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Schitt Freya or older pre instead

Hi, 

Got the itch. Currently running an Adcom GFP 555. It does its job, but nothing great. Thinking of getting something better without spending too much money. The Schitt Freya looks very interesting. Lots of options and has a remote. Reviews tend to range from "it is great!" to "tends to be a little bright" and "nothing but a $400 preamp with a weak power supply and a tube buffer stage". The old B& Pro 10 or Sonata 101 looks to still be good buys (?). Adcom GFP 750 (?) Any thoughts for a preamp for around 800.00 or under?. Amp = Classe DR 10 with Spendor speakers. Tried a CJ PFR but thought way too much gain and a bit bright (not what I expected from CJ). Thanks
rich3549
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,335 posts
 
Running a Freya into a Taranis amp w/balanced interconnects.  JFET buffer mode exclusively.  Took the tubes out.    It sounds great to me.  NOT noisy at all - though there is some low level "warbling" that can be heard when "muted", oddly enough.   With volume up and nothing playing, very quiet...no noise, warbling or otherwise.  Solid state sound for me was more refined and detailed than with the single-ended tube pre I was using previously.  It supports long listening sessions.  No fatigue.  Seemed to respond with heightened clarity to vibration/isolation measures.  I was NOT that impressed with sound running the as supplied Russian NOS 6sn7 tubes.  Might need to revisit those now that the unit is well run in but I'm entirely happy with the JFET mode.

Expectations and experience levels differ so I'm not trying to pick an argument with Kenny.  5% restocking fee is all you have to risk if you order from Schiit and decide to return it.   DO put signal through it continuously for a couple of days before any critical listening.  
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kdude66
1,200 posts
 
Ghosthouse,

I'm very glad to hear how much you like the Freya,
I always keep a open mind and trust me I much wanted to like the Freya,It just didn't work out for me.

As you know I do Dig the YGGY best dac under 2k that I've had the pleasure of using.

Kenny.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
OP, if I were to buy a new line stage preamp in the $800 price range, I would buy a Mapletree Line 2C Line Preamplifier even though I have not personally heard it in a system. It just looks like an awesome piece for its asking price. I have also not heard anything negative about it from folks who have heard it. It does apparently have a long wait time, especially if you specify any upgrades.  
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
rich3549

I’d go the Freya, because

1: Gives you choice between passive, tube or solid state output.
2: Has both single ended or balanced in and output.
3: It has 64 position relay based volume control, one of the best there is.
4: Has remote control for that volume control and input/output and mute
5: If you don’t like it you can send it back.

And it was deigned by Mike Mike Moffat, the head designer at Theta when they were on top.

Cheers George
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