2. amps-preamps
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Tube preamp: Cary SLP-03 vs Schiit Freya+

Hello all.

I realise it’s a slightly odd comparison, given the age gap, but I’m looking to add a tube preamp to my all-SS chain (Mytek Brooklyn Bridge going straight into ELAC Navis powered speakers). The Schiit Freya+ has been getting rave reviews, especially for its price point and its versatility (passive, buffer or tube), but is currently back-ordered and also it is said to feel a bit flimsy (no miracles). As a result I have been looking at older, formerly more expensive, tube preamps that can be had for a similar price today, leading me to the Cary SLP-03. I have also looked for ARC, BAT, etc but they all tend to be well above my price range (max 1500). 
Would you, we’ll-read and listened fellas, have any views on the above choice or any other recommendations? I’ve been scouring forums and used gear websites for literally tens of hours and I need a bit of advice at this point.

Many thanks in advance!

laimac
Post removed 
laimac OP
10 posts
 

Important aspect I forgot to mention (thanks Riley for the message though) is that the preamp should have balanced circuit: Mytek has balanced XLR and ELAC takes XLR so considering my cables have to run quite a bit around TV and stuff, it’s a much needed advantage to stay in balanced mode.

Cheers.

helomech
1,670 posts
 

The problem with the Freya+ is it doesn’t really provide the sound characteristics tubes are known for. Its tube stage sounds like what you get with a tube buffer, i.e. a very slight increase in “bloom.” Doesn’t matter what tubes you roll into the Freya, the result is essentially the same. The Freya+ is wholly better as a passive pre.

I can’t speak for the Cary’s sound but I had an opportunity to buy one NIB for a steep discount. I passed on it because many owner reviews of this model around the web are unenthusiastic, and I found multiple reports of reliability issues.

Generally speaking though, from a sound quality perspective, I think you would indeed be better off buying a pre-owned preamp that once retailed for multiples of the Freya’s price. 

 

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,497 posts
 

Is the SLP-03 balanced? I don't think so. 

ghdprentice
6,945 posts
 

I would recommend used Audio Research… or VAC. But these provide audiophile components built to the highest standards with known excellence of sound… as opposed to contemporary budget components. 
 

I have followed ARC for fifty years… recognizing their amazing performance and owning one or more components for 35 years. All my components are ARC Reference and I now enjoy what I have envied for most of my years of audio pursuit.

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