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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
brunomarcs's avatar
brunomarcs
240 posts
 
I've had a freya + for about 4 months now. I mainly use the passive mode. Listen mostly to acoustic and classical guitar, after an hour or so I use the tube output for a real treat and listen to my classic rock. 
It's replaced a Yamaha cx-1000 pre and I couldn't be more happy. I had about 3 times the budget to purchase a  pre but was talked into this one, possibly the best purchase I've made. 
mikem
260 posts
 
As mentioned above.. The money I saved with the Freya +, I used to buy a Pass XA25 amp..  great combo! 
brunomarcs's avatar
brunomarcs
240 posts
 
I bought a pagoda balanced and some AQ water xlr's with what I saved. 
What a cool device. 
bajaed
267 posts
 
I’m strongly considering a Freya + to run my Calibre XD’s full range through the internal amps.

What XLR cables are a good value to use with this pre?
brunomarcs's avatar
brunomarcs
240 posts
 
Try the blue jean ones, there a good value. I swapped out my AQ ones with lesser priced ones and I couldn't tell a difference. Many many post on cables, I wouldn't go down that road.  
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