Kal's Freya+ and Topping Pre90 Review

Posted by AbeCollins (A) on March 7, 2022 at 21:10:59

The April 2022 issue of Stereophile has a review of the $949 Schiit Freya+ and $599 Topping Pre90 preamps on page 145. Asylum Inmate Kal Rubinson described the Topping Pre90 in more detail in a previous review. This one compares the two budget preamps on page 145.

I had the Schiit Freya+ in my system a few months ago and I am presently using the $848 Topping Pre90/Ext90. The optional Ext90 provides additional balanced XLR inputs.

I pretty much agree with Kal's review and comparison.

I thought I would try the Freya+ hoping that it was a giant killer 6SN7 based tube preamp. I wanted something that provided what I had in the pricey Cary SLP-05, also 6SN7 based, but that was wishful thinking! The Freya+ is a nice sounding preamp but it's not the giant killer I had hoped for.

To my ears the Topping Pre90 is more robust and lively especially in the mids which I prefer. And the Topping has the more useful display. However, the remote control requires precise aiming and not only that, the Topping doesn't immediately respond to remote commands. I sometimes have to press a second time before the Topping Pre90 'wakes up' and responds. Weird, but I'm getting used to it.

Topping PRE90/EXT90 currently in my system:

Schiit Freya+ in my system several months ago:

PS Audio GainCell DAC/PRE also in the system a few months ago.

The Freya+ tubes do glow orange but there's a little bit of tasteful trickery to assist. There are tiny orange LEDs down below.
At least they're not Green or Blue LEDs !!

I'd really like to try the Benchmark LA4 which is supposed to be as neutral and as clean as it gets but that's $2600 that I don't
want to afford at the moment.

Topping Pre90/Ext90 at reputable Apos Audio (Open in New Window)

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Topic - Kal's Freya+ and Topping Pre90 Review - AbeCollins 21:10:59 03/07/22 (20)

RE: Kal's Freya+ and Topping Pre90 Review - KanedaK 23:24:47 03/15/22 (0)

A Giant Killer Preamp! - John Elison 06:10:29 03/09/22 (11)

RE: A Giant Killer Preamp! - morricab 12:13:18 03/10/22 (0)

And you can buy it assembled at a reasonable premium - Feanor 06:29:03 03/09/22 (9)

Yes, Don Sachs starts out with this design...................... - Cut-Throat 08:21:47 03/09/22 (8)

That is a beautiful piece. nt - G Squared 12:21:06 03/09/22 (1)

Thanks Much ! ........ nt - Cut-Throat 12:52:41 03/09/22 (0)

RE: Yes, Don Sachs starts out with this design...................... - AbeCollins 10:08:22 03/09/22 (5)

RE: Yes, Don Sachs starts out with this design...................... - Cut-Throat 10:50:10 03/09/22 (4)

The two-wire compromise will drive the amp, however ... - Feanor 13:23:15 03/10/22 (1)

RE: The two-wire compromise will drive the amp, however ... - pars 14:01:30 03/15/22 (0)

RE: Yes, Don Sachs starts out with this design...................... - AbeCollins 06:49:22 03/10/22 (1)

Agree - E-Stat 20:41:42 03/11/22 (0)

I preferred my Freya + in passive mode with most recordings - Feanor 12:30:46 03/08/22 (0)

RE: Passive vs buffered SS modes - tketcham 04:33:07 03/08/22 (5)

Not gonna happen. - Kal Rubinson 07:12:23 03/08/22 (4)

RE: Not gonna happen. - tketcham 06:38:45 03/09/22 (3)

Don't forget the "almost." (NT) - Kal Rubinson 07:59:10 03/09/22 (2)

RE: Don't forget the "almost." (NT) - AbeCollins 10:17:12 03/09/22 (1)

Seems that you have done due diligence. (NT) - Kal Rubinson 13:44:35 03/09/22 (0)

Kal's Freya+ and Topping Pre90 Review

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