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Thinking Out Loud

I have been interested in checking out the “tube sound” for some time and just bought a Schiit Freya+ to pair with my SS amp.  The Freya+ replaces, or compliments, a Parasound P5 preamp I have been using.  I don’t know whether to just set aside the Parasound pre and go with the Freya+, as I don’t know how to incorporate both into my system so I could just switch between them.

A bigger issue surfaced when I realized the Freya+ doesn’t have a dac, not even for phono use.  So it wasn’t as simple as getting the Freya+ and dropping it into the system, I now need to supply a dac for at least the phono.  I had previously purchased a Audiolab CD transport, which lacks a built-in dac.  To remedy that, I bought a Pro-ject Dac Box 2 that I was just using with the Audiolab via the RCA-type connection.  I know this dac has other connections, but I’m not sure if I can connect it to the Freya+ using the other connections.  The Pro-ject has no power off button, so I have been plugging and unplugging it each time I play a CD.  Now I would have to do that each time I want to play vinyl — a bit annoying.

I think my problem is that I approached things piecemeal, adding/substituting gear without realizing up front the problems in doing that.  Do I just switch to the Freya+ full-time or is there a good way to incorporate both preamps?  Do I try to use the Pro-ject dac with available connections, or do I retire the Pro-Ject and buy a more full-featured dac equipped to handle multiple devices easily?
bob540

Showing 3 responses by oldhvymec

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Go back to the Parasound P5. Send the Freya BACK. Save a little bit more money. There is a whole lot better place to start. I really don't even see the move as sideways, it was a step DOWN..

Luxman, Mac. For valves with tone control. C(XXXX) Mac have built in DACs

Cary, VTL are line stage with pretty good onboard phono stage if you need that..

A valve phono preamp could be a great place to start too, then a tube preamp, or a combo like Mac with phono stage, DAC and valves.

Stay out of trouble, don't get out of trouble..

Happy hunting..

DAC Digital to Analog
ADC Analog to Digital

Regards
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I can say this about Schiit customer service. It's one of the quickest and most courteous, customer friendly company I've EVER dealt with. No question ask, no silly BS return policy.. You are the customer..

I liked the feel of the Freya+ it has weight.. Looks nice, BUT mine had an issue out of the box.. I called and I had to STOP the replacement. The customer service was that fast, 12 hours or less. I played with one for 6 weeks, then bought one AND it super heated. I think it was a bad valve, to tell the truth. BUT the volume would stick, 1/2 the time if I used the valve section.

6SN7s aren't what they are made out to be.. LOL. Great 6SN7s ain't cheap and really not that good of a valve..

12XXX is a better valve for me.. 6SN7 is a Cary thing...Making a CHEAP plentiful valves work, why not? NOW there are a few manufactures..

I have a P5 and a Zpre 3. I used the P5 with an EAR phono section.. 400.00 or so.. A Puffin is a great pairing with the P5 also.. If you want it all at a pretty low price..

Regards
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
A pair at a time is fine OP. One left one right.

When and if you swap valves (tubes) keep an eye out for the first few hours up to 24 hours.

Shipping tubes is never a good thing, being aware for the first few hours is always a good idea.. Red Plating or flame out.. (inside the tube).

Regards
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