Schiit Freya plus. Is this an upgrade?


Any opinions on this version versus the previous?

https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-2

"differential triode input with semi-circlotron follower stage"

????
recluse
I used headphone amps as preamps for a while. They can sound good, but a dedicated pre can be better optimized for that application because it never needs to drive loads below 10,000 ohms, which has implications for the choice of parts and design of the output stage. E.g. for many tube preamps that means the ability to use much higher quality, lower capacitance film caps (for output coupling) within budget.
I was just informed by Grover of Schiit Audio that Schiit has moved to using 7-10 thicker circuit boards "on some of their newer products." What this could mean for the Freya+ is less flex during tube rolling or changing..
    
Received the Freya plus and so far am very impressed. The volume clicks are louder than I thought, almost like a ratchet wrench but that is really not a problem for me. I don't move the volume while listening to music%-/

The led lighting of the 3 modes is a little too dim imo. My only gripe.

Initially preferred passive and jfet but after several hours the tubes started sounding much better. Will have to continue to evaluate over 2 weeks.

No noise hiss or hum, and so far not noticing a loss of resolution  or transparency which was a main concern with preexisting oppo 205 direct to amps.