The Schiit Bifrost 2 and Freya+ are a good combo. I use this on my office system and it sounds great. I’ve had this drive both tube and SS amps with no trouble.
Suggest an entry - midrange Preamp (tube as well as SS) for a McIntosh power amp
Starting a new thread to get some suggestions on what would be a good preamp for my new McIntosh MC152 power amp. Currently its connected to my Rotel RA-12 and powering KEF LS50s. I plan to upgrade the speakers down the line to either something like the Evoke 50s or B&W 805D3 (still debating between their sound sig.).
My preference tends to be more towards warm, non-harsh top end with a little sparkle and good controlled bass. I do like the Rotel sound honestly, but it being an Integrated, I plan to move it to do duties in another room. I would prefer to have a DAC built in, but if its a good Analog only tube preamp, I’m open for it. Needs to have a remote control and preferably a sub-out along with pre-outs.
Right now on my radar are:
Parasound P6
Rogue RP1
Schiit Saga or Freya +
Given the damage I just took from the McIntosh purchase, I’m trying to get by with as low as possible price wise. So unless its really worth the extra spend, I’d like to stay closer to $1-1.5k USD range.
On a different note, is okay to use a Y-splitter on the Pre-out to feed to the sub and the power amp? Or will this degrade the signal or mess anything with the input impedence on the sub or the power amp?
My preference tends to be more towards warm, non-harsh top end with a little sparkle and good controlled bass. I do like the Rotel sound honestly, but it being an Integrated, I plan to move it to do duties in another room. I would prefer to have a DAC built in, but if its a good Analog only tube preamp, I’m open for it. Needs to have a remote control and preferably a sub-out along with pre-outs.
Right now on my radar are:
Parasound P6
Rogue RP1
Schiit Saga or Freya +
Given the damage I just took from the McIntosh purchase, I’m trying to get by with as low as possible price wise. So unless its really worth the extra spend, I’d like to stay closer to $1-1.5k USD range.
On a different note, is okay to use a Y-splitter on the Pre-out to feed to the sub and the power amp? Or will this degrade the signal or mess anything with the input impedence on the sub or the power amp?
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- 19 posts total
I have the Freya S (got it before it was discontinued) and the original Saga. I like the Freya much better - even in passive mode. I'm using an SMSL SU-8 DAC which does 44.1 all the way to DSD256+. I also own a Modi Multibit, but it stops dead at 192K - if that's an issue for you - and doesn't sound as open as the SMSL. At my computer, I'm using a Topping e30, which also sounded better than the Schiit, and also goes to DSD512. |
sr20022002 OPThat’s one for @wolf_garcia wolf_garcia to answer, he knows all about the Freyas and what magic it can do with what tubes, he love it so much I worry about him sometimes. Then he has a Loki too and I also think they have a great spot in anyone's system if needed. Cheers George |
The Freya+ would be a great option even if you hadn't opened the vault to get a McIntosh amplifier. The fact that you did (and I'm very jealous) tips the scales greatly in Schiit's favor. The Freya+ plays way above its pricepoint in sound quality, build quality, features, and also in the areas such as customer support and return policies. An added bonus, at least in my eyes, Schiit Audio is an American company. I think you would be very happy with the McIntosh and Schiit pairing. I haven't rolled the tubes in my Freya+ Preamp....yet. |
- 19 posts total