Schiit Freya plus. Is this an upgrade?

@recluse
Thanks for sharing.
What amp are you using it with?
Are the volume clicks a physical noise, or do they come through the speakers?
I've read that the Freya+ gets very warm.  Is it warm enough to be a concern about long term performance life?

@phcollie,

I thought all new Freya+ units were being delivered with JJ tubes.  Have they gone back to Tung Sol, or did you just buy a quad?  If you did, did you compare and can you describe the difference between the two brands?  Thanks.

The Freya+ is a great sounding preamp; perhaps that's the bottom line, But it is built to a price. I like mine, but here's what I dislike about it:
-Factory change to JJ tubes is cost saving measure compared to original Tung Sols. The TSs were given great credit in reviews for the excellent Freya+ SQ out of the box. I tried but no longer use the JJs in the tube gain positions.
-Poor user interface. Change from the direct remote control of attenuator to a motorized volume control together with same cheap membrane remote provides less control. There is a lag and it's too easy to over- and under-shoot desired volume. Sometimes a real PITA. Sometimes a slight stutter in sound while adjusting. Slightly better results with a learning remote.
-Very poor (virtually no) visual indication of the 128 steps of volume level. It needs an led indication. 
-No balance control.
-No tape out.
-Gets very hot when in use with tubes. The heat is not from the tubes, which are external. Raises issues of capacitor life.
-Case cannot be opened, not even to change a fuse.