What's Your Advice, Used Audio Research LS15, Or Freya+?

ARC is in a different universe compared to Schiit.  Schiit is built to very low price points while ARC is not.  I would go with ARC anyday over the Schiit.  The ARC will retain its value much better as well.

Over on AudioAsylum, several people have bought the Freya+ and have very nice things to say about it. At $900, it is not particularly cheap, though certainly not priced in the high-end category. 

If you want a new ARC preamp, you're going to spend several multiples or more than what the Freya+ costs, though you can get one of ARC's discontinued and much older models on the used market in roughly the same price range as the Shiit. 

@zerobias HiFI shark haas a silver LS15 coming out of Az for a good price https://www.hifishark.com/model/audio-research-ls-15. I have nothing to do with the seller at all. The ARC LS15 will kill the Freya+ in sound. I would highly recommend get a ARC piece over Shitt. Shitt makes some nice cheap gear, I had a Mani phono stage and was very happy but then I finally got a ARC PH3 and now Im more that happy. Good luck and happy hunting zerobias.

Not heard the Freya but remember the ARC LS15 and it’s a fine preamp and in its day probably among the best for the money. If I had to take one without a chance to compare the two I’d take the ARC.

arc 

all day long