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Help: I'm surprised I can't find what I want....

How? That's a great device that tested well.

Maybe this is easier to solve than it seems.
It is difficult to explain but when the AO300 was compared to my DVDA player & Modi 3 using NAD C340 & audiophile grade CDs there was less 'there'. Once discovered you can't go back. I was considering the A300 (AO300 minus DAC) but it got a less than stellar review by Amir.
 
Almost there:


However this will only work if the 10K potentiometer version is available (I'd have to check?) because of cable & power amp input capacitance.

A version of this preamp was sold on Amz in the past. There are also kits available (no chassis) so it seems popular.

Has anyone purchased one & can comment?

I contacted an Ebay seller who was offering the 50K version only. Their reply is below, this is promising:

 
With the hundreds of Chinese devices presently available, many of excellent quality, you'd thing I'd be able to find a headphone-amp/preamp with remote?

Buy a vintage 1990s era Japanese high range preamplifier from Denon, Yamaha, Sony, Accuphase etc. You get a proper preamp, headphone amp and decent remote controlled line stage.
 
I contacted an Ebay seller who was offering the 50K version only. Their reply is below, this is promising:


This thing is a cheap Chinese remote relay switched input selector with a fake ALPS motorized pot strapped on. What are you trying to achieve? Most likely, you will be significantly degrading whatever path you insert this into.
 
The NAD is a good little amplifier. How it stacks up as a pre-amp I do not know.
 
Buy a vintage 1990s era Japanese high range preamplifier from Denon, Yamaha, Sony, Accuphase etc. You get a proper preamp, headphone amp and decent remote controlled line stage.
I search "stereo preamplifier remote" on Ebay & the Rotel, mentioned above, was the best option.
 
This thing is a cheap Chinese remote relay switched input selector with a fake ALPS motorized pot strapped on. What are you trying to achieve? Most likely, you will be significantly degrading whatever path you insert this into.
Cor blimey mate, what solutions are you hiding up your sleeve? Please look at the requirement at the start of this thread.
 
I looked at Schiit before (I have a Modi 3) but at those prices I can buy a NAD C-316BEE V2 as a backup to my C-340 & be done with it.
Really? The new Schiit Saga 2 preamp is only $280 and I think meets all of your requirements other than the muting functionality. I guess if you can get a NAD 316 in good order for less than that, go for it...
 
Really? The new Schiit Saga 2 preamp is only $280 and I think meets all of your requirements other than the muting functionality. I guess if you can get a NAD 316 in good order for less than that, go for it...
If I remember correctly the Saga 2 does not have a remote (essential)? C316BEE V2 is presently on sale at $319 inc shipping.
 
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If I remember correctly the Saga 2 does not have a remote (essential)?
Not correct! It does. Controls power, volume, source and it DOES have a mute button. All for $279. I wish it didn't use a power wart for power, but to me, that's it's only shortcoming.
 
It is difficult to explain but when the AO300 was compared to my DVDA player & Modi 3 using NAD C340 & audiophile grade CDs there was less 'there'. Once discovered you can't go back. I was considering the A300 (AO300 minus DAC) but it got a less than stellar review by Amir.

I know it can be frustrating to hear, trust me. But on this site we put a big emphasis on the power of placebo on the human mind.

I believe you were genuinely hearing a difference between your products. But if they measured well, that was likely due to placebo.

If you're like me and can't run a proper blind ABX test with your setup, I would trust measurements over what my ears tell me.
 
Not correct! It does. Controls power, volume, source and it DOES have a mute button. All for $279. I wish it didn't use a power wart for power, but to me, that's it's only shortcoming.
Hmm, my mistake, a remote is not shown in any pictures but is mentioned in the text. Does it come with the preamp or have to be bought separately?
 
I know it can be frustrating to hear, trust me. But on this site we put a big emphasis on the power of placebo on the human mind.

I believe you were genuinely hearing a difference between your products. But if they measured well, that was likely due to placebo.

If you're like me and can't run a proper blind ABX test with your setup, I would trust measurements over what my ears tell me.
I've had the C340 for 22 years. Before the DVDA player I had a C540 with the legendary BB PCM1704 DACs, after 10 years hard use the laser died, the Panasonic DVDA DAC has a similar sound to the C540. It maybe due to output buffers or power supplies, it's the final sound that counts. The DVDA player & Modi 3 sound different too!
 
Hmm, my mistake, a remote is not shown in any pictures but is mentioned in the text. Does it come with the preamp or have to be bought separately?
It is included with the preamp. I think there is a picture of the remote in their accessories section, though.
 
It is included with the preamp. I think there is a picture of the remote in their accessories section, though.
One thing to check: the Schiit Midgard was reviewed here (its a headphone/pre rather than the Saga which is a Pre/Headphone) and did not mute the RCA output when headphones were plugged in. The Saga may be the same. Possibly controllable via the remote, but worth finding out - anyone got one?
 
Really? The new Schiit Saga 2 preamp is only $280 and I think meets all of your requirements other than the muting functionality. I guess if you can get a NAD 316 in good order for less than that, go for it...
Perhaps you can clear up my confusion. The Saga 2 photos online show an ALPS motorized volume control but the description & manual mention relay switched attenuator but I don't see relays in the volume control area of the circuit board, which is it?
P.S. a genuine ALPS pot is fine!
 
Perhaps you can clear up my confusion. The Saga 2 photos online show an ALPS motorized volume control but the description & manual mention relay switched attenuator but I don't see relays in the volume control area of the circuit board, which is it?
P.S. a genuine ALPS pot is fine!
It's stated by Schiit to be "64-step relay ladder volume" control. In the interior photo, you can see a model number printed on the unit. I don't think it's Alps but it is motorized and precise. Also easy to turn by hand if you don't want to use the control. You can hear the relay steps click as you turn it.
 
It's stated by Schiit to be "64-step relay ladder volume" control. In the interior photo, you can see a model number printed on the unit. I don't think it's Alps but it is motorized and precise. Also easy to turn by hand if you don't want to use the control. You can hear the relay steps click as you turn it.
Thanks, that's not a technology I'm familiar with & I've been doing this 50+ years. I built my first stereo from scratch at sixteen. I guess I've still got stuff to learn!
 
I've had the C340 for 22 years. Before the DVDA player I had a C540 with the legendary BB PCM1704 DACs, after 10 years hard use the laser died, the Panasonic DVDA DAC has a similar sound to the C540. It maybe due to output buffers or power supplies, it's the final sound that counts. The DVDA player & Modi 3 sound different too!
At the risk of distracting you from your purchases... Have you ever considered the likelihood that under proper level matched tests, you would not be able to tell the difference between these players, or most any of this gear, unless is was really poorly designed or broken? If not, you should because that is the most likely, unless you have owned dramatically performance-challenged gear.
The risk we run now is a good forum like ASR is getting turned into home shopping advice channel based on anecdotes.
 
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