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!!
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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.

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.

The EAR 868L has two pair of balanced outs (and two single ended), but is more $ (commonly around $3000).