Tube preamp: Cary SLP-03 vs Schiit Freya+

@laimac,

Improvements in my system via Freya + preamp with Ken-Rad tubes: The bass and lower midrange was better defined and clearer more like the sound at a live event. The highs had a tad more smoothness and sparkle above 10 Khz. Imaging depth was better and instruments like the cello and stand up bass and the lower registers on a piano had better tone and body. The total sound was more cohesive from top to bottom. The Ken-Rad tubes were purchased from Vintage Tube Services.

 tubetruth@vintagetubeservices.com. 

Thank you for the added views. It sounds like the Freya is the way to go at this point, also because resale is quite easy at minimal discount if I don’t like it. I still like the thought of slightly older, but better built, gear from brands like ARC, VTL, etc but I guess that may be for later, when I have been able to test the impact of tubes in my chain and probably also when I am looking to improve my whole setup - the ELAC powered speakers are amazing at their price point but I am sure at some point I will consider other options, likely passive.

Try a Bel Canto Pre5. Sounds more like a good tube preamp than the Freya+, regardless of what tubes are rolled into the latter (even the overrated Ken Rad 231s). Yeah, it’s more than twice the price but the leap in sound quality is worth every penny. 

The Freya+ is a terrific preamp especially with NOS tubes.  I used chrome domes.  However, it does NOT have a balance control.  I found I could not live without that.  For listening to many classical recordings a very small change can sometimes make them come alive.  To get a fully balanced tube preamp I had to pay much more.  But I found the much increased SQ and precision controls worth it.  If you can live without the balance control the Schiit, though clearly built to a price, is a fine deal

I wish the Freya had a fixed output but that's not a dealbreaker. Thinking about trying one.