Schiit Audio Stjarna Phono Preamplifier Preview

It gives you up to 60dB of pure Class A tube gain from two dual-triode 6N1P tubes per channel. That means there are no step-up transformers, JFET pre-preamps, hidden op-amps, or cascodes in the signal chain. And that’s enough gain for moving coil (MC), moving iron (MI), and moving magnet (MM) cartridges. It has inputs for two tonearms and features passive RIAA equalization, relay gain, LF filter, and, amazingly, a mono mode! Glory be!

Over the past few years, the team at Schiit Audio has released a number of innovative and reasonably priced components that really have lowered the cost of entry into quality high fidelity music playback for a lot of enthusiasts. Their latest innovation for analog lovers is the new Stjarna phono preamplifier. For $1,699, you get quite a lot of features for the price: remote control, a mono option, pure tube sound, on-the-fly configuration, and others. These are features easily found in phono preamps in prices over $4,000, so that in itself makes the Stjarna stand out.

The Stjarna is completely dual mono, with two transformers, one for each channel, two separate, discrete-regulated 200V power supplies, and two precision-regulated DC heater supplies. And you can connect up to two turntables and use up to four gain levels to accommodate virtually any cartridge, from MC to MI to MM. You also get relay-ladder loading for both Resistive and Capacitive values, as well as a switchable passive LF filter and mono mode, so the Stjarna delivers all the flexibility you need without penalty.

To control it from your couch, you get a physical remote control for adjusting settings on the fly. It’s also compatible with Schiit Audio’s new Forkbeard mobile application, which requires the $50 Forkbeard module.

SECRETS is no stranger to Schiit Audio’s components. I myself have reviewed the Bifrost 2 DAC and the Freya+ preamplifier and Vidar amplifier. Fellow reviewer Indiana Lang reviewed the Rekker desktop amplifier.

I currently have a Stjarna in my system for testing. I plan to test it with a JA Michell Gyro SE turntable I just got in. How does it sound? Is it a giant killer? Check in again soon for my full review.