The Freya+ is a nice step up. If the amp can use them, I've had really good luck with the new cv-181 variants from shuguang Razakoz, Feb 17, 2020 #2 The overall power consumption is 40 watts with an input impedance of 10K Ohms. As with the Schiit Ragnarok, the Plus has a relay switched 128-stepped attenuator which gives near perfect channel matching and comfortably clicks with each turn. The maximum gain depended on whether the tube stage was operating and whether I was using the unbalanced inputs and outputs or the balanced inputs and outputs. The preamplifier's balanced output impedance was lowest with the volume control set to its maximum, at 638 ohms. The Freya+ sells for $899. The guitar parts from 15 Steps translated as a smooth, euphonic sound thick with both detail and dimensionality. Of course, we can always eat Cake - can't we ? I would love to see a review of the Saga S. I have one, and have a similar impression to KR as far as the buffer stage sound. The result is said to reduce noise levels by a significant 20 decibels. Its great. The Schiit products come well packaged in a large cardboard box. AKRMedia produces websites and digital magazines that provide reviews of two channel and personal audio components, interviews with innovators across the audio industry, as well as interviews with existing, new, and rising music makers. For $899 you get a triple mode line stage, with a 128 stepped attenuator, rarely used but beautiful sounding 6SN7 tubes (new production Tung Sols to boot) and a nice metal remote control. How do those work again? Sometimes a preamp can do more harm than good or add an unwanted sound signature to your system. It seems puzzling that Schiit's designers created such a wonderful Company, built products that are so widely loved and even cherished yet insist on making us cope with such easy to remedy problems. https://psvanetube.com/wordpress/store/products/treasure-globe-6sn7-se-pair-gf-limited-special-editi Freya+ has a completely new tube stage, with DC heaters and a noise-cancelling semi-circlotron output buffer, which reduces noise by more than 20dB when compared to the original Freyaa significant improvement! The Freya + establishes what the original set out to do with its involving and holographic sound as well as the convenience of controlling multiple sources from one device. Latest to be released are a selection of preamps including: Saga S, Saga +, Freya S & Freya + which have been touted as improved iterations of previous products. Switch between passive, differential buffer, and differential tube gain modes, enjoy the fine control of a 128-step relay-switched stepped attenuator volume control with perfect channel matching, and control it all from the comfort of your favorite chair. I could not reliably tell the difference between the Freya + passive mode and JFET buffer mode. [[Editor's note: as we were going to publication with this review, Schiit announced two new versions of its Freya preamp: the Freya S, which lacks this model's tube gain stage; and the Freya +, which features a new tube stage with DC heaters and a noise-cancelling semi-circlotron output buffer, and a new differential JFET buffer stage, which converts signle-ended signals to balanced, among other enhancements.]]. Just wait for it. Schiit now ships with what we believe are a super choice, new production Tung Sol. The new editions are part of Schiits new Project Thunderdome category where buyers dictate which products stay and which should be discontinued. Like their more budget version products, the design is a real testament to Schiits craftsmanship and premium appeal. Freya+ uses our new fastenerless chassis for a sleeker overall look. As with the previous model, the passive mode offers a solid-state flavour with a more transparent and revealing sound albeit with less soundstage and harmonic bloom compared to the tube gain. #1 This is a review and detailed measurements of the Schiit Freya S balanced preamplifier. They are different.. Technically different, but fundamentally the same. The system was was balanced from DAC to preamp, to power amp, with Black Rhodium Symphony XLR cables. Freya S and Freya+ from $599. However, the low frequencies started to roll off below 100Hz, reaching 0.75dB at 20Hz. That's a very good preamp and I was able to use one along time ago. This may well be due to this channel's tubes not being as well-matched as the left channel's, perhaps due to age. The Freya S looks great paired with the Chord Dave. I probably purchased my last high dollar vinyl for now. I have a Freya+ and want to love it but don't.
Schiit Freya + vs Freya N - is one warmer sounding? If I have to spend a ton of money for tubes the N could end up exceeding the price of the +. Lee Shelly The Freya has a differential, fully balanced design with two sets of stereo XLR inputs as well as three sets of RCA inputs; the latter being two. The Schiit's unbalanced input impedance was close to the specified value, at 9.9k ohms at 20Hz and 1kHz, dropping slightly to 9.1k ohms at 20kHz. ), Forum Policies, Rules, and Terms of Service. Tubes, Class A. The channel matching was preserved at lower settings of the volume control, but the increase in output impedance at low frequencies meant that the bass rolled off prematurely with low impedances. This preamp has no standby mode either. The nexus stage, as far as I understand it, makes the the gain from both balanced I/O and single ended I/O the same. With a balanced 1kHz tone at 1V into 100k ohms from the balanced, solid state buffered output and the volume control set to its maximum (fig.6), the third harmonic was the highest in level, at just 110dB (0.0003%). Note the extremely low level of THD+N in this graph at levels below 2V: just 0.0004%! The fit and finish competes with offerings costing much more. The new Freya changed the way those LEDs are used. The tubes added authority and weight to bass. Schiit gear seems consistently outstanding in two ways: 1.) The Schiit Freya tube preamplifier. "So whats the difference between Freya+ and the original Freya?Actually, quite a bit. The Freya S,Passive or Active Solid State Remote Balanced Preamp for $599.00 and the Freya Plus Passive or Active Solid State or Tube Remote Balanced Preamp which is $899.00.
Schiit Freya + line preamplifier | Stereophile.com 2.) All Rights Reserved, Danacable Lazuli Reference Headphone Cable, Morrical on the Hardware: Wall Audio Opus 88 Stereo Preamplifier, Reimagining Net Neutrality: The Mola Mola Kaluga Class D Mono Power Amplifiers and Companion Makua Preamplifier (with onboard DAC and Phono Modules), Simaudio Moon 390 Network Player and Preamplifier, Classe's Sum of Preamps - the Classe Sigma SSP, Premier Review of Zesto Audio Leto 1.5 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier. Jason Sotddard actually prefers the sound of the tubeless Freya as do many others so you save a few bucks going that route. My only reservation was in the midrange, which had a tendency to sound just a little bit muddy on occasion. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. I had a small cosmetic issue with the unit. For $299, it is an extremely clean sounding preamp with excellent build quality. At 11lb, the Freya + isn't a heavyweight, but considering its compact size, it's substantial. Oh, I should note, I am looking at going from the GFP-750 because volume knob is scratchy in the right channel when using balanced and the remote is getting flaky. The spacing is tight. Schiit Audio Freya+ Preamplifier and Vidar Amplifier. To add some context to the observations above, we have had numerous far more expensive tubed preamps in the system, including multiple models from Rogue, Audio Research, Lamm, Manley, and others. Only the Freya line allows for such connections and collectively the more expensive series did a great job of delivering pellucidity along with upriver sonics. Schiit have taken their already well-received Freya preamp and have incorporated modifications that fans of the company have eagerly asked for.
The Freya+ has five pairs of inputs and three pairs of outputs, so you can use a subwoofer with it or make it the heart of a full audio or theater system. Schiit have taken their already well-received Freya pre-amp and have incorporated modifications that fans of the company have eagerly asked for. It is just the physical relays engaging for the stepped attenuation. My speakers are 96 dB / Watt, 8 ohm, and amps output almost 300 Watts at 1V input. Russian Glass Tubes are NOW Sanctioned ! What might explain the diversity in this case? It was kindly loaned to me from a member who bought it used. Next thing i know its 5/29 and i see the above thread about a Freya upgrade. Pepper, and The White Album. Second, the Freya+ permits us to express our position by actively bypassing the Russian tubes on a daily basis. Please let us know which version you would like and we will charge you accordingly. Affiliate programs and Looking to see if (ideally) anyone has experience with both of these, if not one or the other, so that I can gather some feedback on how the solid state modes perform on each. Freya+ is sold only with new production Tung-Sol tubes, which we have found to be superior to affordable NOS tubes. With the tube stage and the same output level and load, the second harmonic was still the highest in level (fig.8), more so in the right channel than the left, but the noisefloor had risen by the expected 10dB. I've recently found some NOS GE tubes here and there (mostly there), and having messed around with a bunch of 6SN7GTBs the GEs are my faves. However, there are some differences between the new model and its predecessor. If you are shopping for a tubed preamp with the features described above, we have peaked your interest, dont take our word for it, we strongly suggest you give the Freya+ a listen and take advantage of Schiits virtually risk free purchase. Overall the sonics felt tight, but not as exciting as the other options presented that night. Instead, Freya uses a 128-step microprocessor-controlled voltage attenuator. Maybe more efficient speakers might help. It was 0.08dB at the balanced output for both the balanced and unbalanced inputs, ie, just below unity gain. Freya + Impressions. However, there are some differences between the new model and its predecessor. This review shall be focusing on the Freya+ preamplifier which is a welcomed addition to Schiit's already popular predecessor. Interesting about the LEDs being less bright after I nearly went insane trying to get them into the little holes after taking apart my original version Freyatrying to put green marker on the LEDs to dim them. The simple design is likely what makes it a good deal more holographic and tube sounding (the good kind-bloom/decay) than the Freya+. Inside the chassis is where things start to get interesting. Considering the cost of Freya, this preamp allows you to dip your toes in the pool instead of jumping in. If you want that clean Class A solid state sound then the Freya/solid state setup is for you. Affordable Audiophile! There is no doubt most passive controllers essentially live and die by their volume controls. With the Freya long gone, it was not possible to do side by side comparisons, but it did seem, with the rest of the system essentially intact, the noise floor was lower, and the tonal colors were just as saturated. Needed a preamp for all of the sources. The volume clicks are louder than I thought, almost like a ratchet wrench but that is really not a problem for me. For example, the Freya + captivates more of a warm sound with some midrange thump and smoother vocal delivery. (This figure includes the Audio Precision's source impedance of 40 ohms.) For this reason, I would strongly urge readers to try this product for those seeking a smart pre-amplifier solution. The Freya+ arrived well packaged, and the first thing we noticed is how much better the new metal remote is. If the volume knob is set too high, there's a chance you could damage your speaker's drivers due to the large increase in voltage being sent to your amplifier. His joke of and they all were the Ragnarok 2 before the reveal still has me laughing. I pronounce it like SKITE if anyone asks lol. The Freya+ is a Thunderdome category product. With the ability to cycle the tubes on/off, one can leave the preamp on all the time, sort of like a stand by status, and then turn on as necessary. With my system (Wyred4Sound Dac2 and self powered Martin Logan Purity Speakers), I loved the original Freyas overall sound and bang for the buck but the noise floor and gain were a little too high with my very sensitive powered system (0.5 volts for full volume). Tubes + sort of Class A = something I want to try. There are enough inputs to accommodate numerous sources, including two XLR inputs. @axememan- You mentioned a hum issue "at first". It is our belief the Freya+ was not in any way embarrassed by these units, and in fact, held its own in every category except maybe for less elaborate case work. The chassis feels and looks incredibly sleek and with the new fasterlessness design fits well with Schiits Made in America product range. The solid state on both the original and + are dead quiet and have excellent resolution. The rest of them I haven't tried yet. My speakers are 99db efficient and Id know it if a pesky hum showed updoes the new Freya seem to have returned to the 12 db or so jump in tube mode? Neither of these tubes are particularly expensive and actually can cost about the same as the new Tung Sols. But it's still a true no-excuses, balanced, remote-control preamp. Schiit has the N available again for $599. This can also be seen in fig.5, which plots the THD+N percentage against frequency at 1V into 100k ohms, a level where actual distortion is starting to rise above the noisefloor. Another inexpensive solution is getting a Pioneer Urushi Preamp from 1990 about. I had the opportunity to spend a bit of time with one and I tube rolled. This is the highest quality volume control you can have. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. One point - neither my Freya nor my previous Saga, had infinite spin on the volume knob. The input and output connectors around back and the selector buttons on front also inspired confidence. PrimaLuna Dialogue HP integrated amp > Magico A3. Im more than satisfied with the one Ive got. One recent release, Walk Through Fire, the debut by British neo soul songstress Yola, The 24/48 download came through as expansive, artfully layered, and cinematic in scope. has anyone compared the Freya+ to other things in the 1000 dollar range? They say the JFET buffer state has also been redesigned. The new editions are part of Schiit's new "Project Thunderdome" category where buyers dictate which products stay and which should be discontinued. All components inBOLDare loaned; all components in standard face are owned by me. My only caution is that the high output impedance at low frequencies from all the outputs will result in a lightweight balance with power amplifiers that have an input impedance much below 10k ohms. and delighted to see it get class A in Stereophile. The Schiit Freya + (US$899, preview here) has other ideas. It will be interesting to see if there is enough demand for this product to survive Schiit's 'Thunderdome' concept. With a well set up pair of transducers and proper source material the Saga + is capable of sonic delights, but ultimately throwing money at the problem here does result in more for it. The evolution of the original irreverent and irrelevant and non-authoritative site for headphone measurements, i.e. As with the Schiit Ragnarok, the Plus has a relay switched 128-stepped attenuator which gives near perfect channel matching and comfortably clicks with each turn. There was always a stopping point on either end. With the tube stage active and with the volume control again set to its maximum, the Schiit's S/N ratios were 1011dB lower, ie, the noisefloor had risen by approximately the amount of gain added by the tubes. There was just something off about how the volume control worked with the OG Saga and OG Freya. Lots of good press I suppose. Dynamics are greatly improved with the lower noise floor. With the input signal changed to a single-ended 1kHz tone (fig.7), the third harmonic rose slightly, but the highest-level harmonic was now the second, at 88dB (0.004%). With the added remote control motorized pot, the Freya Plus enters a whole new level of user convenience and feature-led experience. I guess now they cemented the thing shut? Piano sections from QueensDont Stop Me Now were placed within the soundscape with intent and appeared as a clean, unobstructed duplicate of a well micd instrument. ConclusionI don't normally use a preamp in my system, but I found that Schiit Audio's Freya made me enjoy the music I listen to more, and isn't that what this hobby is all about?
A short film about the Schiit Freya + | Darko.Audio Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by james, Jan 31, 2021. There is an upgraded chassis, a much better remote control unit, and a redesigned tube stage which Schiit says lowers the noise floor significantly. Listening to the original Freya it is clear why they chose this unjustly ignored tube. These are well known, highly regarded tubes and worked extremely well in the Freya. It would be very interesting if Schiit decided to design and market a tubed power amp as impressive as the Freya+. This brings us to the focus of this review, the Schiit Audio Freya+ Preamplifier. Another note, I've found the Tung Sols to be consistent but somewhat duller sounding than the NOS RCAs and Sylvanias that I prefer to use in mine. The control labelling seems indeciferable Never fatiguing. $599 Ships 1-3 days Description Specs FAQ Reviews Downloads Freya S is, quite simply, a solid-state Freya+. Commendably, the THD+N doesn't change significantly with frequency, particularly with the solid state buffered output (green and gray traces). If you want a tubey sounding preamp, shop elsewhere. The potentiometer offers tactile volume change with the IR sensor for the remote found on the far right of the device. Both are end-game preamps, without the mortgage-worthy price. I own one and love it with some upgraded tubes.
Schiit Freya+ Tube Recommendations | Steve Hoffman Music Forums Schiit have taken their already well-received Freya pre-amp and have incorporated modifications that fans of the company have eagerly asked for. One for each of its three operational modes: 1) passive solid-state; 2) active solid-state; 3) a quad of 6SN7 tubes. Between this an the Decware Zen triode amp any regular Joe can experience sound that is near as good as it gets and get a no BS product where you get real value for you dollar. That could of course be just based on the limited set of amps that Ive heard, but they always seem to fall that way for me. Finally, and quite excitingly, the Freya + has a motorized remote-controlled pot providing convenience and an added touch of class in the home-setting. Schiit supplied me with four 6SN7 vacuum tubes. As per our usual way, we listened to numerous new and vintage recordings. It isn't. I gaze upon the Freya, I have found a certain elegance to the preamplifier. 1 memeseeker 1 yr. ago Thank you! Ive got an original Freya with NOS tubes (CBS Hytron and GE) feeding a pair of PS Audio M700 monoblocks and have used that with both Zu Omens and Klipsch Heresy IIIs and there was Zero noise audible with my ear right up at the speaker.
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