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This is one of the most flexible preamps Schiit has ever made — three distinct output modes in one chassis:Passive — pure resistor-ladder attenuation, nothing in the signal pathJFET buffer — solid-state active gain (0dB)Tube — 4x 6SN7 tubes for 12dB of gain, with a noise-cancelling semi-circlotron output stageTubes automatically power down when you're in passive or JFET mode, so mine have very light hours on them.Specs:128-step relay-switched attenuator (0.625dB/step) — dead quiet, no channel imbalance at low volumesInputs: 3x RCA (unbalanced), 2x XLR (balanced)Outputs: 2x RCA, 1x XLRTHD <0.004% (solid state) / <0.01% (tube)S/N ratio >120dB (SS) / >115dB (tube)Full remote control (volume, input select, mute)Made in USAIncluded: preamp, original remote, original box/packaging, power cable, and 4 Tungsol 6SN7 Tubes
The timing is fine: this is a mature, established preamp rather than a fast-obsolescence piece, so the main question is simply whether the asking price matches the market. At US$795, it sits a bit above the US$756 median but below the US$859 75th percentile, so this reads as fair-to-slightly-strong, not a bargain and not overpriced.
It’s a worthwhile buy because this model is well-liked for giving you flexible control, a clean signal path, and enough refinement to anchor a serious two-channel system without spending boutique money. If the unit is genuinely clean and comes with the right accessories, that supports the price; I’d mainly want to confirm condition, remote, and any tube-related history if applicable before paying top of the range.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Schiit Audio: Brand Overview
Schiit Audio is an American audio company founded in June 2010 by Jason Stoddard and Mike Moffat, two veteran engineers with deep roots in the high-fidelity industry. Based in California with manufacturing operations in Texas, the company emerged from a shared vision between its founders—who had reconnected after years in separate audio ventures—to democratize desktop hi-fi. The name itself, deliberately provocative, reflects Stoddard's irreverent approach to a traditionally buttoned-up market, born from his wife's exasperated suggestion during late-night garage sessions.
The company specializes in personal audio components, with a product portfolio spanning digital-to-analog converters (DACs), headphone amplifiers, preamplifiers, and integrated amplifier-DAC combinations. Schiit's first product, the Asgard headphone amplifier, launched in 2010, followed by the Bifrost DAC in 2011. The lineup ranges from entry-level pieces starting around $99 to premium offerings exceeding $2,000, with the company positioning itself as a leader in direct-to-consumer audio sales.
Schiit occupies a distinctive position as an accessible yet credible player in the audiophile market. Rather than pursuing ultra-premium positioning, the company has built its reputation on delivering genuine sonic performance at consumer-friendly prices—a philosophy its founders describe as trying to "out-cheap" each other. This strategy has resonated strongly; the company has grown substantially since inception, operating from a dedicated 15,000-square-foot facility and maintaining a reputation for transparency, quality engineering, and genuine engagement with the audio enthusiast community.
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