2. amps-preamps
  3. 137241-92812

tubesforhifi VTA sp14 or shiit freya

any thoughts on a VTA sp14 for about $1,000 or a shiit freya preamp for $700?  I would be using it with a hafler 500 that has been restored with new caps and dahlquist dq10s or dq20s with the thought of buying a pair of magnepan .7 or 1.7s in the fall.  I have a marantz 8005 cd player or pandora as a source.  My room is 18 by 24  thanks, alex
alexstl

Showing 2 responses by wolf_garcia

wolf_garcia
6,794 posts
 
I can clarify my thinking for you kalali...For a NEW preamp it's less expensive than everything you noted, and if I see a great sounding balanced tube preamp out there with the interesting and unique pile of features the Freya has for 700 bucks, I'll maybe change my thinking. Somebody may start making something to compete with it, but so far there's nothing I've noticed...Otherwise, it seems to be exactly as inexpensive as I think it is. 
wolf_garcia
6,794 posts
 
The Freya gets criticism simply for being too inexpensive (and a wide range of other opinions it seems, none I've found that really relate to my experience with it, except bright LEDs), and as I’ve never heard one of the well regarded Sachs preamps I can’t comment on them...but I can say I’ve really enjoyed my Freya (bought last December) with NOS Sylvania 6SN7GTB "Chrome Domes" and was thinking recently that the 128 step attenuator is something I’ve really come to appreciate...I use this thing with a 12WPC SEP amp and 99db efficient speakers so any hum or tone issue would jump in my face, and none do. A great preamp by any standard.
More to discover