The Schiit Freya+ stereo preamplifier is without doubt an excellent performer, It's three preamps in one. I use it with my solid state amps and tube amp and it sounds great with stock tubes. My speaker's efficiency is 2.7 %. In my system the Freya+ is noise and hum free. I use NOS 6sn7GT Ken-Rad (Pre-Ge) staggered plates with black carbonized glass. I think it's a great preamp, If your not listening in tube mode you can turn the tubes off. You will not find a better tube preamp that is balanced and remote controlled with a 5-Year Warranty and Easy Return Policy, and you can purchase brand new for $950.00! BTW, The Ken-Rad tubes are dated 1944, cost $300.00 so factor that into the total price and you are still under $1500.00. As for the sound of the Freya + you must try it in your rig to know if you like the way it sounds. I have no experience with the Cary SLP-03 preamp, I have never listen to one. Mike
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!
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The Freya+ is as good as it gets at even twice its price. Unfortunately it comes with some cheap JJ tubes. You have to do some tube rolling to unlock its true potential.I went with ken rad by-231tubes and they took the Freya up to a whole new level! This of course brings up the overall cost, but is worth every penny! Keep in mind that you only have to change the tubes on the right side. The ones on the left are for the cathode follower and do not effect the sound. The Sylvania 6sn7GTA tubes are also a excellent choice at a lower price point. Keep in mind that the GTA is pre 1955 and are a better choice then the GTB. One other suggestion is to use tube buffers because the Freya’s case rings like a bell and the tubes pick up the vibration. Brad
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Thank you to @wturkey, @ditusa and @bjw54 for the ringing endorsements of the Schiit Freya+! Much appreciated. I understand the need for tube rolling, which confirms what I have been reading, and I have no doubt I would revel in scouring marketplaces for the best NOS tubes (and I read new productions like Shuguang/PSVane CV181 can give good results too). Clearly tubes are getting increasingly expensive and I wouldn’t mind investing in that considering the base price of the unit vs my budget.
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The Cary SLP 03 is not balanced but will give you a stunning tube based sound including eerily realistic tones, superb transparency and a wall to wall floor to ceiling soundstage. it will be difficult to find that in a balanced preamp unless you spend more. A Modwright LS 100 is good and has 1 balanced input but not as transparent as the Cary. |
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