Schiit Freya+(Plus)

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

Not sure if it was mentioned, but Freya+ only gets hot when in tube mode.  And the main source of heat at that point is the voltage regulators, to the left of the tubes in the case.  The hotness should take over an hour to develop, and it’s never been too hot to leave my hand on it.  It also doesn’t get as hot as it did at first.
 
At least I think that’s what they are, (stepping the volts up to 300?). I’m not the most technical person.  Anyway, it’s my best audio purchase in the last 5 years.  

On a cold night I can use my "Classic Original Version" Freya to warm my hands by placing them directly on the amp (one at a time since my hands are HUGE), and although I was initially a little concerned by the heat even with plenty of room around the thing, it's performed its tasks perfectly for a couple of years now...a great sounding humless, microphonicless, clean preamp.