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Best Value Line Stage Tube Preamps?

Given they are all multi-input, multi-output, balanced line stage tube preamps, what are sonic benefits of a serious Rogue RP-7 or Prima Luna EVO 400 vs. the $899 Schiit Freya Plus? Currently these would feed a Parasound Halo A21 into Legacy Signature SEs, with all cables and speaker placement constant. I know the relevant mfrs/dealers all offer trial and/or return policies, but living far from any source and disliking return hassles, I'm soliciting expert opinions before (preferably, in lieu of) undertaking in-home experiments.
I know that much depends on one's own listening habits and sonic signature preferences, but surely differences in power supply, output impedances, etc. might be objective benefits to spending the 5x more coin for a bigger, badder device?
hickamore
hickamore OP
731 posts
 
rickytickytwo, thanks. How much tube rolling have you done with the Freya Plus, and what did you think of the original stock tubes? Build quality would certainly be a key for the long haul, and I too have read that the big boys are built like farm tractors. On the other hand, at my age, how many Freyas or equivalent could I possibly wear out?
melm
1,085 posts
 
I find the Freya+ quite sturdy.  It is said that the circuit board was made thicker compared to the original Freya.  I believe it.  The sockets seem to grip like any others I have had.

In any event, if the sockets are a concern you can use socket extenders and avoid the issue entirely.

As for tubes, the Freya+ used to ship with Tung-Sol tubes (which is what they were reviewed with) but now ships with cheaper JJ tubes.   

I have rolled and find the SQ to respond very well.  Currently using Sylvania chrome domes in the gain positions with excellent results.  Especially if you prefer (or like me must have) balanced outs the Freyas do very well at 1/5 the cost of the Rogue, for ex.  But you will probably have to roll to see exactly what it can do.
phcollie's avatar
phcollie
342 posts
 
I’m listening to Eva Cassidy Best of....and saying to myself, I don’t want to change anything to mess this up. Tung Sols...Freya Plus. Thinking everything is well settled in after about 300 hours. I can’t give an expert opinion because what works in my system and in my room may not be good for anyone else and I will always consider myself a student. I have a temporary housemate who just walked in sat down and said "omg, I can feel her emotions" (Aint no Sunshine) Guess it passes the test.
hickamore OP
731 posts
 
Very helpful, melm, much appreciated. Especially the news that Freya+ no longer gets Tung-Sols, yet tube rolling is easy. Having heard nothing to the contrary so far, any reason not to start with Schiit and if displeased, trade up for big boys? 
4krowme's avatar
4krowme
542 posts
 
 As far as tube sockets are concerned, it does matter if they are mounted directly to the circuit board or not. If so, then it is a matter of how much flexing will that circuit board take before trouble starts. In the case of the Prima Luna, I believe that first off there are no circuit boards to worry about in the first place, and the tube sockets are mounted directly to the steel chassis. Somebody please correct me if I am wrong. Point stands that there are certainly different levels of quality and engineering that should be taken into account.
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