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Added a Schiit Freya+ to a Sansui 8080

Hi.  I started out with a Yamaha A-S801 and Wharfedale Lintons.  Using a Wiim Pro Plus as my source.

Recently I swapped the Yamaha for a refurbed Sansui 8080.  Sounded amazing.  Tons of warmth!

I got curious and wanted to tinker and added a Schiit Freya+ preamp.  Lost all the warmth!  In return, it revealed much more details, vocals and instruments are more clearly defined and separated.  But I lost the low end and warmth.  It's not bad, it's just different, sounds amazing actually.

I've tried to recapture some of the warmth by adjusting the EQ in the Wiim.  I cannot seem to get there without it sounding muddy.

I'm trying to learn and understand the difference in the amps and what specs might be contributing to my observations.

The Sansui has a 0.2% TDH while the Schiit Freya+ runs much more clean at <0.01%

Is it safe to say that less TDH main contributing factor to what I am observing when I say I've lost warmth?

I've only had a couple of days, so my ears might still be adjusting, but I do miss that vibe and feeling the music created when using only the Sansui.

I do think I lean towards wanting a warmer sound.  This might have just been an experiment in me needing to try something different to learn that.

Other notes:  

The tubes are new production Tung-Sol 6SN7

The Freya+ has 3 modes.  Passive, JFET buffer and Tube gain.  Tube gain is the only stage that is listenable for my ears

steam_engine
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,702 posts
 

I believe what you’re hearing is the Sansui capacitor coupled designs they were known to be a warmer sounding amps than the later designs that went more neutral sounding and had more detail.   The AU999 was the first of the later designs for example.

mswale
119 posts
 

Curious, why you added the Schiit Freya+ in the first place? What were you trying fix? 

Vintage gear can sound just as good as new gear, it has to be maintained, and used correctly. Do you know if your Sansui has ever been recaped, or checked out? Might need all the electrolytic caps replaced, some diodes are out of spec along with a few resistors. Might as well swap out some noisy transistors while you are in there. This can/will transform the sound in a good way, more dynamic range, better soundstage,  lower noise floor, better separation, end to end better. While still having the warm sound they are known for. 

Would not try to EQ in the Wiim, most of the time they just add noise with a side of distortion. It's a cheap device, would just use the standard output untouched. If you "need" an EQ get the Schiit one, add it in the proper place. 

Or as others have said, sell the Sansui, get the Schiit matching amp, it will sounds glorious. 

emergingsoul
1,195 posts
 

Try changing cables.  And maybe tubes.

The Freya is an amazing beast. You can go back-and-forth between solid-state And tubes.  

I would give it time and get used to how it sounds.  Change can be good.

And then if all else fails buy two puppies

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