting how the low and high gain impact/ change the sound! I was guessing that perhaps low and high gain would apply to the headphone’s stage output?

[@pauls86ed13]

Thanks, I have been waiting for your take on the Kara.

[@ScheleIndiaan]

Yes! A pre amp review, in my opinion a good way to be different to other reviewers who mostly only explore dac country sides. More please! Vincent, Nuprime, Atoll Électronique, Musical fidelity, Laddar Bach, Gustard. Perhaps even clones if you dare. Thanks for this one Randy.

[@MrCambo5150]

Off topic: Any way to turn off the clock on the WIIM. Thinking of getting the Ultra but the last thing I want in my listening room is a clock.

[@419jeremy]

In Utero is a fantastic album to reference with. Tons of dynamics and ambience to listen for

[@lespaul667]

Yes indeedy…A passive pre(like my Adcom GFP 750) has a great and smooth presentation in passive mode, but is a little smeared in imaging, whereas the active mode locks it in, but might be too much for some listeners, depending on taste.

[@middleearthltd]

I would rather have you do an interview with Jason and squeeze him for some information on the new product pipeline as opposed to going to one or more of the locations in Texas

[@irx903]

Please make a video showing us how the Schiit is made. I’ve been enjoying the heck out of their products and would love to know more as I find myself recommending this Schiit.

[@thomasdix8453]

Great video, again, Randy. Thank you!

[@jmakc3541]

Man, I've been using a Modi 2 Uber with the 4490 chip for several years, perfectly happy with it. Well. I recently bought a Universal Audio Volt1 I/O for a guitar sim on PC and I left it on the other day and forgot to switch back to the Modi as my main output device. The Volt1, while sporting only a 44.1 capable DAC, actually has a much better bass response than the Modi Uber. I mean it is a palpable difference and has caused me to rethink my main DAC. Whatever the Modi is doing on the mid-to-high end is not eclipsing what the Volt is doing on the low end, if that makes any sense.

[@ItsElvis56]

I bought the Saga 2 and it's epic to use at my desk. I will absolutely be getting the Kara for my TV setup in the future. I would very much enjoy seeing what the Schiit headquarters is looking like/doing these days.

[@johnreeves4526]

expecting a Saga 2 to arrive today for my office setup. Kinda excited to make the leap from class d.

[@PioneerDoom7114]

I have the Saga 2 on its way as well anticipating great things with this Preamp. How is the unit doing so far in your system?

[@johnreeves4526]

@@PioneerDoom7114 Enjoying it. Experimenting between Passive and Active High Gain modes.

[@theedgeofbreakup5192]

@@PioneerDoom7114 Hey how do you like the Saga 2 ? I’m looking to purchase as preamp for my new Buckeye amp.

[@crimlarksSteve]

$699 is not a lot of cash for a great pre-amp. I have had separates for many years, but when both my amp and pre-amp gave up the ghost I went with the Cambridge Audio CXA81. But I would like to go back to a separate amp and pre-amp setup. Gotta set aside a bit of cash... Nice review, Randy.

[@johnbeckmeyer1696]

The remote is tiny. It's buttons barely bump up above the surface of the remote's body. The buttons have tiny, symbolic labels. Good luck using this in a dark room. And the volume level jumps quite a bit when you go from 0 gain mode to moderate gain to full gain and you can't immediately move to the next gain scheme - you have to wait a few seconds before selecting the next one.. So inadvertently hitting the gain selection button is a PITA and it's easy to do. Bigger, more distinctive buttons with better labeling and maybe a better layout would be most welcome.

[@carlitosgomez71]

The remote is basic and small but works well, it's built out of a full metal case, has a magnetic backing for placement to the side of the preamp when not in use and IR sensor is accurate, buttons are non tactile but with sensible pressing you can achieve small volume incremental levels. Once you understand what each button does, which are not many, you can easily determine each button with just feeling the layout in the dark. 7 out of 10 for remote no need to keep getting up from the sofa to change parameters and that is the point

[@Srode1999]

I listened to Nevermind from beginning to end (WiiM Pro Plus, NADc316bee, Elac Debut 6.2) and it sounded frigging amazing.

[@Hirnlego999]

I can recommend a Denon rcd-n8 as a one solution for many. With right speakers and right material it can sound terrific. I doubt the amp measures very great, but speakers (and room) have a lot more to say about sound quality than the amp. A cheap DAC like SU-1 or PS200 could potentially lift the sound even more. 2x65w 4ohm plays plenty loud with speakers such as Canton GLE90

[@mrug8600]

I have a Kara and I ❤it! Best preamp bang for the buck

[@bretspangler8717]

The description of how or if you can connect balanced headphones is unclear. I already have a Schiit balanced preamp, the Jotunheim 2, and it has a similar topology but with the 4-pin XLR connector on the front.

[@The_Waraba]

No DAC? I’m looking for a desktop DAC/Amp with subwoofer and headphones outputs. HPF will be a plus. Any recommendations guys?

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

No sub out, but a great desktop DAC/Headphone amp is a Loxjie D40Pro that can front end a capable amp of your choice. I originally used an Emotiva TA1, but not really "desktop", but many reasonable choices available.

[@The_Waraba]

@@Simon_Hawkshaw I can’t find these many reasonable choices lol

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

@@The_Waraba There are a number of small amps, but few with base management as you listed in your requirements. I have a FOSI V3 that I used for a desktop amp,and you could look at the ZA3 if you want a mono block option. A small amp option with sub out could be the Aiyima D03 or the D05. I hope this helps a little.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

@@The_Waraba Another option from the Loxjie range could be the Loxjie A30 or A40 with a USB and HDMI ARC input, if that is needed.

[@ThatHiFiMania]

I just use single ended preouts from the Kara to my sub (svs) Control Bass mgmt from your sub. Easy.

[@jim010109]

A Schiit Tour would be cool!

[@76v8jeep]

Between Schiit kara and emotiva pt2, what would you choose?

[@huxleyuniversity]

Ho bout compared to the $599 Emotiva BasX PT2?

[@OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w]

Well, you are halfway there Randy. That is some really good Schiit. Now take a look at Rogue Audio and you will have something to talk about.

[@Grooverski]

It would be interesting to compare it to Fosi ZD3 coming out in October. 👍🏻👏🏻

[@D1N02]

Because that is a DAC and this is a Pre-amp? The ZD3 has no analog inputs.

[@anonimushbosh]

More like the Topping Pre90, that Fosi’s a DAC.

[@AdityaSingh-kr6sx]

@cheapaudioman I have seen a few of your videos and love the cost effective solution you share. Now I have some investment plans ongoing so cannot invest in a new audio setup. So, I was thinking about building one from whatever is available with me. 1. An old LED FHD TV (not smart TV) for Display 2. Old Dell Studio laptop, with 5.1 channel support & Realtek HD Audio ALC888 onboard. 3. Creative 2.1 speakers with decent bass for front speakers. 4. BPL Double cassette player with line--in option, stereo support with surround sound setup (2 speakers per channel). Very crisp & clear sound. Planning to use these as back surround speakers. Problem: As soon as I set the sound card to 5.1 the base is very much reduced in the 2.1 speaker and I don't have any center speaker & separate subwoofer. I do have a few bluetooth speakers with aux-in but that woofer is the major missing part. Is there any other way to configure the above setup? If not, can you recommend a product for missing speakers (only subwoofer or may be both subwoofer & center speaker) that I can also use with any other home theater setup that I may purchase in future.

[@typeonegsr]

I have there eq and I loved it when I had it up and running with a project phono pre amp and turntable. That wiim ultra looks nice!

[@cory7876]

I got the kara and was actually shocked at how good it was as a headphone amp (not really what i got it for), but to me personally it destroys my topping a70 pro which i was kinda in disbelief at. (using a dac is a geshelli j2s with 2590's - although gain 3 is overblown for the kara, 2 is good though), love your channel keep it up!

[@carlitosgomez71]

Kara does a decent job of getting out of the way and delivering the music to your amp. You do get the occasional pop, crackle from changing gain settings and when fast changing volume selection, but is quiet once set with no hiss and very clean with good specs

[@A_Handle_2_Continue]

That unintentionally desk move was visually interesting. I hope I tickled your cinematic skills!

[@patrickgeorge141]

I have the Kara in silver and it is a solid preamp that punches above its price. Good video Randy!

[@CurtRobbinsTechnicalWriter]

I love my Schiit Asgard Multibit. So nice.

[@jungtarcph]

Seripously, is there any difference between the Schiit Saga and this one....

[@PyxisLearning]

Thanks for reviewing this very interesting piece of equipment. I also appreciate your suggestions about amps that don't cost an arm and a leg. I'm a bit curious about whether it will pair well with Schiit's own Vidar 2. Thanks again!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

How does it compare to the TA1 beyond the tuner difference? I may have missed it, but is there bass management and sub output? A follow-on question would be, how does it compare to the TA2? Thanks for sharing this product and your perspectives with us all.

[@ThatHiFiMania]

It’s just a preamp and that is it.

[@derekf7772]

I don’t have the Kara but I do have the Gustard P26 preamp which also has 2 adjustable gain settings. I notice that the higher gain results in better dynamics, weight and density (meat on the bones) . Big fan of preamps. Got the the P26 last year on Black Friday from AliExpress for

[@thefourthcolor]

Would def watch a tour of the Schiit facilities.

[@kimekholm7178]

“You cant hook up speakers right to the Kara” Unless the speakers are say, a pair of JBL lrs 305Ps. These speakers with a built-in AMP, but no DAC/pre-amp/streaming. I think some Genelec speakers are the same as well. Maybe common in the studio monitor space?

[@052RC]

It still holds true. You can't drive a pair of speakers with this preamp. It doesn't matter where they put the power amp, but you always need one. That said, I don't see why you would want a cheap pair of studio monitors. They just don't sound all that good. And that's not too big a deal because studio monitors are made for a different purpose. Just to be clear, this is my personal opinion, you may feel different, and that's perfectly fine. If you like the way they sound, then you should buy them. I just haven't heard ones that I thought were good for music.

[@Pksparty2112]

You should definitely go for a Schiit run

[@danmarjenka6361]

Randy and Jason are both "no nonsense" guys.

[@052RC]

The Nirvana album in the video was engineered by Steve Albini. He's famous for making high quality, audiophile type recordings.

[@michaelsegel8758]

Ok a serious question... On the top of the Schiit there are vents. (At least they look like vents) Does it make sense to put something on top, or even close to the sides? It looks like the fan-less airflow is to draw cool air from the sides and then out the top? I'm assuming that you just put the streamer on top just for the video?

[@garyedwards9617]

Didn't hear anything about the volume knob? Is it still clicky or did that change?

[@deanf9429]

Raid tied in too well to Schiit, great review Randy

[@9999998889]

I'mma need to see that schiit get made

[@damienlahoz]

i will never get rid of my Freya+. Will be my pre-amp until they make a new freya lol. So its pretty dope to see them make an essentially tube free Freya for those who dont love tubes.

[@gobgobcachoo]

Saying "skiiiit" so you don't get demonitised 😂

[@ewt00b]

@@gobgobcachoo I wonder if shite would work skit doesn't work for me lol

[@ThatHiFiMania]

@@ewt00bwe don’t say that here. So it wouldn’t have any impact.

[@donalddeorio2237]

I've had separates for over 21 years and didn't pay full price , bought used . Carver AV 705X, 5 channel power amplifier ( $450) $1199 msrp

[@annebokma4637]

Had mine since 1988 so 36 years. What I bought new then was surely worth it. Acoustat x with Harman Kardon citation 22 and a pair of ESL 57 with Harman Kardon citation 12 deluxe. Never gonna sell those

[@reserva120]

No such thing as a Used Hi fi audio Factory.. remember that- before getting to smug about used kit !!

[@annebokma4637]

@@reserva120 new factories make new gear , new gear makes used gear. Hifishark makes buying it easy Is the above smug economics lessons enough? Or do you wanna have a discussion on how these things work.

[@michaelkaiser5994]

Hey Randy, have I missed a review of Schitt’s newest phono preamp or is that something you still need to do?

[@jinseong88]

would be super cool if you visited Schiit

[@marchuvfulz]

It's kind of difficult to me to understand how a pre-amp can have it's own sound when it's taking a signal from a source and feeding it to an amp and then to speakers. The sound you hear is always the cumulative output of all the components in the system, from source to speakers.

[@ScottoGrotto]

If you change one element, whatever it is, any change in sound can be attributed to that change. Some components if Transparent sounding - an absence of character, may not seem like it has a sound signature per se, but if it’s good some things may improve like the level of detail, separation of images, thicker or thinner images, layers or depth of the sound stage, width of a sound stage. Character might be more like warmer or leaner sounding, different frequencies being more or less pronounced, congested or clear, muddy, forward or laidback. Sometimes there is an experience like a veil is removed. Or a veil could be added if the change isn’t helpful. If your system has never been changed, then it sounds like “one thing”. If you have different sources, and one sounds better that’s a clue. No matter the part of your system, changing something, will tend to change the sound. A revealing system has enough definition to more easily notice the changes in sound. If you’re happy with what you have, no problem, but if you start wanting to improve things, that’s quite possible.

[@rjs1188]

Did the clicking volume relays bug you? Does it come through the speakers? Would love a visit to Schiit!

[@mikejohnston7696]

It doesn't go through the speakers, I actually have had the kara for several months now, I now appreciate the positive feedback of the clicks to know everything is working as it should.

[@Srode1999]

John Darko has the courage to pronounce "Schitt" correctly. Just sayin'

[@antoniomanriquez8176]

I love the Kara. I wish it had a second XLR output to connect to a different headphone amp. Other than that, it’s gonna be a part of my system for a long time.

[@052RC]

I wouldn't rule it out just yet. Make sure the preamp is really balanced, and doesn't just have XLR connectors on it. Unless the 2 components and the cable connecting them is capable of handling a balanced signal, it makes no difference. Without that, the connection defaults to single ended operation, and its electrically identical to using the RCA jacks. To visualize what I'm talking about, RCA is 2 conductor connection, balanced requires 3. So, if the connection is single ended, one of the 3 pins on your XLR cables is not being use. If you're not sure if a component is balanced or not, look at the specs. You should see 2 sets of specs. One for SE and one for balanced. The 2 connections measure differently. Typically, the balanced specs will be 4-6db higher output than the SE specs.

[@joedeegan3870]

I am interested in how it sounds with the music of Wagner.

[@BrianHall-Oklahoma]

I have a Schiit Saga S. It works great, but I'm wondering if we really even need separate preamps now. Even the Wiim Ultra can be a great preamp with plenty of inputs.

[@carlitosgomez71]

A dedicated preamp in most cases will outdo an inboard digital preamp. The Wiim would do a fine job but not ideal

[@mannycazz8018]

I use vintages yamaha seperates MX1000 CX1000 running into some Jbl S3100 baby everst speakers!

[@ClearOutSamskaras]

What is a DAC? What does it do?

[@ThatHiFiMania]

Converts a digital signal to an analog signal. Google is also your friend though!

[@BrianHall-Oklahoma]

Glad to see they aren't adding tubes to everything.

[@SLLYT]

Randy, What is that digital device with the beautiful digital time display seen at 1'20"?

[@briannelson4122]

What up Cheap!

[@richa2495]

Is there any reason to buy a preamp to use with an integrated amp?

[@gu1111]

Only if the preamp has better amplification than the integrated amp.

[@carlitosgomez71]

Preamps in amps are usually rudimentary and built to a cost, a dedicated preamp usually offers greater flexibility and musical fidelity, your mileage may vary

[@trudimcleod5042]

All preamps in passive mode should sound the same. That would be true for the SYS, Saga, Kara and Freya (or Freya+). I wonder however, about comparing the Freya+ with the LISST tubes vs the Kara.

[@ThatHiFiMania]

Negative. Internal component selection will always provide some differences even if you can’t hear them.

[@trudimcleod5042]

@@ThatHiFiMania Negative what? A passive preamp cannot modify the signal, unless it is badly engineered!