Saga 2 Preamplifier

Introduction

Welcome to Saga 2, the most advanced, flexible, and affordable preamplifier on the market. It features Forkbeard™, Schiit's unique unified control system. Saga 2 is built with hard-core, real Class A, single-ended, and current-sourced architecture, maintaining Class A operation without compromise. It is also 100% no-feedback, with exceptions only for emitter degeneration and complementary pair nonlinearity cancellation. The design is differential and discrete.

Important Safety Instructions

The following instructions are required by government agencies and regulations. Please read them carefully before proceeding, follow all instructions, and heed all warnings.

1. If you are unsure about installing audio devices, seek assistance from a qualified professional.
2. Never use this device near water. Clean only with a dry cloth.
3. Ensure adequate ventilation; do not block any ventilation openings or place the device near heat sources.
4. Use only the supplied power cord or a suitable replacement. Route cords away from traffic areas and protect them from being pinched. Unplug the cord from the outlet if the apparatus is unused for an extended period.
5. To prevent electric shock, do not use the plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted.
6. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Service is required when the device has been damaged (including cord or plug damage), liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the device, the device has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

⚠️ WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS DEVICE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Connections

The rear panel of the Saga 2 provides various connection options:

Rear Panel Overview

The diagram shows the rear panel with the following connections:

• 1 RCA Inputs: Four pairs of RCA jacks, conveniently numbered "1" to "4", for connecting up to four sources using RCA cables.
• 2 XLR Outputs: Two balanced XLR connectors, providing real XLR balanced differential outputs. These can be used to connect to downstream balanced power amplifiers or for running amplifiers like Vidars or Gjallarhorns in mono.
• 3 RCA Outputs: Two single-ended RCA jacks, offering an alternative connection for single-ended gear.
• 4 Forkbeard Port: A connector for an optional Forkbeard module, which provides full unified remote control, system health monitoring, and more.
• Power Switch: A toggle switch, typically labeled '4' in diagrams, for turning the unit on and off.
• 5 AC Inlet: The connection point for the supplied 24VAC/6VAC wall-wart power adapter.

Note: The wall-wart can be referred to as an "external linear power supply," though it's a simple component for this preamplifier.

Operation

The front panel of the Saga 2 features several controls for managing your audio:

Front Panel Controls

The diagram illustrates the front panel layout:

• 1 Headphone Output: A 1/4" headphone jack. While not the most powerful on the market, it provides sufficient voltage for most headphones.
• 2 Input Select: A button used to select the desired audio input.
• 3 Volume: A rotary knob to increase or decrease the music volume. Turning it to the right increases volume.

Note: Saga 2 employs a relay ladder volume control, which may result in audible clicks or transient drop-outs when adjusting volume. These are normal occurrences and considered minor trade-offs for high-quality volume control.

• 4 Mode Select: Buttons to choose between three output modes: Passive, Active Low Gain, or Active High Gain. Select the mode that sounds best in your system. When the preamplifier is muted, all input LEDs will be off.
• 5 IR Window: This window is used for the remote control to communicate with the Saga 2. Ensure it is not blocked for remote operation. The preamplifier can also be muted using the remote control.

Note: All controls are also accessible remotely via the Forkbeard module and its associated app. Visit schiit.com/forkbeard for details on supported platforms and Forkbeard-specific information.

Remote Control

The Saga 2 includes an IR remote control, compatible with other Schiit products like the Freyas and Karas.

Remote Functions

The remote control features the following buttons:

• 1 Input: Press to select the desired audio input. Cycling through inputs is achieved by continued pressing.
• 2 Volume Up/Down: Use the up arrow to increase volume and the down arrow to decrease it.
• 3 Output: Press to switch between passive, low gain, and high gain output modes.
• 4 Mute: Press to mute or unmute the preamplifier.

Changing the Battery

To replace the battery in the remote:

1. Flip the remote over to find a single hole on the back.
2. Insert the end of an open paper clip into the hole and push firmly to open the remote, which is held together by magnets.
3. Replace the old battery with a new one of the same type.
4. Reassemble the remote by first inserting the clear LED in the front, then aligning the panel with the magnets and pressing gently to secure it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Hum Issues

I hear hum, what do I do?

This may be due to excessive gain in the system or a ground loop in other connected gear. Try using the low gain setting. If the hum persists, check for ground loops.

Headphone Output

Why is there no sound from the headphone output in Passive mode?

Passive mode does not include a gain stage necessary to drive headphones. Select either the low gain or high gain mode for headphone listening.

LED Indicators

All input LEDs are off--what's up?

The preamplifier is currently muted. You can unmute it using the remote control or the Forkbeard module.

Sound Delay

There's no sound after I turn Saga 2 on.

Saga 2 delays the output for 20-30 seconds after power-on to perform self-checks. During this period, the LEDs may flash.

Volume Control

What's with the clicking noises when I turn the volume?

This is normal and is caused by the mechanical relays within the relay-switched stepped attenuator.

It seems like it drops out when I'm adjusting volume?

The relay timing has been adjusted for minimal transients, which may result in some muting while adjusting volume. The sound will stabilize once you stop adjusting.

I have the volume all the way down and still hear faint music.

This is normal behavior for a relay attenuator. If this is bothersome, use the Mute button to completely silence the preamplifier.

Output Modes

Does Saga 2 convert from SE to balanced?

Yes, it can convert from Single-Ended (SE) to balanced when using the Low or High gain settings. Passive mode does not perform this conversion.

Can I use both balanced and SE outputs at the same time?

In most cases, yes. However, if you have connected products that short the input when turned off, this could potentially cause distortion.

Forkbeard

How do I get Forkbeard?

For current information on the Forkbeard module, supported platforms, and specific details, please visit schiit.com/forkbeard.

Warranty Information

Schiit Audio warrants this product to the original purchaser against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase. If a defect covered by this warranty occurs, Schiit Audio will repair the product free of charge. The date of purchase is determined by customer receipts; otherwise, the date of manufacturing will be used.

If warranty service is required, please contact Schiit Audio first. Products returned without a Return Authorization (RA) will be sent back to the sender without repair. To obtain an RA, email info@schiit.com.

Warranty Limitations

This warranty does not apply if the product:

• (a) has been modified or tampered with;
• (b) is damaged due to negligence, accident, unreasonable use, or other causes unrelated to defective materials or workmanship; or
• (c) has had its serial number altered or removed.

Any implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the warranty period of 5 years. Schiit Audio shall not be liable for consequential or incidental damages resulting from the breach of any implied or expressed warranties. Some states and provinces may not allow these limitations, so they may not apply to you. You may also possess other rights that vary by state or province.

In the Box

The package includes:

• (1) Saga 2 Preamplifier
• (1) Remote Control
• (1) 24VAC/6VAC wall wart power adapter
• (1) Forkbeard Module (if ordered)
• (0) Tubes, feedback, switching supplies, or other components typical of affordable preamps
• (Various) Stickers and accessories
• (Infinite) Appreciation from the Schiit crew
• (Even more) Thanks from the chassis and PCB teams in the USA

This product is in compliance with the standards and regulations of the European Community (CE mark indicated).

For more information, visit schiit.com or email info@schiit.com.