Been a long time since I looked at a Stereophile (or other audio mag), but didn't they used to put the "for the money" components in a separate class or something? I'd swear I remember something like that.
Schiit Freya + Class A in Stereophile
I know there are a lot of audiophiles who don't think sterophile knows what they are talking about but I think its' pretty impressive that a 1000 preamp is put in the same category as 50K and up. I can't really believe that the Freya + is that good. I have one and do think it's pretty amazing for all that you get and you can really make it even better with some better tubes. I am constantly blown away at the sound of the Freya + into the Decware Zen triode amp. 2K for the combo and just about the best sound I have ever had in my home. Great news for less well heeled audiophiles.