Having owned the Freya+ now for about 8 months and being locked down without TV (nothing worth watching, mostly lies and propaganda).. I’ve spent considerable time using the Freya and upgrading my system in all areas.. The versatility of the Freya is fabulous for testing new gear.. The stepped ladder attenuation used is very revealing and transparent. just having the passive attenuation option puts the Freya in a class by itself.. The tube section is also very revealing of the tubes being used.. Mine came with the JJ’s which I found to be dynamic but harsh especially on top.. I tried the
new tung sol tubes and found them better in every area over the JJ.
The best was yet to come when I used some Sylvania chrome tops, I lost a bit of resolution, but gained air and flesh. The Freya is very revealing of the tubes used, yet gives no noise of its own, very quiet clean background.. My previous preamp was a balanced tube design costing more than 5x the cost of the Freya.. The Freya holds its own and is more versatile, but lacks the top end refinement of the costlier pre. Which could possibly be fixed with tube rolling..
I find myself using the passive mode for a more accurate sound.. Better for classical as it doesn’t “exaggerate” the sound..
I would love to separate the power supply from the main unit.. I bet it would put the Freya in another class up..
you have to admire the minimalist approach to the design.. yet yielding useable options without complexity..
kudos to Jason and mike for creating this great product at a very reasonable, bargain of a price preamp !
new tung sol tubes and found them better in every area over the JJ.
The best was yet to come when I used some Sylvania chrome tops, I lost a bit of resolution, but gained air and flesh. The Freya is very revealing of the tubes used, yet gives no noise of its own, very quiet clean background.. My previous preamp was a balanced tube design costing more than 5x the cost of the Freya.. The Freya holds its own and is more versatile, but lacks the top end refinement of the costlier pre. Which could possibly be fixed with tube rolling..
I find myself using the passive mode for a more accurate sound.. Better for classical as it doesn’t “exaggerate” the sound..
I would love to separate the power supply from the main unit.. I bet it would put the Freya in another class up..
you have to admire the minimalist approach to the design.. yet yielding useable options without complexity..
kudos to Jason and mike for creating this great product at a very reasonable, bargain of a price preamp !