2. amps-preamps
  3. 154546-138624

Best Value Line Stage Tube Preamps?

Given they are all multi-input, multi-output, balanced line stage tube preamps, what are sonic benefits of a serious Rogue RP-7 or Prima Luna EVO 400 vs. the $899 Schiit Freya Plus? Currently these would feed a Parasound Halo A21 into Legacy Signature SEs, with all cables and speaker placement constant. I know the relevant mfrs/dealers all offer trial and/or return policies, but living far from any source and disliking return hassles, I'm soliciting expert opinions before (preferably, in lieu of) undertaking in-home experiments.
I know that much depends on one's own listening habits and sonic signature preferences, but surely differences in power supply, output impedances, etc. might be objective benefits to spending the 5x more coin for a bigger, badder device?
hickamore

Showing 13 responses by hickamore

hickamore OP
523 posts
 
Ahhh. The plot thickens and always more to consider. Thanks all.
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
rickytickytwo, thanks. How much tube rolling have you done with the Freya Plus, and what did you think of the original stock tubes? Build quality would certainly be a key for the long haul, and I too have read that the big boys are built like farm tractors. On the other hand, at my age, how many Freyas or equivalent could I possibly wear out?
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
millercarbon your expertise has been duly admired and appreciated in other threads. I'm just now learning that although the Rogue logo is a raven, Raven is another product entirely. Such a tasty can of worms to dig into :-)
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
branden_8091please report your findings if any.
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
Very helpful, melm, much appreciated. Especially the news that Freya+ no longer gets Tung-Sols, yet tube rolling is easy. Having heard nothing to the contrary so far, any reason not to start with Schiit and if displeased, trade up for big boys? 
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
Don't need integrated these days, but the product info is good to hold for the dreaded day when the component footprint must shrink along with its owner. Checking out the rest except ARC, which I already know, and whose company, like the few geniuses of my acquaintance still living, I will never deserve.
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
If an ur-guru like wolf_garcia says Freya+ stands sonically with the best, durable, no tube rolling trouble, that's good enough for me. Whatever risk may remain is easily worth a $900, trade- value-retained gamble. Thinking if/when I "upgrade" from Freya+, it will be more for cosmetic than sonic reasons. If this works as hoped, my next question will likely concern digital preamp upgrades. Thanks to everyone for bundles of useful information.  
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
dsper, thanks for sharing. I gather that PL may not be the quite the workhorse as Rogue, and that tube rolling is needed to get the desired qualities. At least this should be easy (if costly!) with PL. I don't mind a bit of warmth in the mids and frankly expect it from tubes. There is always some point where analytical = unmusical, but different ears draw those lines in different places. Or even the same ears in different rooms or times of day/night. In my experience, almost any system can sound magical after 10pm on a non-holiday Sunday evening. Maybe it's time for a new thread on power supplies.
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
Sounding better all the time. Thx!
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
rickytickytwo thanks for the info. Others have said that Tung-Sol are no longer supplied but agree with you, rolling to better tubes is easy and beneficial. So that is the plan for when I return from long travels.
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
atmasphere

Given that very helpful clarification, what would be your optimal components for a balanced line electronic chain (source - preamp - amp)?
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
Active speakers not an option in my main system. Nor tube preamps in my secondary system. But I do get the idea, also why it could work for those otherwise situated. Very interesting about Space Tech. Need to read up on that, thanks.
hickamore OP
523 posts
 
Sorry about open-ended "optimal." I should have said "example."
And yes, on this prescription a different amp would be needed.
Such as .  .  .?
Thanks.
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