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Tube preamp: Cary SLP-03 vs Schiit Freya+

Hello all.

I realise it’s a slightly odd comparison, given the age gap, but I’m looking to add a tube preamp to my all-SS chain (Mytek Brooklyn Bridge going straight into ELAC Navis powered speakers). The Schiit Freya+ has been getting rave reviews, especially for its price point and its versatility (passive, buffer or tube), but is currently back-ordered and also it is said to feel a bit flimsy (no miracles). As a result I have been looking at older, formerly more expensive, tube preamps that can be had for a similar price today, leading me to the Cary SLP-03. I have also looked for ARC, BAT, etc but they all tend to be well above my price range (max 1500). 
Would you, we’ll-read and listened fellas, have any views on the above choice or any other recommendations? I’ve been scouring forums and used gear websites for literally tens of hours and I need a bit of advice at this point.

Many thanks in advance!

laimac
technick
140 posts
 

You could also check out Quicksilver’s preamps. They’re tube based and are around $1,500 with excellent build quality. Good luck!

avanti1960
1,411 posts
 

The Cary SLP 03 is not balanced but will give you a stunning tube based sound including eerily realistic tones, superb transparency and a wall to wall floor to ceiling soundstage. it will be difficult to find that in a balanced preamp unless you spend more. A Modwright LS 100 is good and has 1 balanced input but not as transparent as the Cary.

bjw54
25 posts
 

I just looked at my post and saw that I said to use tube buffers on the tubes. Obviously I meant to say tube dampers LOL. If you are looking for the pure honey sound that you get from some all tube preamps the Freya is not for you.It retains the focus of a high end ss preamp, but injects a lot of that sound that tube guys love. I have used a few different ss power amps with the Freya and have had the same overall experience with all of them. It tames the high end if you are using a hot speaker and provides a very open life like mid especially with female vocals.The bass is very solid and well controlled. The sound stage and imaging are not the best I have heard, but is top notch.This is of course with the Ken rads.With  the JJ’s I was not impressed by the sound. I am now burning in my new Voyager GAN 350 amp and after 200 hours I will pair it with the Freya. I believe that this combo on my Legacy Focus speakers will be a match made in heaven.

 

sgreg1
612 posts
 

I can’t help you on any comparisons as the Freya + is my first and only venture into tubes. I was attracted the the versatility that it brought to the table. Tubes if I want, all the inputs I needed, remote control, and tube rolling. I have rolled in nos Sylvania tubes (right side only) and the difference was large very happy. I also like that all outputs are live all the time. I still run my Nakamichi dragon cassette player and have reordered music from radio streaming stations. Like others have said to it is dead quiet between tracks and in standby. I am very happy and not looking to anything else for my preamp.

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,743 posts
 

@laimac,

Improvements in my system via Freya + preamp with Ken-Rad tubes: The bass and lower midrange was better defined and clearer more like the sound at a live event. The highs had a tad more smoothness and sparkle above 10 Khz. Imaging depth was better and instruments like the cello and stand up bass and the lower registers on a piano had better tone and body. The total sound was more cohesive from top to bottom. The Ken-Rad tubes were purchased from Vintage Tube Services.

 tubetruth@vintagetubeservices.com. 

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