Schiit Freya + Class A in Stereophile


I know there are a lot of audiophiles who don't think sterophile knows what they are talking about but I think its' pretty impressive that a 1000 preamp is put in the same category as 50K and up.  I can't really believe that the Freya + is that good.  I have one and do think it's pretty amazing for all that you get and you can really make it even better with some better tubes.  I am constantly blown away at the sound of the Freya + into the Decware Zen triode amp. 2K for the combo and just about the best sound I have ever had in my home.  Great news for less well heeled audiophiles.  

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I remember a Freya thread where a Freya owner also bought a Don Dachs Model 2 preamp and admitted that it was, in fact, a better preamp. He got a lot of grief for that... even though he praised the Freya’s performance. The most outspoken criticism came from someone who never owned or heard the Don Sachs preamp.

The short of it is that, after a certain point, they all sound pretty good...but you really gotta hear the components for yourselves.

 its' pretty impressive that a 1000 preamp is put in the same category as 50K and up.  I can't really believe that the Freya + is that good. 

I can.  Knowledge is power.

This is, however, not a comment about the merits or otherwise of Stereophile.

 

Stereophile also put the Exposure 2010S integrated in Class A. I own one and I‘m an Exposure fanboy, and it‘s a POS.

The musical fidelity v90 dac was reviewed in Stereophile and was placed in the class A category as well. It is $299! I own 2 , one as a back up as it is now unavailable.  I think it is an Outstanding product.

I have a Freya+ and like it a lot. Did have to send it in for repair once, though.

After trying both JJ and Tung Sol tubes I noticed it doesn't have the utmost high or low-end frequency extension when compared to my PS Audio GCP-200 preamp. Mid-range is great but some times you want it all... the Freya+ is not Class A in my eyes but an overachiever... just don't compare it against something better or your bubble will burst. Just an opinion.

Anyway, the Freya+ is a keeper for me.