Schiit Freya+(Plus)

Ok I got the little Freya +. Delivery was fast. Looked good.
I took it out of the box voiced it, plumbed it and turned it on.

I couldn't select the input, via remote or manually on the machine.

I turn it off, make sure everything is right, check the connections,
AGAIN. Turn it back on, same thing, 3, 4, times. Then it powers
up and works. Magic...

THEN

It plays for 30 min or so and got so hot, the tubes shut down.

I walked over, I couldn't put my hand on the cover. LOL
That's hot, even for me.  It was at 20-30% volume.

I went to turn it down with the remote, it wouldn't volume all
the way down. So I turned it down, gently, it was stuck.

I used the remote again and it worked. BUT the valves were still off.

I turn the unit off, unplug, swap PC, to an all copper. Turn it back on
and it worked.

Everytime from that point on If I used the valves the volume would stick after about 20 min or so. It overheated once and shut down. That stopped. It sounded good. 

It went back, no problems so far.. I just lost my confidence for sure
on that one. They were quick to respond. Send a shipping label.
It was packed correctly. The box looked unharmed.

I used another one over a couple week period. Not a hitch..

Maybe in a couple months..I went back to a C20 Mac, No remote..
I like a remote..

Regards

@ oldhvymec

I had enjoyed my Freya + for three weeks without issue.

But I also noticed it runs hot.

Do you have good ventilation around it?

It shall not be under the shelf.

If you keep having problem, it is better to contact Schitt support.

They will reach you in a day.

Good luck.

Thomas

Regarding OP’s problem of Freya+ sounding too lush over the top.

I also found Freya lush but not over the top.

Stock tubes does not sound harsh but veiled.

If you spend 50$ per pair of Sylvania GTB tubes made in 1950’s from Ebay, then it will sound much more clearer.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Brown-Base-Sylvania-6SN7Gtb-6SN7-Tubes-Nice/264713608987?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225074%26meid%3Dc2913a290fd74f70a3b81000c93678dd%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D392416419311%26itm%3D264713608987%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109

Actually I ordered several tubes from this dealer at bargain but good quality.

You can try one pair in gain stage spending 20$.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-Of-Sylvania-Chrome-Top-6SN7-GTB-Tubes/233501282345?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225074%26meid%3D045cb3a05ab74614888e43a9c01c578d%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D264713608987%26itm%3D233501282345%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109

One more link so that you can buy quad.




Good Luck!

Thomas

Definitely oldhvy got a defective unit. Though Schiit does warn rather prominently that these run HOT. Knowing that upfront, you wonder whether the four nicely separated 12AU7s in Rogue RP-7, running cooler but also taking 45 seconds to warm up, warrant the price differential. Glad to hear that trouble now resolved.

shkong, I guess whether lush, harsh, or veiled may depend on what tubes and source material are being played. Definitely ready to roll tubes. Sylvanias, NOS GEs, maybe Tung-Sols. Many users here have experimented and shared their insights, so thanks for the tips!

Not trying to get off the subject too much, here OP.

The unit was setting on a slotted grate, Lots of air all the way around.

Ambient temp was 65-75.

When I started monitoring with a temp gun, it stayed right at 96-7 F.
The valves 145-150 F. Stayed pretty constant after the first overheat issue.

I was thinking a valve had something inside the glass that may have moved in transit, flipped upside down a couple time.. Duno..

I should have tested the valves, but I was in a bit of a panic ;-)

Customer service and support both contacted me QUICK.
Pleased with the response for sure..

The unit sure had a nice feel, weight, and look. Crap, I’m gonna order another one, pretty sure. I really wanted to tinker and I like a remote.

As far as 12XXX valves, I've used them so long, and they're in everything I use. Mac, VTL, Cary.  Easy to roll and a TON to choose from. Do they run Cooler? LOL  They run a lot cooler 1/2 the heat. Even my hot rodded C20 is not close to the heat.. of the Freya...

Back to soldering.

Regards