Schiit Freya +

I took it back. Got it today.  When you turn the volume it makes a noise, it's supposed to make this noise. Tubes are fine. Maybe the buyer wanted to try one out before purchasing one and He had an out because I didn't know he was moving the volume and he assumed it was bad and I didn't ask. Now the remote doesn't work the volume though. Im the fool. 

If the volume is relayed control, I'm pretty sure it will buzz via the remote. My Rogue sphinx does that and it's normal

Probably the best resolution with a flaky buyer, minus the remote problems. Try a new battery before you give up on it.

I've owned an original version Freya for years (many other preamps preceded it) rolling various tubes through it and settled on NOS GEs. Seemingly its only flaw is its price as it's just too damn inexpensive for many audio snobs. It's a superb preamp, coherent, very quiet, the volume system clicks like it's supposed to and it clearly earns its place as a Stereophile Class A product. Nobody makes a preamp with the astounding performance of a Freya, including the ability to switch it from passive to tube instantly with all the inputs and outputs most could need. Around a grand...yeah man. Use it with a Pass XA-25 or Dennis Had single ended tube amp.

It seems as though the remote does work, I have to be pointed directly at the little light on right.  The buyer claims he wasn't turning the volume when It was making the same noise as when the volume is changed, a flaky buyer! I recon he just didn't like the freya and had a way out. I'll continue to test it.