Schiit Freya plus. Is this an upgrade?
is the Freya+ a better unit than this lite audio ls60? http://www.china-hifi-audios.com/en/preamplifier-c-34/lite-ls60-tube-preamp-full-balanced-xlr-preamp... |
The Freya+ is a great sounding preamp; perhaps that's the bottom line, But it is built to a price. I like mine, but here's what I dislike about it: -Factory change to JJ tubes is cost saving measure compared to original Tung Sols. The TSs were given great credit in reviews for the excellent Freya+ SQ out of the box. I tried but no longer use the JJs in the tube gain positions. -Poor user interface. Change from the direct remote control of attenuator to a motorized volume control together with same cheap membrane remote provides less control. There is a lag and it's too easy to over- and under-shoot desired volume. Sometimes a real PITA. Sometimes a slight stutter in sound while adjusting. Slightly better results with a learning remote. -Very poor (virtually no) visual indication of the 128 steps of volume level. It needs an led indication. -No balance control. -No tape out. -Gets very hot when in use with tubes. The heat is not from the tubes, which are external. Raises issues of capacitor life. -Case cannot be opened, not even to change a fuse. |
If I could change one thing, I would want the lights to be cyan instead of white to match the rest of my system and to keep the glare down in the evening. I only use the remote to shift out of tube mode, otherwise it stays on 24.7 Things I do like: Low Noise Floor. Its quiet. I don't hear any white noise. Shift from Tube mode cuts tubes offline. Balanced Inputs. Auto Delay on the Tubes, I'm impatient sometimes and would jump the gun. Not having to open the box and pull the unit out to roll tubes. Cost IMHO is below what you get. Lastly, it makes me enjoy my music more. I spend more time listening. |
I just ordered this week a freya S from amazon . they ship direct from schitt . they said 5 left after I ordered. now there are none. mine is on its way. hope its what I needed cause I was going to order in a month or so until I read they freya S was not going to be made any more after stock was sold. |
The Schiit Audio site still has them in stock, apparently, while the Freya+ is listed as in backorder status. Things I like about the Freya+ is the jaw dropping audio quality. True balanced design for my Gungnir The volume knob tracking with the remote The 3 modes of operation is a stroke of genius The looks are really something, no screws on the top plate. |
