Schiit Freya Preamp Review (Episodic)

Discussion in 'Preamps' started by purr1n, Jan 14, 2017.

  1. 9suns

    9suns [insert unearned title here]

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  2. DylanC

    DylanC New

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    I'm thinking of building a new system around a Freya with active monitors, maybe Yamaha HS8 or similar.

    Does anyone have any experience with a similar system to give feedback on sound quality and let me know if there's anything I should watch out for?
     
  3. bengo

    bengo Friend

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    Get a SYS instead, keep your cable lengths reasonable and spend the difference on better monitors. Don't fall into the trap of "expensive must be better than cheap". I use my SYS with a $4k DAC. It's surprisingly transparent.

    If you do need the remote or extra inputs, folks who heard both say the Saga is cleaner (and less tubey) than Freya. If you also need XLR inputs, just use a suitable cable.
     
  4. DylanC

    DylanC New

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    Thanks Bengo, I forgot to mention that remote volume control is a must. Sounds like Saga may be a good option although it feels like Freya may just give a bit more flexibility with the additional jfet output.

    I have to think about whether I would want the extra option over the longer term vs saving some cash for a step up in speakers, although having heard the Yamaha HS speakers against JBLs and the new Mackie XR speakers I felt like the Yamahas hit the sweet spot for value among the 8 inch monitors given they're around half the price of the Mackies here. Genelec G five and studio equivalent were very impressive but sadly way out of price range.
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2017
  5. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    The general feeling is that with Freya you can get more tube-sound, but Saga is more transparent. I assume the transparency comments are regarding the tube buffers only, as I've not read anyone who's compared the passive modes of each.

    If you're planning to run any significant length of cables to your monitors you're probably better off with Freya for the Jfet mode and/or balanced outputs (if your monitors will accept them).

    I'm not really aware of anything in either Saga or Freya's price range that can compete with their flexibility or sound quality (although admittedly I have not done an exhaustive search because I just trust Schiit's stuff).
     
  6. bengo

    bengo Friend

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    I own and like the Dynaudio BM15A, you might try one of the smaller siblings. For non Freya stuff please use the general advice thread
     
  7. econaut

    econaut Almost "Made"

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    Just to make sure I understand correctly: volume control with Freya/Saga and Jot steady on 3 o'clock, for example?
     
  8. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    From Marvey, yes. Personally I would keep the Jotunheim at max and do all volume control with Freya. The potentiometer is basically just another resistor at the input. Whats the point in having a relay switched stepped attenuator if you dont use it?

    Gain on the Saga is 1x as well as the Freya with the SS buffer, which means its like plugging straight into the source when Saga/Freya is set to max volume. So you can experiment with settings without worrying about blowing stuff up.
     
  9. econaut

    econaut Almost "Made"

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    Any thoughts on the new production Tung-Sol tubes that Schiit offers now?

    Actually I am satisfied with the stock tubes (Saga and Freya), but my Freya is quite noisy at times. Thus I am interested in the Tung-Sols when they are available in Europe.
     
  10. gaspasser

    gaspasser Flatulence Maestro

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    I use the Electro Harmonix (matched quad for 80 USD on eBay) in Freya because the stock tubes were so microphonic. You should be able to get either for cheap in EU, no need to wait just eBay it.
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2018
  11. Thomas Crown

    Thomas Crown New

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    Same here, 4 EH golden pins, not too expensive but I can crank the volume up without incurring to any distortion, unlike the stock ones
     
  12. Josh

    Josh Acquaintance

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    I have the same issues with my Tung Sol's and losing sound, to the point I had to send it back to Schiit and this weird sound that floats around my left channel that comes and goes. I also have this "blurring effect" when changing channels. You hear the click, then a fuzzing effect almost, hard to describe.

    Currently running Tung-Sol 6SN7GTB New Prod that I bought from Tube Depot, anyone have any other suggestions
     
  13. bixby

    bixby Friend

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    Get some better 6sn7 tubes. Even the russian and eu tubes should not be as bad as you described. But most china and new eu production cannot hold a candle to old us made tubes. Even used rca and sylvanias sound nice and generally last. Just an observation of about 14 years of using them in a headphone amp and my deHavilland pre.
     
  14. winders

    winders boomer

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    I have some nice tubes for sale here:

    http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/fs-6sn7-tube-pairs.5826/
     
  15. Josh

    Josh Acquaintance

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  16. topekk

    topekk New

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  17. drgumbybrain

    drgumbybrain Science Nut

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    I have those! Psvane make some fine tubes!! this is one of them. Prefer it vs my brimmar. You will need socket savers!
     
  18. drgumbybrain

    drgumbybrain Science Nut

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    TALking a little bit about tubes for Freya. Did anyone tried those? They claim to be made in Canada.... but... who knows?you can observe the Chinese look in them.
    here:
    http://www.thetubestore.com/Tubes/Northern-Electric/Northern-Electric-6SN7
     
  19. Garns

    Garns Friend

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    I don't think they do claim to be made in Canada. They claim that NE tubes USED to be made in Canada, which is true. I concur that these are probably Chinese.

    Personally I can't see any reason to buy new 6SN7 when you can get a pair of excellent NOS tubes for the price of one of those new ones.
     
  20. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    based on my listening on Freya: Psvane CV181 TIII > Sophia 6SN7 ≥ Northern Electric 6SN7. The Sophia's excel at space and nuance. Northern Electric is very similar, which they should be considering they're very, very similar construction. From what I've seen, the differences between the TJ Full Music/Sophia/Northern Electric are minimal, if any at all. NE 6sn7 was a little more closed in, but this may be due to lack of break-in. I admittedly didn't spend much time with the NE 6SN7 since they seemed so similar, sonically, to the Sophias.

    edit: I'm also fairly certain the NE tubes are made in china by TJ Full Music.
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2018

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