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REVIEW: Schiit Audio Freya+ Preamplifier (Tube)

Model: Freya+
Category: Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $900
Description: Tube amp with passive and buffer-only solid state modes
Manufacturer URL: Schiit Audio
Model Picture: View

Review by Feanor on September 13, 2020 at 13:00:36
IP Address: 99.242.130.65		Add Your Review
for the Freya+





Features
The Freya+ is a fully balance preamp with three modes of operation:
  • Passive
  • Buffered with zero gain; converts single-ended to fully balanced
  • Tube with 12 dB gain, also converts single-ended to fully balanced

    The Freya+ has a 128 step, relay switch fixed resistor volume control, and remote control for all functions except On/off.

    Ergonomics
    I have commented on the "user interfaces" in a previous post ... https://www.audioasylum.com/forums/amp/messages/23/236590.html

    The Freya comes with a compact, aluminum remote that controls all features except On/off. Unfortunately it use a vague, "membrane" keypad.

    Operation
    In Passive mode the unit runs completely cool; in Buffered mode it runs a bit warm; in Tube mode, rather hot especially in the left side of the case above the power supply.

    The Freya+ has an On/off switch at the rear only. However there is no problem leaving it 'On' if you switch to Passive mode since no heat is generated.

    THE SOUND
    I didn't sense that it needed much burn-in interval though it might be early for the tubes. Also, it doesn't seem to need much turn-on warm-up time beyond the 45 seconds for the tube stage.

    Passive and Buffered Modes:
    There isn't much to be said about the sound of these modes -- they sound like the source. This I know because I recently listened at length directly to my Topping DAC which as a volume control.

    I haven't noticed any difference in dynamics going to Buffered from Passive mode, but experience might different depending on the amplifier your are using. Also, some people have said Buffered provides a bit of gain but I didn't notice any change in volume going between these modes.

    Tube Mode:
    Schiit takes a restrained approach with its tube sound. If you're looking for caramel-coat sound you're barking up the wrong tree with the Freya+. NOTE: My Freya+ came with Tung Sol 6SN7GTB tubes; some buyers have received JJ tubes.

  • Yes, there might a minute amount of overall warming but no there significant difference in tonality IMO
  • There is very small lost of fine detail.
  • Top highs are somewhat mellowed but there is no high frequency roll-off (-- then again I'm deaf about 10 kHz)
  • Bass is a tiny bit "fuller" and maybe a tiny bit less well articulated, but it sounds good to me.

    The Freya+ delivers some of the typical tube, "holographic" imaging. This is a weird thing: instruments and voice are more separated and airy. Curiously it seemed to me that sometimes the singer's words are easier to understand. I'm pretty certain that the tubes are NOT producing more detail per se. Rather I'd liken it to contrast. (Experience photographers will know that sharpnessand contrast are different things in lenses -- that's the analogy I'm making.)

    Frankly this "holographic" effect is a tube artifact, i.e. distortion. It would be interesting to know exactly what type of distortion it is.

    The "holographic" effect to me is most agreeable in case of solo instruments and voices. However it's not so much in case of highly detailed, complex music including orchestral, choral, and often chamber music. The good news in case of the Freya+ is that you can switch back to Passive or Buffered mode when it starts to bug you.

    CONCLUSION
    The Schiit Freya+ is a great sounding and highly versatile piece of equipment at an astonishingly reasonable price, (US$900). I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a restrained tube sound with option to go passive or buffer-only sold state sound.

    The user interface and remote control are a bit too Spartan but it doesn't impact usability significantly.

    • Product Weakness: Not the greatest user interface and remote control
    Product Strengths: Great sound in any mode: passive, buffered, or its understated tube mode. High versatility combined with Low price

    Associated Equipment for this Review:

    Amplifier: VTV Amplifier stereo NC252MC / Pass Labs X150.5
    Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Freya+ / ARC LS9 / GlassWare Aikido 12vda
    Sources (CDP/Turntable): DAC: Topping DX7s
    Speakers: Zaph Audio ZRT 'Zaph Revelator Towers'
    Cables/Interconnects: Cryoed Morgami XLR; Beldon 1800F XLR; Canare 'StarQuad'
    Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical (90%)
    Room Size (LxWxH): 12 x 22 x 8
    Time Period/Length of Audition: 30 hours
    Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner


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    Topic - REVIEW: Schiit Audio Freya+ Preamplifier (Tube) - Feanor 13:00:34 09/13/20 (27)
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