Schiit Freya+(Plus)


Freya+ users:

For me, sending DAC input through tube output clearly adds warmth, bloom, punch, musicality, presence.
However, when used with analog inputs (TT, FM, cassette), the tubes (current stock JJ 6SN7 supplied with the unit) sound too lush, rather over the top, sometimes frankly bloated. I mean at equal volume (not volume SETTING).

Despite balanced output to power amp, the SS buffer stage sounds inferior to pure passive mode. So it's tubes with
DAC, passive with analog, SS buffer with nothing.

Questions: (1) does my experience sound typical?
(2) should I experiment with rolling Tung-Sols or other recommended upgrade tube?
(3) does any of this bespeak some peculiarity elsewhere in the chain?

Advance thanks for diagnoses/suggestions.

hickamore

Showing 2 responses by cliffkhz

I will try different cables, but I believe I tried that but I tried so many things now I'm not sure.
I've have the original Freya for about a year and a half now and love the sound of tubes. This is my first tube preamp and I've had an issue that started about 9 months of using it. I have a noticeable pop in the left channel when I turn the volume up to about what I consider the 9oclock position. Believe me I tried switching every cable tube (left-right, right- left) and it still happens still occurs. Now to let you know when I switch L-R, R-L the pop comes out of the right channel. I sent it in to 
Freya and got it back telling me they could not simulate the problem. Got it back and it was ok for about a week and a half. I by no means don't like this pre or Schiit I will have to live with it because Im not going to pay any more shipping. This is not a rant, but maybe someone has an idea.