Schiit Freya S or Freya +?

A preamp only needs to create a small line level signal so although I have a preamp with dual large toroidal transformers, it seems the Freya betters that one if only due to the tubes (and likely hipper design). It was Atmasphere Ralph who got me thinking about a tubed preamp years ago when he suggested that tubes can pull more detail out of the mix...I now agree wholeheartedly. Effortless Grace was my great grandmother's name.

I like to roll through the 3 output options on my "original version" Freya from time to time although it's in the tube mode normally...it's a way to see if your tubes are in good shape, and that's possible instantly on my Freya. To satisfy some critics, Schiit decided to allow the tubes to be shut off in the non tube modes with the Freya +, allowing the thing to be on without tube wear...I suppose that's a good idea to many, but it eliminates my instant mode switching thing, and helps my decision to not upgrade! My Freya is already very quiet in tube mode, and although I'd buy a Freya + if I needed another system, I like the one I have just fine. Nothing like it out there at any price...I do wonder why anybody wouldn't spend the extra 200 bucks over the Freya S since it actually won't burn tubes or whatever people worry about, but hey...to each his or her own I suppose.

213...thanks for the clarification regarding the Freya + tube mode.

I much prefer the tube mode of my "original version and no, you can't get one" Freya, and it does get surprisingly warm over the transformers....however, after a couple of years with this thing I've decided that's part of its charm, and the many vent holes seem to insure it will never melt. In my humble (!) opinion I remain a fan as it's a great preamp.