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Adcom GFP-710 to Schiit Freya - upgrade?

looking for some thoughts...

It’s been a while since I’ve done anything with my system. I’ve been running a Mac Mini streaming AIFF via Kimber USB into Bel Canto
Dac-3, running the DAC into Pass Labs X250.5 via balanced BlueJeans XLRs. Speakers are Dynaudio S5.4
I recently added a Rega P2 table and that forced me to break out the Adcom GFP-710 that I had laying around in order to be able to switch between sources. Adcom has a built in phono pre, but I bought Schiit Mani as well. I kind of like it a lot. 
I feel that the Adcom may be the weakest link in the chain, and am looking at possibly upgrading a pre. 
Seeking thoughts on Schiit Freya, or any other preamp used or new around $1k that would offer an upgrade in resolution, soundstaging, imaging, etc. 
Balanced or single ended, tubes or solid state, with or without a built in phono pre.

Has anyone compared the Freya to any of the Adcom or comparable preamps, what can you share? What other preamps should I put on a list?
128x128audphile1
213runnin
914 posts
 
I've owned some Adcom pieces, and one of their pre's from about 2007.  I've read a lot of owner's comments on Adcom pre's as a result.  Most pan the later Adcom stuff.  I know that I had issues with mine.

These days I'm running a Schiit Saga and after comparing it to the Parasound Halo P5, sold the P5.  It's simply an amazing component.  The sound stage is holographic and live sounding, it's the best my system has sounded.

I've also experimented with other Schiit gear and have become very confident that they know very well what they are doing.  I'd say the Freya would be a significant improvement over your old Adcom pre, no question.
bstatmeister
537 posts
 
Yes, got in my saga a couple days ago and right off the bat the build quality is very very good for the price, bigger and heavier than you think. You can tell the thing is quality stuff. Gonna have to wait until next week to plug it in though! :(
tomcarr
1,504 posts
 
Another big + for the over-achieving Freya. Definitely the best my system has ever sounded.
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,919 posts
 
Thanks to all who responded. I know the GFP-710 is not a very common preamp so I didn’t even hope someone would have it and upgraded to Freya. 

The Adcom is one of those pieces that you cannot really fault for doing anything wrong. I just know I can get more out of my gear. 
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
I went from an Adcom GFP something or other (had balanced outputs, remote, and I can't remember the model) to a balanced Kavent (Vincent) monster that sounds FABULOUS, but tube preamp curiosity got to me to a Schiit Freya...along with Atmasphere shaming me with a comment somewhere which was something like, "A tube preamp generally supplies more detail." So it's all his fault really.
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