Schiit Freya + Class A in Stereophile


I know there are a lot of audiophiles who don't think sterophile knows what they are talking about but I think its' pretty impressive that a 1000 preamp is put in the same category as 50K and up.  I can't really believe that the Freya + is that good.  I have one and do think it's pretty amazing for all that you get and you can really make it even better with some better tubes.  I am constantly blown away at the sound of the Freya + into the Decware Zen triode amp. 2K for the combo and just about the best sound I have ever had in my home.  Great news for less well heeled audiophiles.  

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The rear panel power switch makes no sense.  For that reason I replaced mine with a Rogue Perseus & I'm pleased with the change.

@cromodora You can start a thread about credibility of magazine reviews

I reckon that there is an oxymoron somewhere in that sentence.  That would be my contribution to any discussion on the issue, and is still about ten words too many.

I've been looking at the Freya+ to pair with my Audio-GD Master 19 but have hesitated because the Freya+ is not passive in the tube stage. Running an amp into an amp seems likes a huge compromise in sound, and running the Freya+ in passive SS mode negates the tube benefits.

Any Freya+ owners care to share their thoughts?

Running an amp into an amp seems likes a huge compromise in sound, and running the Freya+ in passive SS mode negates the tube benefits.

Others may wish to comment on the first part of that sentence, but in the meantime I suggest you look elsewhere for a passive tube pre-amp.   I don't know of any myself, and perhaps there is a reason for that.

I don't think some of the posters on this thread understand what stereophile class A really means.