I personally don't get the LISST tube thing for the Freya as there are already 2 non tube stages built into the thing, although higher gain or fear of tubes may be the reason…in any case I've settled on NOS Sylvania "chrome domes" in the first tube stage with the new Tung Sols in the second position…I'm not certain that the Freya "kills" CJ or Audio Research preamps as I don't have those to compare it with, but if it does it makes me feel like a real smart audio component chooser, which is good, and owners of any other preamps shouldn't feel bad…maybe you simply didn't know…
I may get the Audible Illusions M3B or the L3A line stage, but I want to try the Freya first. One can buy the Freya for $699 and buy better tubes later. They are like $20 a piece, not big deal.