Best preamp under 1500$ freya+ , cary slp03 ?


Hi, I'm looking for a tube pre with balanced connection.

I read good and bad comments about freya+

Cary slp03 can be better ? 

matias1979

@soix 

The literature says the Freya+ is balanced, I am surprised. The Schiit I have purchased has been good for the money. But it is highly likely the Cary will be a better sounding preamp. I have heard various Cary equipment during the years. 

The Schiit Freya+ is balanced and is AES48 compliant.

Wow, that’s amazing and I stand corrected. Manufactured in the US and fully balanced from input to output at that price point? What?!? Truly amazing.

It is pretty amazing especially for the money.  But like everything else in our hobby you normally get what you pay for and $1,000 is just not enough for a really good preamp, tube or SS, balanced or not.

Buy an cold Counterpoint preamp and upgrade it.  It then becomes a reference preamp.

Happy Listening.