2. amps-preamps
  3. 148244-7401

Adcom GFP-710 to Schiit Freya - upgrade?

looking for some thoughts...

It’s been a while since I’ve done anything with my system. I’ve been running a Mac Mini streaming AIFF via Kimber USB into Bel Canto
Dac-3, running the DAC into Pass Labs X250.5 via balanced BlueJeans XLRs. Speakers are Dynaudio S5.4
I recently added a Rega P2 table and that forced me to break out the Adcom GFP-710 that I had laying around in order to be able to switch between sources. Adcom has a built in phono pre, but I bought Schiit Mani as well. I kind of like it a lot. 
I feel that the Adcom may be the weakest link in the chain, and am looking at possibly upgrading a pre. 
Seeking thoughts on Schiit Freya, or any other preamp used or new around $1k that would offer an upgrade in resolution, soundstaging, imaging, etc. 
Balanced or single ended, tubes or solid state, with or without a built in phono pre.

Has anyone compared the Freya to any of the Adcom or comparable preamps, what can you share? What other preamps should I put on a list?
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Showing 2 responses by mcreyn

mcreyn
293 posts
 
I use a GFP-750 and tried a Freya and found the Freya notably inferior.  Veiled and poor imaging.  I ended up returning the Freya with a note that I thought it might be defective, but Schiit never notified me of a problem with it.  That said, I am still not convinced that I didn’t get a defective unit, as the sound quality difference was quiet large, far more than a preamp should ever be.  

For the record, I like Schiit products and use their dacs, headphone amp, and phono pre.  
mcreyn
293 posts
 
Totally straight faced.  The veiling I heard was in every mode, passive, jfet and tube.  I want to try another Freya as I think there was something wrong with the one I had.  
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