Tube pre for class d recommendations

I’m very pleased with the Freya, Owen. Had it a couple of years now (3?) and no problems. You can spend more, you can buy better but at $700 it is a solid bargain. 5 year warranty and there’s a 15 day money back return option (less 5% restocking and shipping costs) if you don’t like it.

The first (and maybe even some of the second set) NOS Russian tubes that were supplied with the Freya were a little noisy. Schiit replaced them promptly no problem, though now running NOS American tubes. Other than occasional tube noise on rare occasions, the unit is very quiet. Volume full up with nothing playing there is NO noise at the speakers...ear 2" from the tweeter, etc. The resistor ladder type volume control does click when you change volume settings but I’ve heard the same from a Conrad Johnson pre I auditioned.

Other than ensuring impedance compatibility, as Atmasphere mentions [ensure load impedance of amp is at least 10x (some say 20x) output impedance of preamp] I don’t know any reason a Class D amp wouldn’t work with a will-chosen tube pre-amp.

As for everything audio, there are always haters. Wolf Garcia is another Freya user and advocate. Check out some of his posts on the topic. Good luck.

I am an owner of Don Sach's 6SN7-based tube preamp.  It is better than any preamp I have had in my system.  It is a bespoke preamp that has gone through several iterations of upgrades to its current state.  For around $2700 or so, you will have a SOTA tube preamp that will outperform preamps costing vastly more money.  

If class D is so good, why do you need a tube pre? Why not a class D pre?

There aren't any. There's no cost/design effectiveness in a preamp being class D. It's far simpler to go Class A, and you don't waste the same amounts of heat.

You could also make the same kind of silly argument of "if you like tubes why do you need a solid state amp?"

Best,
E

I second or third the Schiit Freya recommendation, but you'll need to swap out the stock tubes. I'm using new production Electro-Harmonix 6SN7 with very pleasing results not only with a pair of Ghent Audio mono blocks but also in front of a newly acquired Carver 275. It's versatile and the price is right.      

I have a Rogue Hydra which is a hybrid Class D and have had it paired with three preamps for extended periods of time and was very happy with all three.  Ayre K-5xeMP, PS Audio BHK and Art Audio Composer.  The latter two are tube units.  I also tried and demo'd 4 other preamps through time.  All solid state which I hated.  

The brightness that still lingers in most Class Ds can absolutely be offset by a tube pre.  I found the stock tubes on the PS Audio to leave a bit of brightness but rolling in a pair of Tunsgram's did wonders.  The stock tubes on the Composer are amazing and will temper that brightness beautifully.  Full disclosure, I am the importer for Art Audio.  

I offer a 30 day no questions asked return policy.  If you don't like it, return it and you only need to pay shipping back to CT.