2. amps-preamps
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Tube preamp: Cary SLP-03 vs Schiit Freya+

Hello all.

I realise it’s a slightly odd comparison, given the age gap, but I’m looking to add a tube preamp to my all-SS chain (Mytek Brooklyn Bridge going straight into ELAC Navis powered speakers). The Schiit Freya+ has been getting rave reviews, especially for its price point and its versatility (passive, buffer or tube), but is currently back-ordered and also it is said to feel a bit flimsy (no miracles). As a result I have been looking at older, formerly more expensive, tube preamps that can be had for a similar price today, leading me to the Cary SLP-03. I have also looked for ARC, BAT, etc but they all tend to be well above my price range (max 1500). 
Would you, we’ll-read and listened fellas, have any views on the above choice or any other recommendations? I’ve been scouring forums and used gear websites for literally tens of hours and I need a bit of advice at this point.

Many thanks in advance!

laimac

Showing 2 responses by helomech

helomech
1,494 posts
 

The problem with the Freya+ is it doesn’t really provide the sound characteristics tubes are known for. Its tube stage sounds like what you get with a tube buffer, i.e. a very slight increase in “bloom.” Doesn’t matter what tubes you roll into the Freya, the result is essentially the same. The Freya+ is wholly better as a passive pre.

I can’t speak for the Cary’s sound but I had an opportunity to buy one NIB for a steep discount. I passed on it because many owner reviews of this model around the web are unenthusiastic, and I found multiple reports of reliability issues.

Generally speaking though, from a sound quality perspective, I think you would indeed be better off buying a pre-owned preamp that once retailed for multiples of the Freya’s price. 

 

helomech
1,494 posts
 

Try a Bel Canto Pre5. Sounds more like a good tube preamp than the Freya+, regardless of what tubes are rolled into the latter (even the overrated Ken Rad 231s). Yeah, it’s more than twice the price but the leap in sound quality is worth every penny. 

 

 

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