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Schiit Freya+(Plus)

Freya+ users:

For me, sending DAC input through tube output clearly adds warmth, bloom, punch, musicality, presence.
However, when used with analog inputs (TT, FM, cassette), the tubes (current stock JJ 6SN7 supplied with the unit) sound too lush, rather over the top, sometimes frankly bloated. I mean at equal volume (not volume SETTING).

Despite balanced output to power amp, the SS buffer stage sounds inferior to pure passive mode. So it's tubes with
DAC, passive with analog, SS buffer with nothing.

Questions: (1) does my experience sound typical?
(2) should I experiment with rolling Tung-Sols or other recommended upgrade tube?
(3) does any of this bespeak some peculiarity elsewhere in the chain?

Advance thanks for diagnoses/suggestions.

hickamore
hickamore OP
733 posts
 
wolf_garcia, are your good results irrespective of input source (DAC or analog)? Tubes give me great improvement with DAC input, but sound overdramatic with phono & tuner inputs.
wolf_garcia
6,790 posts
 
In any great system everything played on it sounds different from anything else, as it should...suffice to say that the sources are all equally superb sounding, and I've done an instant  comparison using the same music...streamer, LP, and CD playing the same thing and they're remarkably similar although the levels need adjustment for a comparison like that. My current rig is by far the most transparent I've owned. Not sure what "overdramatic" means to you. 
hickamore OP
733 posts
 
Thank you for an excellent idea. Will find a suitable test recording handy on both LP and CD, plus streamable from Tidal. (CD runs COAX into DAC rather than RCA into Freya -- a test within a test). Given any takeaways I can then experiment with NOS or other tubes as may be indicated.

I assume, Wolf, that you use the Freya tube output for all serious listening, irrespective of input source?
wolf_garcia
6,790 posts
 
Yeah I use the tube setting all the time, except when simply switching it to see how my tubes are doing...a useful thing, but the tube setting is more detailed seemingly. The Dennis Had 12wpc amp I use really requires a hotter signal from the preamp to get it going so the tube setting’s gain is much appreciated for good synergy.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Ok I started a discussion, not realizing this one was here. I need a little advise, on valves. I’m not very familiar with the tube complement in the Freya +. I heard this unit off and on for over a month with stock valves.
I could see it was quite a little nugget. I’m a planar person, and lean towards the sound of RCAs and Telefunkens and the older GEs. I think the one I ordered is voiced with EH.

I certainly don’t want to spend another fortune on valves, figuring it all out.
I listen to a lot of Island music, salsa, flamingo, latin and smooth jazz.
Honestly though, I’ll listen to anything BUT Yoko Ono.. no Yoko Ono..

I’m a Mcintosh guy from birth, I was raised on Mac and JBL, and have a full complement of vintage Mac gear.. My C2500, I pulled out service for a repair. I side by sided this little SF+ with some pretty great gear. I still came back again and again for another listen.. I like it.. I use class a-z when it comes to amps. I’m a tube guy but not a snob. I like valves but, summer is coming, so it will be class d for 4 months or so. Cary, Mcintosh, VTL, I use them all.  I'm leaning towards Cary lately for valves.

Valve suggestions, that aren’t a bloody fortune. If your use to the sounds of the the above valves, what’s sonically close. Smooth top to bottom, but more MB, and MID forward. The highs gotta be clean, not bright, (Sylvania kind of bright).

Thanks

Regards
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