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.  

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The Freya is good as a passive preamp but mediocre in its tube mode. Definitely doesn’t compete with top-tier tube pres. 

I think its’ pretty impressive that a 1000 preamp is put in the same category as 50K and up.

The Topping Pre90 preamp is in Stereophile preamplifier Class A category too and its a little bit more impressive at only $600.

-1  @cromodora   Your missing the point of many of the posters? These are not class A level components just because "Stereophile" tell you so. Yes many of us are looking for that "giant killer" piece of gear that simply does not exit. Instead of believing there is one magical budget component work on room acoustics/power coditioning/dedicated power lines and system synergy(no weak link). This should create a system that plays well above its cost.

I’m okay with missing the point of many of the posters.

I’m not here to make a point with them.

I am just mentioning another component wrt to subject raised by OP.

My reply is on topic.


You can start a thread about credibility of magazine reviews and I will join you in that discussion.