Schiit Freya Preamp Review (Episodic)

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

  1. Priidik

    Priidik MOT: Estelon

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    You meant regenerating (based on active devices)?
    I would advise against it for audio use based on gut feeling. If transformer hums, there are two obvious solutions: get bigger one or get on with airgap (which is already bigger). Other things to consider: you could use a dc blocking choke (reactor) in between line and zero. A proper toroid hums less than other types. You can diy a transformer yourself and then triple impregnate it to resin, makes it more tough, thus hums less.
     
  2. Smitty

    Smitty Too good for bad vodka - Friend

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  3. bazelio

    bazelio Friend

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    Yeah my iso transformer is a bit undersized. I think it's only 500 VA and just turning on the ZDS is enough to get it humming. I picked it up for something like $50 bucks at a surplus store and its CMRR is something crazy like 149 dB. Getting a bigger one is an option, but I don't think I'll find the same thing in a larger size for a reasonable price. This was a pretty decent find. I thought I could DIY a single ended to balanced power supply system with a toroid for less, at the expense of performance - but maybe good enough. Typically I think 50-60 dB or so? Running neutral at 60V would seem to result in constant current draw through some device types, though... since neutral isn't always switched.

    PS I second the motion to move this discussion out of the Freya thread......
     
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2017
  4. PaperStar

    PaperStar New

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    I wonder how long it takes these NOS tubes to break in?

    I understand that most 6SN7 NOS tubes are used to some degree (although 'test new' ;), but still even if they were broken in and then not used for 30 years (for example) - how many hours of 'new' usage do they need to reach optimal performance?
    How long for totally new unused tubes?

    Thank you!
     
  5. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    If they haven't been used for a a few years, or decades, I'd say about three to four hours.
     
  6. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I wouldn't worry about using unbalanced output from the Freya. Freya being able to take differential outputs from a DAC (if they are true differential outputs, not SE to balanced from opamps) is the key advantage.

    The Vincent SP-331 is in another class compared to the NuPrime STA-9 (which I have on hand thanks to @beemerphile). The NuPrime STA-9 is serviceable, but frankly I think it is rather uninspired sounding at best. The Crest CA-2 is better.

    Be sure to warm-up the SP-331 at least four hours. There was a notable change that even my wife noticed. The SP-331 harsh and thin sounding at first, but becomes slightly warm and organic sounding later. The harshness takes another twenty hours to totally smooth out. Subsequent power ups should only require thirty minutes for the SP-331 to get up to speed.
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2017
  7. Big D Design

    Big D Design RIP 2021

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    @Marvey
    Thanks for getting in the NuPrime and comparing it to your other equipment. Makes me excited for the Vincent. Looks like the NuPrime is going to be For Sale.

    When I get the Vincent SP-331 (not supposed to be here till next week), it's coming from Northern California ground UPS, I was thinking of turning it on in the morning and leaving it on all day long. And just shut it off when I go to bed. I know Vincent has the 2 tubes, and I hope that they won't wear out too soon. What do you think? Is that too much for no gain in sound quality? I have the Freya on for a couple of hours usually before listening to it, but I don't leave it on constantly. I am very happy with that Schiit Freya though. Won't come out of my system, it's a keeper for sure.
     
  8. Garns

    Garns Friend

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    Is there sufficient space to the left of the tubes on a Freya to stack a Valhalla 2 on top?
     
  9. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    There should be, I believe Jot fits fine, which has the same chassis footprint.

    EDIT: Looks like it might be close. I'll let someone who actually has the two confirm. My Freya will be here Thursday and I'll confirm whether it fits or not.
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2017
  10. Big D Design

    Big D Design RIP 2021

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    Just threw Vintage tubes into the Freya. Gain stage now has two chrome top tall bottle 6SN7GTB and output stage has standard size 6SN7GTB brand new made in early sixties. Got lucky and got 2 brand new old ones with box. I will take a pic of Freya with the tube change.

    Sound....... I waited an hour. Went to the store and came back for a listen. I'm now using Morrow Audio cables and has a large improvement in sound with the cable change from AudioQuest Evergreen. I have the Morrow Audio RCA cables from the Modi Multibit to the Freya and frome the Freya to the NuPrime STA-9 amplifier. The sound with the new tube setup was immediately noticeable in that the music was clearer, bass was better and ambience was just one little bit more up the chain.

    I would say that if I didn't change my cables to a much more revealing cable like Morrow Audio, I might not have heard the ambience. But track after track today, and I played a lot of my music........... the tube change was a very pleasant improvement. It made my new cables much easier to listen to for extended periods. The cables are still breaking in and need another 60 to 120 more hours before they sound how they are supposed to, according to the owner of Morrow Audio.

    The Freya is like a Swiss Knife. It allows you to go Passive, JFET anf Tube output. Balanced or Unbalanced. Pop a new tube in and the sound is tailored to something new. I have 12 tubes now to play with..... but the 1st try with rolling tubes for me is so good that I'm not touching anything. They are staying just where I stuck em' Anyone who is on the fence about a Freya........ get off that fence and go buy one. It's not just a preamp. It's my "new little friend". Well..........ok Modi Multibit........ you are tooo
     
  11. Big D Design

    Big D Design RIP 2021

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    Here is a pic of the new tube setup......
    [​IMG]
     
  12. sorrodje

    sorrodje Carla Bruni's other lover - Friend

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    Which brand are stock tubes? EH? Tungsol?
     
  13. zonto

    zonto Friend

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    Don't let this get to you, and please don't go anywhere. I enjoy your enthusiasm. People getting butthurt because you don't spend your money in the manner they see fit is their problem, not yours. You didn't ask for their advice on cables, and yet everyone seems to want to chime in, throwing out dislikes because they disagree with a purchasing choice. We all know you'll try a Gungnir Multibit soon anyway, and the cost ratio arguments will fade away into perfect insignificance. ;)

    In any event, this thread has gotten way off course and will shortly get cleaned up I'm sure. It wasn't the place to discuss cables in the first place, but I do appreciate @drfindley sharing his opinions. Let's get back to discussing the goddess of love and discuss cables in the appropriate threads.
     
  14. Big D Design

    Big D Design RIP 2021

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    @zonto
    Freya is the best. Thanks for your input. I wish more would realize that this preamp put me back into audiophile sound. It's really designed the way a preamp has never been done before. And it sounds as good as the design that was conceived. The choice of 6SN7 tubes was genius.
     
  15. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

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    To steer this back on topic a bit, (but derail in a completely different way) - what are people using for 6sn7's? I picked up a quad of RCA's to hold me over until I learn more about tubes. Are people only rolling the gain stage, putting best pair in gain stage, mixing and matching types? Looking forward to more impressions.
     
  16. JK47

    JK47 Guest

    Ok enough, let's get back to Freya. The subject of this thread
     
  17. Big D Design

    Big D Design RIP 2021

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    Electro Harmonix 6SN7 tubes? Just bought 2.

    Any feedback on what to expect from these
     
  18. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    I had one for my Ember. It's been a while but from what I remember it was very even through the frequency response. Not really sweet or too warm. I'm sure there are better tubes out there but you can also do a lot worse.

    Just got Freya in and warming up. Stock tubes are noise and very microphonic. I'm going to email Schiit and see if they'll send replacements. Even with the noise, tubes are where it's at. Passive is great and incredibly transparent. JFET gives a bit or edge to the sound and is like a mini tube wannabe. Definitely not bad though. This is serious gear for the money.
     
  19. Big D Design

    Big D Design RIP 2021

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    Welcome to Club Freya....... hope you get some better tubes for that baby
     
  20. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    For sure. I'll be doing some research on recommended tubes. Also, Gumbreya is on the list of things to do. :cool:
     

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