Siltech SAGA (Biamp Version)

Siltech’s Structural Amplifier Gain Architecture (SAGA) is a radically different design approach to amplifying sound; the object being to lose as little as possible of the original signal, whilst adding nothing. Siltech engineers used advanced physical modelling – implementing NASA-awarded Comsol advanced multi-physics programming. This helped get a better understanding of how to minimise noise and distortion in the circuitry, and fashion the architecture accordingly. The result is a three-way split between the C1 line-stage preamplifier, V1 voltage gain interstage amplifier and P1 power amplifier (two P1s in this bi-amp version).

Together, the SAGA system (C1, V1 and P1) is quite unlike any conventional amplifier system. The design physically separates the line, voltage and current gain stages, for the lowest possible distortion and the minimum signal loss. This confers a number of benefits, such as enabling the use of tubes and a battery power supply in the C1 – which broadens the dynamic range, whilst keeping the ultra sensitive low voltage circuits away from noisy AC mains. The V1 interstage amplifier works with either a single P1 power amplifier, or in this case a pair. The former uses tubes to complement the latter’s mighty solid-state output stage, which puts out a redoubtable 350W RMS per channel into 8 ohms and twice that into 4, with zero overall feedback!

The key design criterion for the SAGA system was the minimising of electrical, electrostatic, electromagnetic and mechanical noise going into the amplifier. That’s why it employs two unusual approaches to power management…

Incoming AC mains noise wreaks havoc with the sensitive circuits of any high end amplifier, as does that created by its own power transformers and power supply components. That’s why both the C1 preamplifier and V1 interstage amplifier run off batteries – giving a pure, noise-free direct current supply. Siltech’s solution involves smart-controlled rechargeable cells, which drive specially selected ultra low noise tubes. The result is an eerily quiet amplifier that never smears subtle musical cues.

The P1 power amplifier requires a super clean high current power supply to turn the low voltage line level music signal into hundreds of watts of output power. To do this, Siltech designed the Apollo Light Drive. A super-strong AC-powered light source is used to drive a photo-electric cell, giving a totally noise-free, galvanically isolated DC output. This then drives the amplifier’s output stage, keeping it absolutely immune from mains-born distortion. The result is ultra-clean, low distortion power – and lots of it.

As well as its novel modular design, the SAGA system naturally employs Siltech best practices. Component quality is cost-no-object, and internal wiring is Siltech’s unsurpassed S10 monocrystal silver. Signal paths are as short as possible, and the vacuum tubes in the C1 and V1 are specially selected.

Working together, the C1, V1, and P1s deliver vanishingly low distortion allied to immense dynamic swings on musical crescendos – the result is an enormous 145dB dynamic range. When the V1 interstage amplifier is mated to twin P1 power amplifiers, as in this case, loudspeakers can be bi-amplified for an even more significant effect. Either way, the result is a spectacularly musical sound, totally unfettered by the usual issues that plague traditional designs.

This is a bi-amped version. As-new with all original packaging and documents. 3-years old, one owner. Full service and new 5-year battery installed at Siltech in April 2023.