If you’re going to offer an alternative to consumers, it better offer improved functionality, superior sound quality, and a price that makes sense when you have so many other options in your existing lineup. Unlike the new Schiit Audio Mjolnir 3 which will only be available as a limited run product until everything is sold out, the new Schiit Audio Kara is sticking around.
The $699 balanced solid-state preamp/headphone amp offers an alternative to the extremely affordable Schiit Freya S with some key differences. Kara utilizes a 48VA transformer (24VA transformer on the Freya S), offers an easier to use front panel, and is said to offer better performance.
In addition, the Kara is also quite different than the Freya+ preamp. If you want a tube preamp with a lot of flexibility (including differential buffer mode, and the ability to run LISST solid-state tubes), that’s your preamp. Otherwise Kara costs less, doesn’t use tubes that wear out, and gives you a headphone jack.
The Schiit Audio Kara can also be used as a passive pre-amplifier for those who want that option.
Features and Specifications
Nexus technology. This incorporates current feedback with nested differential stages; discrete summed single-ended outputs with high-current headphone capability; intelligent headphone oversight and protection.
- Input Impedance: 10K ohms
- Output Impedance: 75 ohms SE, 600 ohms balanced
- Crosstalk: >110dB typical all modes
- Inputs: 2 XLR pairs plus 3 RCA pairs, selectable via front switch or remote
- Outputs: 1 XLR pair plus 2 RCA pairs, selectable via front switch or remote
- Headphone Output: Front panel plug-in (
- Volume Control: Relay-switched stepped attenuator with discrete thin-film resistors, 128 0.625dB steps
- Operational Control: In addition to onboard controls, the Kara also comes with a wireless remote.
- Power Supply: One 48VA transformer with dual series regulated +/-32V rails with Quietude topology; plus regulated 5VDC for microprocessor
- Power Consumption: 22W typical
- Dimensions (WDH): 16 x 8 x 2 – inches
- Weight: 11 lbs
Specifications
Balanced to Balanced
- Gain: 1 (0dB)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db, 3Hz-500KHz, -3dB
- THD: <0.0002%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 4V RMS
- IMD: <0.0002%, CCIR
- SNR: >129db, A-weighted, referenced to 4V RMS
- Gain: 4 (12dB)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db, 3Hz-300KHz, -3dB
- THD: <0.0004%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 4V RMS
- IMD: <0.0004%, CCIR
- SNR: >123db, A-weighted, referenced to 4V RMS
Balanced to SE, x1 Gain
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db, 3Hz-500KHz, -3dB
- THD: <0.0003%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 2V RMS
- IMD: <0.0003%, CCIR
- SNR: >123db, A-weighted, referenced to 2V RMS
SE to Balanced, X1 Gain
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db, 3Hz-500KHz, -3dB
- THD: <0.0015%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 4V RMS
- IMD: <0.0022%, CCIR
- SNR: >122db, A-weighted, referenced to 4V RMS
Headphone, X1 Gain
- Maximum Power, 32 ohms: 1W RMS per channel
- Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 1W RMS per channel (yes same as 32 ohms)
- SNR: >123db, unweighted, referenced to 2V RMS
- Crosstalk: >-90dB
- Output Impedance: 0.25 ohms
Price and Availability
The Kara is available for $699 at schiit.com or at the Schiit Audio Retail Store in Newhall, California. It includes a 5 year warranty with a 15-day money-back guarantee (5% restocking fee applies).
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