2. amps-preamps
  3. 156511-138624

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 6 responses by wolf_garcia

wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
My Freya (original version) has never sounded boomy with any of the piles of tubes I've used including the JJs, Tung Sols (new production), original Russian "mystery" tubes, Sylvania "Chrome domes," etc...I prefer NOS GEs in the thing and the sound is spectacular.
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
In any great system everything played on it sounds different from anything else, as it should...suffice to say that the sources are all equally superb sounding, and I've done an instant  comparison using the same music...streamer, LP, and CD playing the same thing and they're remarkably similar although the levels need adjustment for a comparison like that. My current rig is by far the most transparent I've owned. Not sure what "overdramatic" means to you. 
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
Yeah I use the tube setting all the time, except when simply switching it to see how my tubes are doing...a useful thing, but the tube setting is more detailed seemingly. The Dennis Had 12wpc amp I use really requires a hotter signal from the preamp to get it going so the tube setting’s gain is much appreciated for good synergy.
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
On a cold night I can use my "Classic Original Version" Freya to warm my hands by placing them directly on the amp (one at a time since my hands are HUGE), and although I was initially a little concerned by the heat even with plenty of room around the thing, it's performed its tasks perfectly for a couple of years now...a great sounding humless, microphonicless, clean preamp. 
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
There have been some posts here and there for years about the "microphony of the tubed Freya, but I've had lots of different tubes in mine and have never had a tube display microphonics (I've had microphonic tubes in guitar amps over the years and I always replace them). I prefer some tubes to others of course, but even the original Russian tubes were fine...a bit boring but fine.
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
NOS Sylvania "chrome domes" are great tubes and easy to find. I have a pile in my tube stash and they're a close second to NOS GEs when exposed to my addled brain.
More to discover