Op, I use the Freya Plus and upgraded the tubes with Ken Rad VT 231 & Melz 1578. Zero microphonics, have no trouble rolling tubes and the sound is superb. I will upgrade to either the Sachs or Supratek later this year but will not sell the Freya Plus, it will move to a second system. Adding 300.00 in better tubes gets you in your budget.
Having a "stand by" mode for the tubes allows me to leave my entire system on 24/7 with no tube rush powering up. Granted it is not a 3500 dollar pre but with the right tubes, it makes the magic happen.
Having a "stand by" mode for the tubes allows me to leave my entire system on 24/7 with no tube rush powering up. Granted it is not a 3500 dollar pre but with the right tubes, it makes the magic happen.