Schiit Freya+ vs. high end (e.g., Mcintosh) ?

I had no clue what kind of pre would match my other components or achieve a specific sound as I went from an SS integrated to a tube power amp. I thought about the Freya+ and read about a bunch of other preamps. I ended up going even cheaper and got a Saga+ with the plan to use it in a second system eventually. I wasn’t sure how annoying the clicks on the volume control would be. (not too bad) If I decided I didn’t like it the restock fee is less because it’s a % of cost and may be waived if you trade up instead of straight return. If you want to play with tube rolling to get a feel for it, one tube is easier than pairs or quads. It is single ended only and unity gain but with no long runs and only digital sources that wasn’t an issue for me.
Without anything to compare it to I’m not sure where it falls short. So I’m happy for now, but fully expect to be blown away when I finally upgrade to a “serious” pre amp. It’s kind of a nice feeling knowing that despite how much things improve with the little tweaks and other upgrades I’m doing now, there should be a big step up waiting for me when I’m ready. 

The current solid state version, the Freya S, measure very well. The first sample did have a channel imbalance, and it performed measurably worse that the other channel. A new sample was sent, and performed nicely. This does bring Schiit's level of QC into question, though. here's a link to the measurements of the second sample:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/schiit-freya-s-preamplifier-review-2.1154...

Shop for the mackintosh on a website called themusicroom.com. They have a 14 day return policy so if you’re not in love with it send it back. They even pay shipping both ways

Schiit seems like a good deal. I considered it and thought about the 15 day trial -- and then both a shipping fee and 5% restocking fee if I returned it. In other words, about $100 to try it out. Not bad. Still, from what folks here have said, it can take some time for tubes to burn in. Would 15 days be enough time to really know how it sounds with your stuff? For the same money, even less, you could get a used Van Alstine from his site with a 30 day trial. That would probably be my choice. avahifi dot com/collections/ava-used-equipment/products/transcendence-8-sl-preamp-with-remote-control-and-ht-bypass

Personal taste matters a great deal.

No matter how expensive one piece of gear is, it does not mean it's better for all listeners in all systems.

What good is it to have a 300 lb, $20k amplifier if you don't actually like the sound of it more than a 10 lb, $2,000 amp?  Is the $20k amp really "better" for you, or does it just have a better brand and more expensive parts?

Best,
E