3 WAYS TO HIFI | Schiit Freya + Review!

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3 Ways to hifi | Schiit Audio Freya + Review!
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Passive Mode 5:41
Active Buffer 10:09
Tubes Engaged 13:13
Conclusion 17:51
Final Thoughts 20:01
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[@sean_heisler]

Excellent review, Ron! Loved the overview section at the beginning and then the informative breakdown through the rest of the review. Great job! Killing it! This piece has been on my list for sometime now, thanks so much for reviewing it. An additional feature this has, that Schiit explains on their website, is if you are integrating your two-channel system into a simple receiver based surround system for the occasional movie, you can connect your receiver's front RL preouts to an input on the Freya, engage the passive mode and crank the volume to max whereby you then essentially have the old "home theater bypass" feature.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Man that’s brilliant! Thanks for bringing that everyone’s attention!

[@amusikpoem1071]

Thanks for this detail...and I was wondering if the Freya had a HT bypass...not only one now, but every input is capable of HT bypass, lol...the great thing about the Freya+ over the first gen Freya is that the tubes will power down completely when using the two other modes, preserving their lifespan, which is great if you're using some expensive NOS tubes.

[@markwasilow2757]

Hi Ron, what speaker stands did you use in UB52 video and height? Also, have you thought about doing a modification review on the UB52? I read every review and you have helped me considerably. I feel you are very articulate and detailed. You have made my day. I just bought a pair of UB52's and only want to spend 2k for a pre amp and amp or integrated amp? Any advice... I leaning toward Freya+ and Vidar or ? I am your new continuing follower. Thank you ! You're the man!!!!!

[@markwasilow2757]

Also, on the Vidar, did you get any Hum or buzzing noise in transformer when reviewing? I read many reviews that there was a ground or inherent issue???

[@markwasilow2757]

@@Newrecordday2013 Don't you respond to questions? I think I have sent 20 email questions this week and never got an answers? Am I not greasing the palm enough? lol

[@vinylsurfer2155]

Bought my Freya+, mono block Vidars, Bifrost 2 and Loki back in September. I use the tube mode exclusively feeding my RP-6000's and dual SB2000's and I couldn't be happier. Great and, in my opinion, very honest review.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Man, great break down of the Freya+. Makes me want to get one now! Best review on the Freya😆

[@chrisvinicombe9947]

Don't you have a tube rolled one? Sure I remember seeing it on your channel.

[@Grooverski]

Short and sweet but..... a bit about associated equipment, gear matching cons and pros and perhaps some comparison.

[@sc51153826]

It is precisely the tube pre that I've been waiting for! It has a remote control, it allows me to keep my power amps (class D) powered up without burning down the tubes and dang-it it is balanced! The only thing that would make it a Freya++, maybe if it has an external power supply?

[@markboyd934]

Thomas & Stereo Thomas it was your review of the Freya + (“I hate the Freya +”) that got me interested in purchasing it. Your review last week where you paired the Crown with it was very good. Have been considering the Aegirs, but will purchase the Crown for now because of the review ( along with the concern of thermal clipping with 4 ohm speakers). Both of you (NRD) do a great job on identifying great audio at affordable pricing.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@chrisvinicombe9947 Yes, I have the Freya first gen with NOS. Have been telling people it is a quite an amazing preamp and people mocked me on it because it was not $$$$$$ :(

[@watcheswork1217]

This might be the best review I’ve ever seen. I’ve watched hundreds of reviews putting my system together. It was VERY straight forward and informative!

[@mattgiunt]

Love the way you dive into the review and tell so much about the product. Your time listing is a great plus for going back to hear a part of the review that you need to revisit.

[@riccitone]

Lol.. Basstown! Loved it when you were describing the old man's love of midrange! Really appreciate this great review. You and Thomas & Stereo gave us so much to work with. Comprehensive, smart, clear. Thank you.

[@reflux1986]

This was one of your best reviews! Short and sweet, straight to the point.

[@exodusvelo]

I enjoy when is not just about the unit, but a person with experience explaining the good and bad things of each way of preamping, kudos for that.

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Terrific review Ron - your videos are like episodes of a TV program these days. The amount of effort and professionalism you put in has really paid off - as a newbie HiFi reviewer myself I take great inspiration from what you are doing, top job man!

[@haroldsimpson3308]

Ok.You've made up my mind.Thank you for that,you've relieved alot of mental stress.I couldn't decide on a new tube preamp or not tube.Your reviews are always thorough and on the spot. Seriously,the search for a peice that has everything I'm looking for is exhausting. Not anymore though.you're come through.Thanks.

[@CraigAznoe]

I bought a Freya + last year to complement my Pass Labs Amp Camp monoblocks and some Zu Cubes. Beautiful to look at, use, and listen to. Schiit customer service was great to deal with as well during their shortage last September. Great company, great products, and I'm super happy. Great review!

[@markboyd934]

Wow! Excellent review Ron. You must be snooping on me as I am getting ready to purchase the Freya +, the Bifrost, and exploring the option of the Aegirs. Thanks for laying out the three modes so succinctly - I have been looking for a good explanation of them and you nailed it. So stoked to see the next three videos; what a great line up you have laid out.

[@SeanSisco]

This is the fourth review I've watched on the Freya and you did the best job of providing a robust clarity around all three modes. THANK YOU!

[@Newrecordday2013]

Hey, thanks!

[@markwasilow2757]

@@Newrecordday2013 Ron what audio racks do you use?

[@markwasilow2757]

@@Newrecordday2013 When are you going to review the Vidar's and Ragnarok 2?

[@robh9079]

Have been looking at Freya for some time as the final part of my system building (been using a pot-in-a-box as a standby for a few years). You have pretty much nailed down all my questions about the unit - thanks - and brilliantly entertaining at the same time! I understand Freya is true balanced (differential) topology, which I think is useful bit of additional info.

[@davidhawkins3328]

I have been looking at this preamp for 3 months. It’s been referred too on different conversations and after this review. You have sealed the deal!! September is my target month🔊 thanks

[@trevorvantiel453]

Fantastic review Ron. I love what you are doing on your channel. Thank you. Keep up the great work.

[@audiorick841]

Man, I just got mine and the 4 months wait was sooo worth it! Thanks to you, John and Thomas for the precious advice. This could not have been a better choice for me and with my system. I am putting up for sale my PS audio stellar gain cell preamp tomorrow which was over twice the price.

[@abxaudiophiles]

Thats saying ALOT

[@ericnortan9012]

I was considering ps audio, but I think they are a little out of my budget. I don't like taking loans out on toys, already have an RV payment, don't need anymore. I figure if I want stuff like this, I have to buy it with cash. If I can't swing it with cash it's still out of my price range. Either wait, or get something else. Though I have seen some used PS stuff for fairly obtainable prices. I'm sure used is fine, when people get to that level they generally take care of their gear. Besides, you apparently like the Schiit better any way, so I'm thinking I made the right move.👍

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Nice looking piece of equipment. Just clicked on the Freya link, nice price tag. Great review as always Ron, got all the pertinent information in. Love the aesthetics! Have a great day man!

[@jvburnes]

Just FYI, active mode simply provides additional current and lowers the output impedance to the destination (the amp) so your amplifier isn't starved for dynamics across the spectrum.

[@m.r.3128]

I’m ultra keen to see the shiit stack mate, as a novice this stuff gets complicated very quickly and your well informed assistance is always very much appreciated✌️

[@4thewin759]

Ron, I am a relatively new HiFi and am a tekton lover (DI owner after pendragons). I remember being introduced to your videos when you reviewed the impacts and... well you remember the stuff that happened there. Since then I avoided your videos because I was like wow I don't want to support something like that. I want to say that I think i was completely wrong. I'm not sure what happened with that particular issue but the vidoes you are making now are quite frankly, superb. I love your concise and easy to understand explanations. You hit the points without being too wordy and you seem to be a genuine hifi and music lover like all of us. This review was probably the best ive seen for the freya + (I own one) and agree with all things you said. I even shared it with someone else. I plan to subscribe as long as you do one thing for me... that is, what you did on this video, keep that going fa show. Cheers. J

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thanks and welcome back!

[@NickP333]

Short n’ sweet. Very cool. I’ve really wanted to hear one of these in my system for a while, if for nothing else, just to see how it stacks up to other preamps. Looking forward to the review of the Aegir amps. Thanks, Ron!

[@pedrocols]

I would say sweet. Twenty minutes review is way too long.

[@amusikpoem1071]

This is an exceptional review, Ron. Laid it out perfectly the 3 main preamp modes of the Freya+. I'm look forward to your upcoming reviews and the ultimate review of the Schiit stack!

[@Newrecordday2013]

Hey thanks!

[@BennyKsBandwidth]

Very Nice Ron! Loved the Review! I'm still waiting for mine to come in so I can hear that lovely piece of gear! :D

[@Newrecordday2013]

Your patience will be rewarded

[@treyhorn5645]

Great review ! ❤️☑️... It's on my list. Tube Rolling on that is gonna be endless fun... That's HiFi and how we learn... Awesome man !

[@dannyjonze]

great thaanks. have really wanted a good look at this and the aegir, sounds like a good plan.

[@derekf5495]

Nice review of the Freya. Schiit always has a place in my heart.

[@joeycastillo1496]

Great Review!! I have the Freya+ and what you said is spot On!! My single best spent $$ in my audio journey.

[@lwwells]

I’ve been waiting for this. :)

[@billwillard9410]

Great review on the +. It would’ve been nice to have heard about the experience you had with other equipment. I got one about a week ago and I’m keeping it. I did swap in some Sylvanias for the right hand pair and I prefer them. It’s great that you can try a bunch of different brand tubes with this and not break the bank.

[@audiorick841]

I got a Freya + over a year ago to replace a PS Stellar preamp. I am just writing to say that after living with it for over a year, you are bang on on your description and the value for money. It was cheaper than my PS audio preamp and much happier with the Freya, never looked back.

[@pseudoty]

Good to hear! Did you upgrade the tubes or still running stock?

[@audiorick841]

@@pseudoty Mine came stock with the Tungsol. I tried about 10 different tubes I landed with NOS Sylvania / Rogers 6SN7GTB in the gain stage and Sylvania 6F8G (with adapter) in the buffer stage. The Syl. 6SN7 Bring a great sound stage and a bit of warmth, not The most detailed but plenty enough. The 6F8G don’t sound as warm but more detailed so I put them in the buffer side. The combo works really well together. For someone that likes details you can flip them to the gain stage. If I did not already have the 6F8G I would say leaving the stock Tungsol in the buffer stage would do a close job.

[@billyoung4364]

Great review! 21 min fits my short attention span while covering all its features.

[@novicatoncic6908]

Old good Ron! Thanks for the great review!

[@angelgrant1609]

Great great video, I always enjoy your information,,,,,so much,,that I just ordered this Schiit Fray+ . How will it fair with my tube amplifier? Can I use it with tubes , sending the signal to my tube amp? Or should I use it in passive mode?

[@bphilbac]

Great review!

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Nice job ! won't be much longer ! Was going after a high end dac first but i always gotten more change out of the Pre-amp

[@MdWahidurRahmanOvi]

This is the kind of video I want to see more often.

[@markboyd934]

Md. Wahidur Rahman agreed.

[@kyb4649]

Thanks for the great job!

[@scutumboy1]

Nice review. I saw Thomas & Stereo’s review that caused me to purchase this product and this review of the plus is what caused me to order the plus.

[@timball4892]

First of all. Ron, excellent review. I have the exact setup you are reviewing. Aegir (monos), Freya+ and latest Bifrost multi. Using currently with Wharfedale Lintons and Very old and well maintained Rogers LS3/5A 15 ohms. Sources are Cambridge transport, apps Mac mini and Technics SL1200GR. I am the original owner of these purchased in 1976! I have been an audiophile most of my 68 years. I've owned everything from the ridiculous to sublime. ARE, CJ, Thiel, Mcintosh, Vandersteen, Roland, Spica, B&W and on and on. The Schiit product, in my view is that best value I have ever owned and performs way the hell above its price point. As you are soon to fully review the amps and DAC I would like to ask a few questions that maybe you can address when you review or message back. 1. I am ver interested in upgrading my speakers and am considering both the CSS 2TD's and the GRresearch Xotica's (currently unavailable),, In your review of the Aegir's it would be awesome if you could give your views on a few of the best speaker matches you have demoed with these amps. I have also considered Magnepan 1.7i's but am fearful they would not do well with the Aegir's given both their sensitivity and umpedance. Your thoughts will be appreciated. 2. I know you use the GR open baffle subs. How are you crossing them over? 3, What tubes are you using in the Freya? Hope this is not too much to ask and thanks again!

[@WavesOfAwesome]

Great review thanks, how would this compare to the Rogue 99 you previously reviewed?

[@MeOdioAudio]

Very Nice one, Ron. Thanks.

[@vicentevargas6755]

I'll love to hear your thoughts on Zu speakers. Great review by the way.

[@Coneman3]

Heard a Schitt DAC at a Hifi show and it was great. Seems like superb vfm hi end brand

[@scottohms2799]

@Ron, amazing presentation, if the plus was out of your (my) budget, considering I would need to implement the Bifrost, what would be considerable runner up ?

[@joesapereira5539]

Ron, Great review as usual. I am considering adding the Schiit Freya + to my system. I currently have the VTV Purifi amps with the VTV buffer. Should I be concerned with the buffer in the Freya integrating with the buffer in the VTV amp?

[@ismaelzapater5316]

Brilliant review...!

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Ron - Of Course there are Recordings that will still sound "perfectly fine", in Passive Mode. But perhaps, there is a Silver Lining in the Passive Mode, You didn't consider. And it IS because, It is Lacking More Dynamics, in Passive Mode. It can be considered more Ideal for "Night Time Playback" on your Speaker System - Call it , a "tool" in your arsenal for a "Good Neighbor Policy". Something especially handy for Apartment Dwellers, as well as College Kids under Dorm Conditions. Most especially while watching a Movie. Or just listening to It's Soundtrack. Regardless, How can the 'Freya' be criticized for successfully being a product that can be; "All Things, for Most People, for Most Recordings, under Most Conditions" ??? That, is a Stellar accomplishment ! I Just, You agree. ;-)

[@homerjones3291]

If the volume knob seems to be moving a little slow or binds up when using the remote, grab the volume knob and pull it out slightly away from the preamp body

[@Sparta155]

Thanks for the review! Particularly impressed with the vigorous hand gestures, ever think about window cleaning if the hifi gig doesn't work out?

[@Newrecordday2013]

Holy crap that made me laugh!

[@markwasilow2757]

wax on wax off!

[@infn]

I've known about Schiit ever since they broke onto the scene and for some reason or other have never had any of their components in my systems, even though I have wanted to try them. Looking forward to the Bifrost 2 aka Bimby review! I just might be having a little bit of buyers remorse with my RME ADI2 DAC and need a more 'organic' DAC...the Ygdrassil calls.

[@scottparrish5992]

Just got a Freya+ and NOS GE 6SN7 GTA tubes from the '50s. Holy crap, what a nice sound.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Awesome! Glad you are enjoying it!

[@scottparrish5992]

@@Newrecordday2013 Using a Bryston 4B THX amp with it at this point.

[@stevenlsmith18738]

Best review since yamaha reciever comparison, thank you.

[@ralex3697]

Steven Smith Receiver

[@kjbiz]

Good job on this one

[@tellthemborissentyou]

Thank you for a great review. Could you try the Freya with the pair of Aegirs and with a single Aegir to see if two in mono make a significant difference to one in stereo? That is one of the choices I am facing but can't test it out myself. Thanks John.

[@snowpuppy77]

Right on Bro. This company really puts some of these bouquet brand to shame. I have learned over the years that I can trust this company to consistently deliver value for the $ which is as good as it gets. And their priority is the same as mine, sound quality.

[@moktaabdul6310]

Dumbass, there's no tone controls. Sometimes I don't feel like to listen to high treble, I want to tone it down I can't. I want less bass, but can't. That's like having central heating on at 30c, but it's too hot, I can't tune it down.

[@michaelgarnett1372]

In my opinion this is a solid state preamp with a tube buffer not a tube preamp, understand that most wont care about that distinction

[@hilde45]

I know it is common to leave this off, but I would like this to have a balance knob on it. Especially with the small form factor, I would love to use this in my office, but it's very hard to get my speakers exactly equidistant from my ears. Thus, a balance knob is essential.

[@paulhester8086]

I wish Schitt would add the balance feature to a balanced equalizer! Kills 2 (or 3) birds with 1 stone.

[@gregoryfrassetti1276]

Cool review Ron. I'd like to know what the synergy is like when the Freya+ is hooked up to the diy NCore monoblocks kit you have and perhaps the XLS Encores or whatever other bookshelf speakers you got around. You can simply hit me up here about the synergy. Cause I'm really thinking about doing some diy building but probably not the preamp where the Freya comes in to play. You are the only reviewer I know that have the NCore kit and the Freya on tap, so please make it happen. I'm sure I got you a little curious 😉. Thanks, keep up the great work

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thank you! Yeah - I can imagine that combo kicking ass!

[@nikosidis]

Agree 100% Tubes are the magic!

[@jvburnes]

Thank you for breaking the review up. Excellent. BTW: I was on the fence between the Freya+ and (much) higher end preamps, but this review sort of decided it for me. I have fairly decent sources (Topping E30) and when run straight into my nc400 dual monoblocks it gave me pinpoint accuracy and a deep soundstage with the UB52s (which you also reviewed well). I assume the Freya in tube mode won't be killing my already present 3D holography. Maybe it will enhance it. (Now looking for NOS 6SN7s). BTW: The UB52s are suprisinginly good. They handily beat the NHT C3s which are known to be great and about twice the price. Next on the speaker test list are the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2EX for about $1500. RAAL ribbon tweeter up top and custom designed SEAS woofer kicking it from below.

[@Biefstukje]

How do you like the Freya?

[@dynaudiofocus]

Oh mate what have you done!! Literally Just sold this to me

[@McLeodAl]

Brilliant!

[@platomojo]

Well done!

[@btarr8561]

Just Received my FREYA + , FYI: They now come with electro-harmonix NOT JJs. At least thats what I was sent. I was also sent the TUNG-SOL from Schiit as the "upgrade".

[@nwestmoreland1]

Love this review! Can't wait to hear about the Bifrost 2 as well - thanks!

[@shubhromukerjee464]

It would be great if you can tell us which speakers you paired the Freya+ and the Aegir with. Perhaps even your recommendations on which speakers it would work with.

[@Davidcastillo-rw2zi]

I going to buy this preamp after I did my research I think this will be the best option. But can you recommend better tubes for it that the ones that comes with ?

[@ericnortan9012]

Just bought the Freya+(Noval). On clearance with tubes, $599. Very excited for it to arrive. I was looking at it for a while but didn't know if I wanted to invest $1000 in new tube tech that I may not like. Though familiar with tubes sound from hearing them over the years, the vintage stuff I was familiar with was always out of my reach. AB and D is all I really know so I figured a tube preamp, with a passive and active solid state option is the perfect way to introduce tubes to the system. I expect a subtle, but noticeable change with the tubes. I like my solid state amps too, I may never go "full tube" well see how it goes.

[@delvalle9256]

Ron , which replacement tubes can you recommend ? Thanks. I agree tube mode , balanced sources with the Freya plus ... fantastic

[@Newrecordday2013]

Boy - cost no object holy grail 6SN7s? RCA red base, Brimars or Sylvanias would all be insane... take your pick and bring your pocket book! You will need it!

[@silversynergy]

Ron, I welcome any thoughts/opinion you might have as to how you think the Freya+ would measure up to a 40 yr old tube preamp such as ARC SP8 MkII? Older (but good) technology and design vs new tech and balanced? Looking at either to buy, SP8 used vs new Freya+. Thanks much and enjoy all your reviews!

[@johnhpalmer6098]

From reading about passives and seeing what others have had to say, probably more so than most active pre's out there, you may need to be more cognizant of what you plug into a passive pre, the Freya+ included when in passive mode as far as their output gain as it seems that may be an issue if you plan on integrating vinyl into your system, especially if you plan on going with either low output Moving Coil or Low output Moving Iron carts as the overall output of the MC step up transformer or head unit + the output of your MM phono stage may not be quite enough to give you adequate listening levels and remember and the same may be true with some MM/High Output MI/MC carts if they have lowish output. Also, that volume control (per Paul McGowen of PS Audio) is really an attenuater as at full volume, you are at full gain, turn it down, you are attenuating the gain down in essence to where it's an open circuit (no gain at all). So that can be an issue when you go with either unity gain actives or totally passive in some circumstances.

[@edshipe2555]

Thanks Ron for another entertaining and informative review. I'm just back into the audiophile hobby. This match may sound a little crazy but I'm considering pairing the Freya + a Crown Drive Core or another neutral type class d amp with Buchardt S400s. May waite Buchardt is coming out with an integrated class D with Hypex ncore amp. Trying to keep the total package price under 4000 USD. Any opinions appreciated.

[@Newrecordday2013]

I haven’t tried the crown amps but that seems like an interesting combo and I can’t imagine it not working!

[@edshipe2555]

@@Newrecordday2013 thanks Ron. Yes figure spend a little more on a good preamp. The tubes and buffers should be able to provide what a class d is sometimes lacking. If I want a pure neutral sound run with the buffer and tubes off. Then is I want more warmth and depth add the tubes. If I like it great if not I'll replace the amp which was the cheapest part of the system.

[@megatapped]

Me too I'm thinking Crown 2502 and Freya plus $1600 all in ?? I'm thinking It might descent with some old JBLs and B & W s

[@purplerider2362]

I finally pulled the trigger. I’m gonna connect it to a emotiva xpa dr2 power amp. I hope this will be a good match.

[@jeffkalina7727]

When you mention balanced XLR connections it would be good to say whether it is "Fully Balanced" or not. Thanks

[@ericnortan9012]

So, I have had mine for a year (Freya + N) and love it. I agree with your assessment of the active stage. I like the passive stage sometimes too, I have a nice RME DAC and some stuff sounds so clean I hate messing with the signal. I like to get it straight. I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a set of Tyrs or Vidar 2s. Still deciding. Are the Tyrs really that much better than the Vidar 2? About twice the cost, but still pretty reasonable for a nice set of monoblocks.

[@LennyCooke636]

Great interview ! Unless something else pops up, this will probably be the last component on my ever evolving stereo system. It's been evolving since 1986. Made in USA is a plus ?

[@RJ_Chicago]

Ron, you and Thomas have given the Freya+ a good review. Steve Gutenberg just gave the Backert Rhumba a great review and you did the same 5 years ago for the Rhythm 1.1. The question I have is if I am not looking for a tube preamp that masquerades as solid state, does the Freya+ punch way above its relatively meager price up to the level of the Backerts? On the other hand, is the Freya+ clearly better in tube mode or are one of the Backerts clearly better? Then how come no one has reviewed the Decware preamp? Thanks!

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Great Job Ronnieday 😆 Thanks for the review ! I been wanting to review the Freya Plus ! After Thomas reviewed the First Freya and Thomas gave it high remarks which means i would most likely love it , Now your review of the ➕ that was the Cherry on Top even though i know you don't Sugar SCHIIT ! 😆 😆 😆

[@Whatisthis94]

Thinking to get this based on your review. Was gonna also buy emotiva basx a1. Have Martin Logan sequel 2 and a fluance 85. What you think?

[@nelsono4315]

excellent review! Thank You UPDATE as of Dec. 2022: I have had the Freya+ for a few months now and I am very happy with it. I love it! And I am using the stock tubes. I use the Freya+ in mostly tube mode but every now and then I will use it in active buffer mode. I am pairing it with the Carver M500t power amp and my ears love the sound. I will soon be pairing it with the Jeff Rowland 125 power amp and I am looking forward to that combo. I did some research before buying the Freya+ and I am very happy with my purchase. I also have the Schiit Mani phono preamp and am very happy with that as well. Keep an eye on Schiit, they are doing some good things and putting out some excellent products at reasonable prices. This is some good Schiit!! 🙂

[@hitchpaprocki2649]

Nevermind what I said on the excellent Aegir review. I thought Freya was another power amp.

[@johnlong9862]

Buy two Freya + to do dual mono vertical bi-preamp for your main rig. Another one for your active monitors rig.

[@michaelmityok1001]

Bought this pre 2 months ago and it came with Russian Tung Sol tubes. They seem fine to me, but I have not started tube rolling yet, still burning the unit in. Totally agree with your assessment Ron, the 3-modes-in-one feature is a fantastic means of learning how different preamps can sound. The tube mode with 12 db of gain is my favorite, but the other 2 modes have been useful contrasts, and occasionally I find a piece of music that I enjoy the other modes just as much with. I'd just add that the Freya's balanced output impedance is 600 ohms, so be careful when matching it with SS amps; but the unbalanced output impedance is 75 ohms, so you could go that way if your amp has lowish input impedance. I have Class AB 250 watt SS monoblocks, and the input impedance is 55K, so in tube mode the extra gain comes in handy with dynamics as my speakers are hard-to-drive B&W 702s. My next purchase is going to be a tube or pure Class A amp, maybe a hybrid Class D with tubes in the input stage - any suggestions would be much appreciated!

[@JasonDominus]

Russian Tung Sol tubes are some of the best new tubes you can buy. In the guitar amp world tubes made in the Russian plant are considered the best in terms of tone. The Czechoslovakia plant is a close second. Chinese tubes are a distant third. Chinese tubes are cheap and will be found as the default tube in so many tube amps. The work fine and sound average. In the audiophile world the only great Chinese tubes I know of are the ones Audio Note uses. They had their own factory tooled to make the tubes exactly how they want. Nobody makes tubes like they do. They sound amazing.

[@oleksiifilippov68]

Jason Haefner I’ve tried several Russian tubes, NOS and modern Tung Sol with Saga. While the NOS tube was the way to go with the ELAC Uni-Fi ($1-2 where I live), Tung Sol was a touch better for $20. Voiced great. Good bass. But with more resolving KEF R300 I greatly preferred Chinese Psvane for $50. Especially in the highs. That said, with ELACs I still preferred Russian ones, not because of the price, but because they were better match tonaly, and I didn’t lose anything in terms of resolution. So, I guess it’s all system dependent.

[@JasonDominus]

@@oleksiifilippov68 It's even deeper than system dependent. Depending on quality control you could just be hearing is variance in manufacturing tolerance or post manufacturing tolerance by the reseller. NOS MIL spec tubes being a perfect example of something that would be a tighter tolerance and more robust build than your everyday off the shelf. Not that they are absolutely better. Power tube systems can be biased so what you roll to may better align with the tolerance of the device bias or may not. That in turn could be more to your sonic preference or not. The point being that tube rolling without understanding the device technology compared to what you buy is just shooting in the dark.

[@oleksiifilippov68]

Jason Haefner Tolerances of course differ much more than in solid state devices, but I’ve had a bunch of Russians. Tried around 7 of them. One was better than the other, but the difference between the best Russian and single Chinese still was more than the difference between Russians. Except for one mil spec Russian with metal base and perforation, but I didn’t like the sound. Too tubey. Maybe it was dead already, who knows. Also tried several NOS Sylvanias. Better detailed than Russians, it was interesting, one still is waiting in the box.

[@rotorfix]

I bought mine pre-owned but it came equipped with the trash JJ tubes as did Rons. Swapped them out for some Sylvanias and it came alive. I bet the new-production Tung Sols are superior as well.

[@hoygising1]

Hi Ron I have a Freya plus I want to upgrade the tubes, can you recommend An upgrade tube better than the stock? Thanks

[@kaisersoze9488]

You nailed it in the coffin great review

[@ptg01]

Just saw this ! Super IMPRESSIVE !!! I've been eyeing on Freya+ for a year or so but haven't pulled the trigger. I want to use it to add more single ended inputs to my all tube integrated AMP Rogers High Fidelity. The manufacturer tells me to make sure the pre-amp you are using has NO GAIN. Is that the case for Buffer mode ? Also, do you know if the single ended output in passive or buffer mode carries the signal from balanced inputs (ie. selecting one of 2 balanced inputs) ? My integrated amp only has single ended ports but I do have a music source that has balanced out that I would love to use into the Freya+.

[@mp29k]

Not sure if it’s different on the Freya + than the Freya S, but on my S, I use the passive mode as a standby. That way I don’t have to reach behind the preamp for the rear mounted power switch.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Yup! Good point!

[@billwillard9410]

Yes, with the + you can put it in passive mode if you’re not going to be listening for a while, and the tubes will shut down. It takes less than a minute for them to warm up again after you’ve had it out of tube mode for I think, more than 5 seconds.

[@robk5745]

hahha skaheeet audio baby. This is the start of my next set up, thinking of this with a class d amp :)

[@scottlowell493]

I'm using EH gold pins right now. Not too gooey and not rolled off/romantic. Much better than the stock tesla or jj. (Those tubes are too safe/cool sounding). I have Lisst (depletion mosfet) on the way to try.

[@markwasilow2757]

Ron, how would a Freya+ and Vidar compared to a 1200 Yamaha Integrated amp?

[@billwillard9410]

After living with a Freya Plus for a couple of years, I feel that you have three options of different compromises. I switch between the modes and keep it at one for weeks then feel I’m missing something and move to another one. Lately am using passive mode which gives me the resolution and clarity, and the channel panning that some music offers. Then I’ll go to the buffer mode and there’s a little bit more punchiness and body, and then later on I’ll kick the tubes in and it’s more exciting and the sound is room filling, until I realize that certain instruments are being smeared and less distinguishable than before, and the cycle starts again (after swapping out different tubes). I never liked the JJ’s for long, quiet but just meh. I prefer Sylania’s in the buffer sude and my favorite JAN/CHY CBS 5692’s in the gain side. Definitely worth tube rolling before you get disgusted with it and throw it on eBay. I also believe that it can determine your future decisions on tube equipment since you can switch between modes in a relatively short period of time.

[@mark4406]

If I want the best of both worlds, I can just insert this between a Benchmark AHB2 amp and their DAC3. Does that sound right? Passive mode to go for straight neutrality and the active modes to add seasoning.

[@beslemeto]

So which tubes for full,rich and natural sound?

[@michaellittle2995]

Ron, I am late to this review but am building an Amp Camp Amp for fun. What do you think of the Freya+ in front of one?

[@rjpwp001]

I’m planning to put one in between my Amp Camp monoblocks and a RME ADI-2 DAC. Just ordered the Freya on Friday.

[@billwillard9410]

Like to mention that the top of the Freya+ is warm in passive mode, very warm in JFET mode, and almost too hot to keep your hand on in tube mode, so don’t put anything on top opposite the tubes.

[@homerjones3291]

I’ve run into an issue with the remote controlling the volume. It started out as being a “dead spot” of sorts when the knob got to a certain position. Asked Schiit,; they suggested pulling the knob a little out away from the chassis, which seemed to work for a while. Now it won’t work at all, even with the knob pulled out almost falling off of the shaft. I can hear the motor laboring but it won’t move with the remote at all. The volume control still works manually, and all of the other functions work via remote. I saw someone on Reddit that posted a video showing the exact same issue, so I’m not the only one. Sent another email to Schiit for advice.

[@homerjones3291]

If the volume knob seems to be moving a little slow or binds up when using the remote, grab the volume knob and pull it out slightly away from the preamp body. You might be able to save the motor from damage before it gets too bad.

[@Fishbowlfx8]

Passive has at most a unity gain, i.e., no gain at all. Active may be a bit tricky to the ears because many would come to conclude that it gives range etc. Remember it's active so it has >unity gain and some active circuitry that enhances and/or deimphasize here and there.

[@BetterISupposeYeah]

yeah they will get my money

[@billwillard9410]

You’re the second reviewer I’ve heard that said the + would not be embarrassed by more expensive offerings. Not a giant killer, but possibly Good Enough, For Now.

[@rotorfix]

I bought one and it outclasses my $2200 tube preamp.