Schiit Freya plus. Is this an upgrade?

Well the Freya+ is certainly an upgrade over the OG Saga, no doubt about that!  I've only had it a couple of days, but even out of the box it's more dynamic with a bigger soundstage and seemingly better detail.  

This is my first go at a tube based pre, the Saga had one tube as a buffer only.  When I first got it the jfet buffer mode was a little quieter than the volume pot only mode.  But on day two the db difference between the two disappeared, and I suspect as it burns in things will improve further.

The tubes were also making some slight noise with no music playing occasionally.  I powered down and removed them, and found I hadn't inserted them fully.  I also used some deoxit on the pins just in case.  Upon full insert they've been dead silent since.  And what a jaw dropping SQ.  It's a new level of "in the room live performance" for me.  

I can see why they keep selling out on the Schiit page.

IMHO, if you’re going to warn people away from a specific brand tube based on your experience, 4+ years ago is not recent enough to go on.

The Vidar, also from Schiit.  It too was an audibly improved model over my mid fi stuff, though not as dramatic.  With amps, I think it’s easier to design a decent sounding performer.

Sorry samac, I can’t offer any Freya S impressions, but I’ve been trying to find the specs of the old Freya and compare them with the Freya +. I found them, and a few specs stood out for me, while others were pretty much the same.

With jfet buffer stage:

OG Freya vs +: SNR 110db A weighted vs 120db A weighted


With tube stage:

OG vs +: SNR 100db A weighted vs 115 A weighted


Also, the crosstalk spec is really notable:

OG vs +: >75db vs 85 db, both from 20 - 20kHz

IMHO, 10 to 15db differences are going to be REALLY detectable by ear. The crosstalk numbers are more of an indication of better isolation from channel to channel, perhaps an indication that the Freya + is built to a higher standard or spec than the OG. Which would kind of make sense since it’s $200 more, or around a 28% price increase.

I never had the OG Freya, but the old Saga as mentioned above. The Freya+ has been a revelation. It’s so far above my old mid fi gear(Nad C375BEE, Parasound P5 and Adcom 555SE), and substantially cheaper!  They have probably really shaken up the industry.

Well, everyone has a budget, and has decisions to make.  That's why I'm so enthusiastic about Schiit, the sound is pretty much amazing for what you pay.  I'd suggest if the Freya+ is too steep for you, look at the Freya S.  It has the same impressive specs, but no tube stage. 

Yeah, the Freya+ is for real, nice to hear impressions from another new owner.  Nice system btw, Maggies and the Oddyssey amp.  With the Freya's state of the art volume control, it might be worth it to try running the DAC at full volume and use the Freya's.

I think word is getting out, the Freya is sold out and on back order.

On the Freya volume, there is a small explanation on the webpage about the relay switched stepped attenuator volume control.  128 steps, but I’m not sure how many dB per step.

 It sounds like much the same design as what’d in your dac, except with resistors.  It probably won’t make a difference which volume you employ.

The Schiit Audio site still has them in stock, apparently, while the Freya+ is listed as in backorder status.  

Things I like about the Freya+ is the jaw dropping audio quality.

True balanced design for my Gungnir

The volume knob tracking with the remote 

The 3 modes of operation is a stroke of genius

The looks are really something, no screws on the top plate.