4 New Schiit Preamps (Saga and Freya variants)

Discussion in 'Preamps' started by rlow, May 28, 2019.

  1. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    You can also order a khozmo passive with the remote option.
     
  2. Mrip

    Mrip Friend

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    On the Freya S, are both the balanced and SE outputs active all the time?
     
  3. schiit

    schiit SchiitHead

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  4. tlainhart

    tlainhart New

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    I'm curious as to the differences between the differential stages in the Freya S (Nexus) and the Freya+ (differential buffer), in terms of sonics and usability/flexibility.

    I own a 2019 pre-Thunderdome Freya (Schiit-supplied NOS tubes) and often find myself switching between tube and SS. I often linger on tube, and I wonder if it's because it does do the SE to balanced thing (I have both SE and balanced into Freya) on the tube stage. If Freya/S does that better, *and* on output (my Freya is sending SE to Jotunheim, and XLR to Vidars) could be that's what I like hearing. For the NOS tubes that in are my Freya, I'm not hearing significant goodness over SS (except for increased gain).
     
  5. Cary

    Cary New

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    Perhaps a really stupid question, but for the Freya + and Feya S, will balanced still be 6db louder than single ended? I am not sure because of the fact they convert singled ended to balanced and vice versa. While I am asking dumb questions, will the gain on the Freya + tube stage still be 12db over passive and active when used with balanced? Trying to decide if I want to try the + or S.
     
  6. Jalsar

    Jalsar Facebook Friend

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    I’ve really been wanting to add a remote to my Lyr 3. How transparent is the saga in passive? I would be running 100% volume and just turning it down 10%-20% for louder albums. Or should I just my lazy ass out of my lazy boy?
     
  7. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

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    Seems most of the talk is revolving around the Freya, but has anyone heard the new Saga models? Particularly the S. May just have to buy one and report back myself.
     
  8. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    My Freya S just shipped, meaning they're in stock in iurop, if you were waiting for that.

    Freya S has a unity gain nexus mode. Freya +'s tube stage has a gain 4 (12dB).

    I'm not sure about SE-Bal conversion, and straight bal depends on how hot your source is.
     
  9. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    I'm anxiously waiting for @purr1n s Freya S and + comparison, but I really want the S to come out at least close to the + because it would be so much more practical for my application. Runs cool, no magic lightbulb nervosa, cheap, and much better suited if putting it into an enclosed cabinet.

    I could manage F+ if it were a big improvement over FS in any output mode, but it would have to go on the top of the rack. I'd only run tube output for serious listening, but would probably leave it on the differential buffer output most of the time.

    I guess my main questions would be:
    1. Assuming using Aegir (or Aegir mono x 2), does the F+ have clear sonic benefits - running STOCK tubes over the FS Nexus high gain output.

    2. Sonic differences between FS in Nexus high gain mode vs. F+ in differential buffer mode.

    3. Does the F+ still run pretty hot when in differential buffer mode?
     
  10. econaut

    econaut Almost "Made"

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    Why high gain mode? Do you expect sonic differences between 1X and 4X?
     
  11. zonto

    zonto Friend

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    I think the relevant comparisons would be:
    • Freya + tube mode vs. Freya S (Nexus 4x);
    • Freya + differential buffer vs. Freya S (Nexus 1x)
    • (if you’re a glutton for punishment) Freya + passive vs. Freya S passive; and
    • Ragnarok 2 vs. Freya S (Nexus) into Aegir(s).
     
  12. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    I'd add, for the ultimate in nervosa: Freya OG passive vs. Freya + passive vs. Freya S passive. yeesh...
     
  13. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    Maybe not, but I tend to like preamps with ample big balls without degrading the sound. Passive is great for clarity but lacks the Cajones. I’m making the assumption that 1x might not be far enough from passive for me. But maybe I’m wrong.
     
  14. econaut

    econaut Almost "Made"

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    I'd add Freya OG tube mode and JFET, because they are a reference to many of us. Also interesting for people with upgraditis.
     
  15. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    I just want validation on my impulse purchase.
     
  16. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Freya-S is tempting me. Would lead to a cleaner setup cable wise and the extra outputs are handy as well.
    As for the sound I'm not so sure, maybe a side grade?
    Current setup is YggyA1>Lundahl LL1690>Saga with TS tube. I'm worried i will lose some of the smoothness the tube and transformers provide.
     
  17. bengo

    bengo Friend

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    Smooth and solid state are rarely (but not never) heard in the same sentence.
     
  18. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Yeah and stepping up to the Freya+ is not worth it for me financially. I could recoup some money by selling saga and transformers but i have other plans for it.
     
  19. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...d-s-impressions-stream-of-consciousness.7998/
     
  20. econaut

    econaut Almost "Made"

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    My new Freya + has been playing music in differential buffer mode from Friday morning until now and the case is not even warm.
     

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