Tube preamp: Cary SLP-03 vs Schiit Freya+


Hello all.

I realise it’s a slightly odd comparison, given the age gap, but I’m looking to add a tube preamp to my all-SS chain (Mytek Brooklyn Bridge going straight into ELAC Navis powered speakers). The Schiit Freya+ has been getting rave reviews, especially for its price point and its versatility (passive, buffer or tube), but is currently back-ordered and also it is said to feel a bit flimsy (no miracles). As a result I have been looking at older, formerly more expensive, tube preamps that can be had for a similar price today, leading me to the Cary SLP-03. I have also looked for ARC, BAT, etc but they all tend to be well above my price range (max 1500). 
Would you, we’ll-read and listened fellas, have any views on the above choice or any other recommendations? I’ve been scouring forums and used gear websites for literally tens of hours and I need a bit of advice at this point.

Many thanks in advance!

laimac

I can’t help you on any comparisons as the Freya + is my first and only venture into tubes. I was attracted the the versatility that it brought to the table. Tubes if I want, all the inputs I needed, remote control, and tube rolling. I have rolled in nos Sylvania tubes (right side only) and the difference was large very happy. I also like that all outputs are live all the time. I still run my Nakamichi dragon cassette player and have reordered music from radio streaming stations. Like others have said to it is dead quiet between tracks and in standby. I am very happy and not looking to anything else for my preamp.

@laimac,

Improvements in my system via Freya + preamp with Ken-Rad tubes: The bass and lower midrange was better defined and clearer more like the sound at a live event. The highs had a tad more smoothness and sparkle above 10 Khz. Imaging depth was better and instruments like the cello and stand up bass and the lower registers on a piano had better tone and body. The total sound was more cohesive from top to bottom. The Ken-Rad tubes were purchased from Vintage Tube Services.

 tubetruth@vintagetubeservices.com. 

Thank you for the added views. It sounds like the Freya is the way to go at this point, also because resale is quite easy at minimal discount if I don’t like it. I still like the thought of slightly older, but better built, gear from brands like ARC, VTL, etc but I guess that may be for later, when I have been able to test the impact of tubes in my chain and probably also when I am looking to improve my whole setup - the ELAC powered speakers are amazing at their price point but I am sure at some point I will consider other options, likely passive.

Try a Bel Canto Pre5. Sounds more like a good tube preamp than the Freya+, regardless of what tubes are rolled into the latter (even the overrated Ken Rad 231s). Yeah, it’s more than twice the price but the leap in sound quality is worth every penny. 

 

 

The Freya+ is a terrific preamp especially with NOS tubes.  I used chrome domes.  However, it does NOT have a balance control.  I found I could not live without that.  For listening to many classical recordings a very small change can sometimes make them come alive.  To get a fully balanced tube preamp I had to pay much more.  But I found the much increased SQ and precision controls worth it.  If you can live without the balance control the Schiit, though clearly built to a price, is a fine deal