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
I’ve owned an original Freya for several years, and have enjoyed it very much.  However, I’ve had to send it back to Schiit two times for repair, though service was excellent.  Overall, wonderful preamp for the money, with excellent functionality and sound quality.
Thanks for sharing your tube results, Thomas, I've been wavering on rolling tubes because I don't want to go down that rabbit hole, so to speak.  

I love the transparency and air of the Freya+, but have wondered about tube improvements.  Another reviewer on youtube mentioned Sylvania tubes being a great option for the Freya.  
NOS Sylvania "chrome domes" are great tubes and easy to find. I have a pile in my tube stash and they're a close second to NOS GEs when exposed to my addled brain.
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I've been laying off the audio purchases, but am waiting for the Schiit Celebration 10 Year Anniversary sale.  At least I hope they'll do it, they had mentioned this several months ago, but that was before Covid and the current unrest.  

Their B stock page is empty, always a good sign.  But after that I'll be shopping for tubes.