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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
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
Although I like Kenrad and Syl vt 231 combo as end game,

you can also have Russian 6n8s to use at gain stage since it give more lively sound.

If you switch between Kenrad and 6n8s, it is kind of having two different pre.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/QUAD-FOUR-Matched-Balanced-Russian-6N8S-6SN7-double-triode-TUBE-NEW-NOS/312402083888?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
audiomac
1 posts
 
Can someone tell me which side is the gain and which side is the buffer? All this time, I was under the impression that I have to have all four matched tubes. I have a few pairs of NOS tube but with different brand. Which side make the most impact on the sound so I can put the best pair there? I'm a newbie.

shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
Right two tubes  are gain, left tubes are buffer.

In theory, gain tubes shall have more effect but in reality, both gain and buffer have almost same effect on the sound.

You do not need to use same quad tubes.

The best thing is to experiment yourself to find the best sound to your taste.
hickamore OP
659 posts
 
Schiit tells me you will have higher distortion and higher output impedance if not using matched quad (also if using NOS Sylvanias or GEs in place of new production JJ or Tung-Sol). I will of course listen for myself as shk and wolf-g have done with good results. Just reporting the Schiit position. As we all agree, the stock tubes are not bad at all. Yet definitely tweakable with time and patience. 
hickamore OP
659 posts
 
"If you switch between Kenrad and 6n8s, it is kind of having two different pre."  

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