Schiit Freya Modes: Subjective vs Objective Differences

Thanks, @ejlif , despite this test I, like you, just can’t shake these same subjective impressions while listening: passive feels sharp but lean, tube soft but full. I came across some NOS Tesla E88CCs that I threw on the right side and continue to have the same reaction after this swap.

If I feel inspired to dive back in one more time, it will be with a USB microphone from my listening position. I’d love to verify my observations, but I won’t lose sleep if I can’t. And I won’t stop using tube mode either.

If nothing else, Schiit should be commended for creating a gain-adding signal path with four Soviet light bulbs that is so true to the source. I would love if there were more obvious differences between the modes, but still admire this unique preamp and will continue to enjoy it.

@nixanthrope did you ever present Schitt with your findings and get a response? 

My apologies for dredging up an old thread but I have been interested in the Noval preamp due to the cheap price more than anything but the balanced connections are a plus as well. These tubed Freya's seem to get grand reviews but my concern has always been Does it really have tube attributes to its sound? Certainly no disrespect to anyone but due to the price I take it as a good entry piece and not sure how much experience with tube preamps do these rave reviewers have? 

Your objective findings was something I wondered about this unit..even before you did the testing. But your subjective findings hold weight also I feel. Hard to ignore what's going on between and out of the speakers.. especially if you are being critical and are aware of the bias and acoustical mind tricks that truly do happen. I have experienced something kinda similar to your testing in the form of speakers and crossover mods. Using REW and testing frequency response the before and after testing of loudspeakers with stock and "upgraded" parts  were the same. But the mod speaker was perceived as clearer with better separation between instruments. A darker background. 

Was that all in our heads though? Sure didn't seem like it. Measurements will say no difference..ears and brain says Oh it's there. 

Anyway, I was just curious if you ever presented Schitt with your findings? 

On a side note I have had good experiences with room correction as well. Plenty to choose from these days and a few were obviously already mentioned. 

Hi @mattw73 , no worries happy to provide an update.

I didn't end up pursuing my findings with Schiit, though I continue to be a happy camper using this preamp and would encourage you to pick one up if you can still get one, especially with the balanced options. It's a steal.

I learned shortly after my last post that my microphone was no longer compatible with my recording software so I put a pause on further recording and have just been enjoying the music.

However, I have a UMIK-1 in the mail right this second as I was interested in exploring convolution filters within Roon and HQPlayer so I might pick this back up and can let you know what I find.

Regarding my experiences in the subjective realm, I've tried out some additional NOS combinations, and I feel there are differences, but they are definitely subtle. Most notably, there seems to be less energy and dynamics whenever you deviate too much from the recommended 2.4A heater current total of the four tubes. Using 4x 6922s just feels too mellow for instance, but adding 2x 6N6Ps to the output side restores the excitement while letting some of the character of the 6922s come through, which with my Bugle Boys, I interpret to be a tiny bit of warmth, with a slightly wider and more holographic soundstage compared to the SS Buffer. As tempted as I am to spend $300+ on a pair of NOS Mullards, I just feel that this application wouldn't do them justice. Luckily 6N6Ps are plentiful and cheap though.

So in short, I think you're right to call this an entry point to tubes, but it's still worth it in my book given the range of features and strength of the solid state modes.

Thank you @nixanthrope , I truly appreciate the response and opinions you've shared.  I have an opportunity to get my hands on the Noval for a used price..and for the money & features it will be hard to pass up. Seems like it would be an easy resell down the road if I discounted the price a little bit. Thanks for your insight on the tube pairings. I actually have a few pairs of old well regarded 6922's I never had the chance to use. Some GE labelled Mullards, Phillips Holland Miniwatt SQ's and one pair of PQ's that I spent a decent amount on many years ago. So a pair of those and something with a little more power seems like the way to go...yet not going over the 2.4 mark. 

I'm glad to hear that you are still using the preamp and enjoying it. Awesome 👍

@mattw73 I think since you're already stocked up with options, it's a no brainer and you should go for it.

Buying second hand might break the warranty, so maybe have a look at some QC issues others have experienced here before pulling the trigger (I personally haven't had any, mine is a good unit):

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-freya-impressions-and-tube-rolling-thread.832177/page-210

And if you're stateside, ebay seller "kambremer" has US stock Russian 6N6Ps and 6N1Ps for good prices. For the latter, you can get a matched quad for cheap, which is better than what the Freya N ships with. I also recommend trying 4x NOS 6CG7s which will also give you the full 2.4A.

Good luck and Happy New Year!