Best preamp under 1500$ freya+ , cary slp03 ?

I'm an "original version" Freya owner (using NOS GE tubes) and it holds up against pretty much anything out there easily earning it a "class A" rating. The only issue seems to be the fact that the thing is just too inexpensive for some and hey, that's just fine.

I too think the Freya+ is hard to beat for the money. I keep thinking about upgrading and then I listen to my system and say what for.

freya is warm ? cold ? 

I had two of the Freya+, both bad from the factory.

They run very hot.  Volume control and remote were nice.

The sound was fine in the two SS modes, but trying to use the tubes was impossible.  I would call the sound neutral.

FWIW - Schiit was very responsive and replaced the first unit and refunded on the second.

Try to save more $ and look for a used Rogue Audio RP-5.  A huge difference from the others being mentioned.