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

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

"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?"

Actually it would not be enough, especially if you want to roll tubes and see what this little preamp can really do.  It cannot be judged with the stock JJ tubes.

On the the other hand, there are very few Freya+ units on the used market and you can sell it quickly and with very little loss.  I know; I did.