Back in June I picked up a pair of KEF 104/2's. Driving them with a Rotel RX-1052 they sounded very good, but thought there was room for improvement (Ferrofluid replace, but not recapped yet). Bass seemed to be loose and ill defined. Last week I had some extra time and swapped in my Sansui AU-919. HUGE difference! However, since this is the TV system, I needed something with a remote. Enter the Schiit Saga.
Purchased an original, new Saga (tube) from that behemoth on line seller and saved a few bucks. Got it yesterday and have been playing with it today. To initially test it, I pulled out my Denon PMA-920 and a pair of NHT Super One's. I guess I was concerned that if I did hook something up wrong, either of those wouldn't have been a great loss. (I say that because I didn't pay much for the speakers (and don't use them now) and never did really like the Denon. Always thought it sounded dull and lifeless.)
Well........................the NHT's never sounded better. Since I apparently hooked things up correctly, I then connected the KEF's. Another WOW moment. Bass is now strong and tight and the overall SQ is greatly improved.
My next thought was, since the KEF's sound this good using the Denon, the Sansui will make them sound even better. Well, I was wrong. I now know what people mean when they refer to a sterile, cold sound. It's like the musicality had been sucked out, but the notes left in.
The next step was to return the Sansui to the office and play the combo through my Sierra 2's (with a very revealing ribbon tweeter). By itself, the Sansui takes the highs right to the edge, without going over. With the Sansui/Saga, the highs were pushed beyond their limits and sounded harsh. (Tube in or out didn't make any difference.)
And, in case anyone is wondering, the Sansui was recently repaired (pre-amp power supply issues) and thoroughly checked out by a very qualified tech. (It's also been recapped, including the black flags.)
I haven't completely decided if I'll keep it or not, but probably will as it sounds great with the Denon and is big improvement over the Rotel. I also have a couple of Pioneers (1010 & 1250) that both need attention. Once done (may be a while) I'll rotate them in.
Purchased an original, new Saga (tube) from that behemoth on line seller and saved a few bucks. Got it yesterday and have been playing with it today. To initially test it, I pulled out my Denon PMA-920 and a pair of NHT Super One's. I guess I was concerned that if I did hook something up wrong, either of those wouldn't have been a great loss. (I say that because I didn't pay much for the speakers (and don't use them now) and never did really like the Denon. Always thought it sounded dull and lifeless.)
Well........................the NHT's never sounded better. Since I apparently hooked things up correctly, I then connected the KEF's. Another WOW moment. Bass is now strong and tight and the overall SQ is greatly improved.
My next thought was, since the KEF's sound this good using the Denon, the Sansui will make them sound even better. Well, I was wrong. I now know what people mean when they refer to a sterile, cold sound. It's like the musicality had been sucked out, but the notes left in.
The next step was to return the Sansui to the office and play the combo through my Sierra 2's (with a very revealing ribbon tweeter). By itself, the Sansui takes the highs right to the edge, without going over. With the Sansui/Saga, the highs were pushed beyond their limits and sounded harsh. (Tube in or out didn't make any difference.)
And, in case anyone is wondering, the Sansui was recently repaired (pre-amp power supply issues) and thoroughly checked out by a very qualified tech. (It's also been recapped, including the black flags.)
I haven't completely decided if I'll keep it or not, but probably will as it sounds great with the Denon and is big improvement over the Rotel. I also have a couple of Pioneers (1010 & 1250) that both need attention. Once done (may be a while) I'll rotate them in.
