Bought a Cary 120S MK2

Now I am thinking of four possible preamp matches:

1. Cary SP 3-used $1,500
2. EAR 834 L-used $800
3. Schiit Freya-new $800
4.Odyssey Candela $800

The Cary has balanced XLRs but the others do not.

I’m listening!!

firstnot09-04-2018 4:10am

3 responses Add your response

bdp24 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 9,788 posts 09-04-2018 at 06:08am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The EAR 868L has two pair of balanced outs (and two single ended), but is more $ (commonly around $3000).
auxinput Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,920 posts 09-04-2018 at 06:30am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The Schiit Freya actually does have balanced connections. 2 sets of XLR inputs and one set of XLR outputs. Many tube options. I think four PSVANE CV181-TII tubes may give you the best detail and resolution, with some magic on deep and thick body.
wolf_garcia Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6,695 posts 09-04-2018 at 04:55pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I use NOS Sylvania "Chrome Domes" in my Freya and they sound great and seem utterly neutral...like little glowing Switzerlands. The impact of any tube tone in a Freya can easily be noted by switching to the passive mode and comparing the two...adjusting for gain of course. Also, based on close to a year of use with various tubes, I'll say again that the Freya is a steal in today's audio world and would be worth it at twice its price.

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