Schiit - shipments stopped?

@audio2design: you couldn't be more right.

OP:
If you read my response from 3/12 at 2:47PM, two messages after facten, you would see that yes, I did read his response.

And I stand by my assertions.

The Freya+ is no more inherently dangerous than any other piece of equipment that is used in a manner in which it was not designed or by someone who does not know how to use it.

Two lines on one web page does not constitute marketing.

If it's not in the instructions/owner's manual and a user tries something different, ALL responsibility is on the USER.

You have still provided no e-mails that you claim to have from Schiit. I can only assume that in those e-mails there is evidence exonerating Schiit from your accusations.

You did not do sufficient research prior to your purchase and you can not accept the consequences of that.

FWIW, there is an excellent web site, based out of Norway I believe, that maintains a very up-to-date list of preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers with HT bypass. I can not speak to the site's accuracy but it appears to be up-to-date.

Drussell,
did u not see the 3/12 post from facten above??
clearly, had u seen it you would reverse ur stance. This Product, and no doubt others, can be very dangerous. I dont let my kids use it. It is destined for the junkyard, its a cheap box.

i am looking for a highend ss line stage with ‘ht bypass’. I made a mistake buying freya.

The unit is not a "poor design".

You don't want to accept responsibility for your actions.

Why not return it?

If the unit is so dangerous, why don't you return it?

Show us the e-mails.

There is nothing in the manual because it's not designed or intended for HT use.

Is it capable of HT use? Apparently.

Are you on your own and responsible for your actions if you choose to use it in a way that it was not designed or intended for? Yes.

Instruction manual provides no warning as it supports ht use.

That or reading the instruction manual

A congressional investigation warranted?

If the unit is so dangerous, why don't you return it and launch an investigation with the appropriate division of the FTC?

If you dont adjust freya properly, you may damage your hearing.  I do have emails where they tout product for ht use.   The definition of marketing to discern where anything improper occurred is irrelevant. Whether they marketed it this way or not is irrelavant.  All this does not prevent a risky to your hearing health situation while using product.  Its a poor design.

so how is ht handled on a preamp if the passive setting isnt supposed to be used for this? 

Schiit is awesome. My Vidar amp delivered in ten days and it’s the best audio product I ever owned. And I’ve been buying audio gear for 50 years. Some of it much more expensive than the Vidar. But none of it better. I love Schiit. I even love the name.

If the unit is so dangerous, why don't you return it and launch an investigation with the appropriate division of the FTC?

Seriously?

Two lines at the bottom of one page on a web site is marketing? I suggest you look up the definition of marketing.

Nothing in the advertising mentions this feature.
Nothing on the item's web site mentions this feature.
Nothing in the owner's manual, which most reasonable people (and probably attorneys) would agree is the definitive location for answers, mentions this feature.

Why are you so intent on blaming someone else for your perceived slights? What do you have against Schiit?

You made an error. Why not own it?

You are grasping at straws here. Why?

Yes indeed, it is marketed as a ht bypass solution without a warning.  This product as marketed seems very dangerous to use.  A family member using this may easily make a mistake.  
Very very surprised elite posters are supportive of this situation.  Very troubling.  I have now learned about this product and it has a dangerous feature deserving of great care.  

" Now, the OP has the audacity to make more unfounded accusations about Schiit and their products. He is claiming that the Freya+ is advertised as having a feature that it does not--HT pass through "


Actually, the Schitt website does state at the bottom of its Choosing Amps & Preamps page :
" Home Theater Integration, $0. Okay, all you "home theater bypass" guys. All of our preamps offer true home theater bypass. Just plug in your processor’s front channels to any input, select Passive mode, and turn the volume all the way up. Presto! 1:1 home theater bypass, with only a relay in the signal path. "https://www.schiit.com/guides/choosing-amps-preamps

Now whether or not the Op has hooked it up as described, or simply needs to discuss his issue directly with Schitt are entirely different issues

I don't understand the OP's motivation for continuing this ordeal.

First, multiple and borderline libelous posts about Schiit because of delays in getting a Freya+. This was beaten to death in more than one thread. In my opinion, the consensus was that the OP was being unreasonable.

Now, the OP has the audacity to make more unfounded accusations about Schiit and their products. He is claiming that the Freya+ is advertised as having a feature that it does not--HT pass through.

HT pass through has already been explained. I will add that HT pass through achieves unity gain but unity gain is not equal to HT pass through.

HT pass through is a feature.

Unity gain is a state of 0 amplification/attenuation. If you don't understand that, be careful when playing with it.

The Freya+ can achieve unity gain (no amplification/attenuation) in passive mode but that is NOT the same as having a dedicated HT pass through.

The issue here is one of operator error. NOT of a product being misrepresented or used in a way that it was not designed for.

If this has been such an awful experience, why persist?

Before I wrote my prior reply, I carefully looked at Schiit's web site and reviewed their owners manual for ANY mention of using the Freya as a HT bypass preamp. I found nothing. 

I, too, would like to see screen shots of the emails from Schiit "marketing" or promoting this feature. 

It is one thing to be able to use a device in a manner not intended in its original design. It is quite another to criticize a company for not including a feature that appears nowhere in their standard literature. 

If you don't like it, send it back.

All modern AVR's I've used have an auto-calibration setup routine, running a program such as Audyssey, that uses a microphone to "listen" to the room and automatically sets up the speaker configuration according the the levels the microphone detects.

I just mean the you put together the setup, as I described, set the volume control to your pre-determined level (such as top dead center, etc.) then run the auto-calibration routine. The auto-calibration routine will recognize that the front L&R speakers volume is "low" and it will increase the volume of the L&R speakers relative to the other speakers in your multi-channel setup. It will do this calibration automatically.

Only caveat is that I have never done this using a "passive pre-amp". I do not know if the auto-calibrate routine was enough variability to make up the volume difference. If that were the case, you would need to increase your "pre-determined volume control position" to account for that.

You could try it, using the passive setting, and you can also try it using the tube output, and see if there is any difference. Just remember to always run the auto-calibrate routine on your HT receiver if/when you decide to change from passive to active/tube.

Also, there may still be a volume difference when you switch from the input you use for your passive/HT source and other inputs/sources. I would suggest you try to find the correct "pre-determined" volume control position that somewhat matches the output of your other sources. You could do this by simply listening to music and switching between passive and tube. at some point of the volume control position you will find that the volume is the same for passive and tube "active". This would be approximately the "unity gain" position for the tube output and, if convenient for you, it would be a good position to use for your pre-determined position. 

BTW, this all makes sense to me based on my assumptions regarding the Schiit Freya. I do not own one, and have never used one, so I could be off base. But logically, it all makes sense to me.  

Reubent,

Amazing comments, thanks.

when you refer avr setup, would these be the channel level settings? which normally don’t need to be adjusted, except for many one channnel abit louder than another.

problem with ht bypass for tube preamps is that no one designs a preamp that keeps the tubes off while watching tv.  I do know audio research will do this on their next version of the awesome ref6se unit, has 8 Tubes.

@emergingsoul  - It seems you may have confused a passive output with an HT bypass, which is a unity gain circuit.
 
You state that you must turn up the volume all the way when using HT to get enough volume. This would be correct for a passive output, as at full volume the passive circuit will be passing through "everything" matching the input, i.e. unity gain at full volume.

For an active pre-amp stage, gain is added in the circuit. So unity volume may be at some point on the volume control that is only 1/2 or even 1/3 of full volume on the knob.

For a passive pre-amp, unity gain will only be achieved when the volume control is set to max volume. Any setting of the volume control knob, that is less than full volume, will only be outputting a portion of the input volume.

However! All is likely not lost. If you choose to use the passive output as an "HT bypass", you can simply set the volume control on the pre-amp to a pre-determined setting (like top dead center, or 5, whatever) and re-run the setup routine on your HT receiver. The setup routine will recognize the lower volume output of the channels connected through the pre-amp and the HT receiver setup will increase the relative volume of those channels to match the other channels in your multi-channel setup.

Really, it's easy-peasy, just one additional step you need to make when switching to HT. Just always set the volume control on the pre-amp to the same pre-determined setting you used when you ran the setup routine, and you should be good to go.

You could also use the tube gain output for your "HT bypass circuit" and it will likely more closely match the existing level of the other channels in your multi-channel setup. However, to get it "right", I would still recommend you choose a pre-determined setting, like top dead center, or "5?" This will get you the most accurate relative output of all channels. However, it will have the tubes active during play.

Otherwise, if you don't want to do this, send the Schitt back and get a pre-amp that does have HT Bypass.

Good luck. Hope it turns out well for you. I know it has been a journey and it is not working as you expected.

Sorry, if I've made any incorrect assumptions ok mistakes in my recommendations. I don't own the Schitt Freya, but I have done similar "combo" 2-channel stereo/HT systems using a 2-channel pre-amp/power amp to power the front L7R speakers.

There is no HT bypass on this product.

If you want HT bypass you need to buy something else.

Return this during the home trial period and get your money refunded.

The good news is you didn’t buy it used with no return available.

They market product as a ht bypass preamp. I have several emails where they tout this feature.

"ht bypass preamp" 
Where is this stated in the product description or in the manual? https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1

If in a email take a screen shot and post up the link of it using https://imgbb.com/ as it’s false advertising even in email and you can get a full refund.


Cheers George

They market product as a ht bypass preamp.  I have several emails where they tout this feature.

what else do you use passive output for?

the passive output allows a receivers volume to control volume.  Unity gain is achieved with the passive output on freya.  
What are you saying jaytor, it conflicts with schiits  marketing of product.  Keeps tubes off when not needed,  exactly what ht is all about.  

A preamp with a HT bypass will designate one input to bypass the volume control and be set at unity gain. The Freya+ does not incorporate a HT bypass function. If you need a preamp with this function, you need to find something else. A simple input select switch box between the preamp and amp may suffice.

Sounds like you are treating the Freya's "passive" mode option as a HT bypass.   

That's not what the passive mode was intended for and nothing in their literature or owners manual indicates anything about its use as a HT bypass feature.  

Sounds like you are blaming them for your off-label use. 

Passive output is what the ht box flows through as intended, ie ht output.

Please clarify about input sensitivity problem you referred too. This freya is connected to a marantz avr.

thanks

Gain setting for ht output must be set all the way up to enable sound to flow thru unit, before ht volume controls are used.

There is no HT output to be switched to on the Freya, so that's a problem of the input sensitivity of whatever your feeding the Freya into. 

Cheers George

I recently and finally received freya+.  Sound is better than what I had. A well built nice looking unit, except for ......

ONE PROBLEM,  it can be DANGEROUS to use.  Gain setting for ht output must be set all the way up to enable sound to flow thru unit, before ht volume controls are used.  WARNING, when u change inputs from ht to a dac u must turn gain all the way back. Otherwise dac will come on at full volume.  USERS beware, freya can be dangerous to your health!

surprised this is allowed to be sold to consumers.  It has a design problem and there are no warnings in their manual.  I have restricted use of system.   unfortunately, I will be scraping it and buying something else, too damn risky to users.  Do not drink while changing settings.  

We ordered a GE Cafe fridge and GE garage freezer in August, for our new home.  The fridge was delivered last week and the dealership has no idea when the freezers will become available.  Both the dealer and the folks at GE tell me the supply chains for parts has been problematic for about a year now.  I suspect that's the same for audio manufacturers.

If anyone is reading this, the semiconductor supply chain right now is a disaster with exceptionally long lead times, and the change in supply chain happened really fast, so those without inventory or orders on the books with suppliers could be having a hard time getting parts. I am not saying this specific to Schitt, just a general comment. Even automotive suppliers are having issues.

This is correct parts supply is a real pain, but also is sending your finished product.
I called off all my customer orders after one shipped 20th January to Sweden, he just got it yesterday, and tracking it was all over the place.
But the up side is, I can go for surfs now when the waves/tides are good, with nothing but for  "she who must be obeyed" holding me back

Cheers George

Alex....that was brilliant and thank you, even though I canceled my order. 

It seems that Laura Z and George who answered my emails could only provide  limited info...”We hope to ship in 7-10 days” and “So sorry for the wait”, “I’m sorry, the order isn’t ready yet” and whatnot over the last few months.

If the Schiit website had the same info that Jason Stoddard shared with folks on HeadFi then the people waiting wouldn’t be so salty about their wait. Myself included. Folks shouldn’t have to sift the tea leaves on Audiogon, HeadFi, and Superbestaudiofriends to find out what’s up with Schiit. Even if Jason and Mike post on other forums, why not front page that info on the Schiit site? 

You’d probably get even more orders!

And of course that would increase the wait list for some items, but a well-informed wait list isn’t a bad thing.

People wait on Decware amps for 5-6 months because they have a well-defined waiting list that they post in their forums and people know where they stand and when to expect their items. 

Thanks Alex.

a very nice letter.  And near end I did note an apologetic tone, which is appreciated.

we tend to forget troubling service issues, in time, but great customer service is remembered and I am one to become a loyal follower as evidenced by me buying my 10th b&w speaker, also delayed.

I am very appreciative of schiit offering a true ht bypass for the freya +. It passes thru signal while limiting tube use and controls power, inputs via remote.  A feat not found on any higher end preamps which sucks so I bought yours.

I look forward to using the freya+ soon.  
A tough business climate and I am empathetic. 
Good luck,

Good Morning from Texas.

2020 was simultaneously an amazing and terrible year for Schiit Audio and 2021 has started off the same.

Schiit has backorders on about half of our product line.  This includes Lyr, Hel, Vali, Magnius, Ragnarok, Modius, Gungnir, Yggdrasil, Loki, and Freya+.  Amps like Vidar and Aegir are taking us longer to build.  We have placed orders for all of the components we need to build these products- in most cases the orders were placed more than six months ago.  

The reason we are out of stock is a combination of expanded demand, difficulty getting parts delivered as per schedule, limited capacity at our board house, limited capacity at our own shop to build quickly enough, extended lead times for packaging, and we've had several employees out at various times for quarantines.

What are we doing about it?  I am in Texas working on opening a second production facility that will give us access to more space and more employees.  We've added a second board house to add capacity and our primary board house is working to do the same.  We have increased run sizes and frequency of run sizes where possible.  Some of the items we have no control over- when we place a capacitor order six months ago and they tell us just before shipment that the order is delayed or the order is cancelled we're stuck scrambling to find an alternate part.  When that happens the Freya+ that we were hoping to build and ship in two weeks gets indefinitely delayed while we look for parts.  Freya+ has been hardest to keep in stock because demand it high and its supply chain is more easily broken.  Please understand that we are working hard each day to solve these problems and get out of backorder.  We don't like backorders either.  It is a constant stress and pressure that we don't want.

What about distributors?  We have been focusing on servicing Schiit.com customers.  We have not been reliably supporting our distributors since the pandemic started.  We are working on that too.  If you have a backorder to a distributor they have no idea when they will be able to ship and honestly I don't either.  We are building and shipping as quickly as we can and adding capacity as quickly as we can.

Why do you suck at communication?  We aren't the best at this and we know it.  We are working at getting better.  First off, stop calling the phone number.  We don't answer it.  If you want an update on your order send an email.  Our prices are lower than our competitors and part of the compromise is we don't pay for a dealer network and we don't pay for people to answer our phones.  We have designated a person to be our backorder czar and she is responsible for making sure the website and status messages are more clear and up to date.  She will also be responsible for getting backorders filled as quickly as I can build inventory.

The best answer I can give to this thread is I am sorry we haven't been better at this.  We've really had to stretch as a company without a whole lot of warning or preparation.  We are working on it and will do better.

Thanks,

Alex Martin
Operations Director
Schiit Audio

People respect honesty.  Schiit appears to need to be more candid.  Maybe being candid is believed to impact order flow, so they are guarded about what they say.  
At least they are now being more open about ship dates, at least for those who check website.

There you go, pip!  Doing something about an unsatisfactory experience.  Nothing wrong with that, and so much better than the "hurry up and wait" mode that get some to complain endlessly as if that will cause the needed parts to be manufactured any faster.

They need to open up the phone lines.

After a 3 month wait and one too many boilerplate emails from Schiit, I decided to cancel my order today.

It feels good!

While waiting, I’ve narrowed down a few other directions I might go in and figured why not take the plunge. While I’m sure I would’ve been happy with the Schiit gear, I think the communication sucked and I got disenchanted with their “rebellious upstart” image extending to how they informed buyers about months long delays. Why not just email out the info from HeadFi that @gnaster posted above to everyone waiting for a Freya+?

Strangely, it was the fastest and clearest communication I’ve had with Schiit. Within 25 minutes of writing to cancel, I had a reply and $600 going back to my PayPal. That was money I’d sent them to get a Bifrost in my order instead of a Modi.

Onward!!

Makes you think, if Covid has hit Schiit????

Cheers George

I ordered a Ragnarok amp only in early December.  At that time it said "Ships in 5-7 days".  After a couple of weeks I emailed Schitt to inquire on status.  I got a prompt reply indicating it would be a couple more weeks.  In all honestly they could have let me know that before I inquired, but so be it.  Two weeks rolled around and I sent another email, to be notified it would ship "around Feb 25th".  I checked the website and that is what it did in fact say. Ok, cool.  I  now look at the website and it says "Ships on Feb 25th".  No "around" anymore.  That's progress imo.  

Apparently they are updating the website regularly, but are not sending out emails regarding the issue.  They may assume customers can check the website.  Remember, Callifornia, especially Southern California, is still experiencing a very severe Covid surge right now, and they are probably short-staffed.  

My take is that Schiit products are in high demand, and they are also likely dealing with delays from other vendors as well as their own internal challenges.  Everything in my world, from work, to the mail, to the bathroom contractor etc etc etc are running behind and experiencing unexpected challenges to their businesses.  

So what to do?  Wait and be patient.  Or cancel the order.  That's all there is to it.  

No Schiit, really.

Google is your friend

https://www.google.com/search?q=Schiit&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS897US897&oq=Schiit&aqs=chrome..69...

What is Schiit ?