New Schiit Freya or used Conrad Johnson PV-10AL/BL, or?

@skiroe  I ran the Freya this way : Sonyhaz1es - balanced into freya for music listening . Oppo 203 - rca input into Freya for tv/movies. There was a loud hum that stayed consistently loud when both inputs were connected , but only using one at a time . Once I took out either the balanced or RCA input connection the hum would be gone . I used a balanced out from the Freya to my amplifier . 

@maplegrovemusic didnt catch this when you posted. I havnt sprung for the Freya plus as of yet. I had a Modwright LS100 in here and to me quite a revealing change for the better in sonics compared to my Line 1..  While I did not A/B it certainly appeared to sound that way just from memory.  

Quite pleased. Although,, not really caring for the huge size of the unit--would need to move the feet on the bottom in order to fit in the rack and then a bit cramped. Volume control not the best..

The overall challenge was could I replace my Sonic Frontiers Line 1 full featured preamp (recent upgrade to its volume operation and fresh caps in critical area) with one of the best remotes in the biz with the LS100.. Apparently I did not think so and sold it.

But more to the point--have you found out what the issue was with the hum in your Freya? Ground loop comes to mind.

BTW--what had impressed me with the LS100 which was my first foray into 6sn7 based preamp which to me proved to be a huge benefit sonically than the many pre’s I have had using typical 6922 or 12ax7 or 12au7 .

6sn7 being a motivator to try the Freya + .

The other potential is Icon Audio LA4 mkiii of which there is SCANT info .. 6sn7 based with tube rectifier and tape monitor although no balanced in/output and a Alps (?) motorized volume control. Likely not quite the sound quality as stepped per Freya + although I have read of a few complaints in that regard for Freya’s new implementation on volume control and not quite getting what the poster was getting at.

FWIW, the Freya Plus punches way above its $900 price point. It has been compared by users to much more expensive units. Unfortunately, IMO it requires more than the 15 day return period of normal use to fully break in its circuit and tubes. Perhaps the break-in period can be shortened by running it 24/7. I use both single ended and balanced inputs and and both single ended (to a subwoofer) and balanced outputs and have not experienced any of the problems written of by others here. I am quite happy with the broken in sound even with the original JJ tubes, but look forward to getting some NOS. There are plenty of recommendations for 6SN7 tube rolling for this pre around the ’net, including some at very reasonable prices. The Freya+ user interface, though, is not the best.

I found this thread very useful. I am hoping to get some advice for my stereo setup. I have two -

1. Amazon Echo as music source (using Plex) and ELAC Uni-fi UB5 speakers for my bedroom
2. Amazon Echo and a Sony CD Player (CDP-CE500) as music source (using Plex) and ELAC Uni-fi 2.0 UB52 speakers for my living room

I will like to add tube pre-amps for one or both of the above. I have a choice of NAD 2400, NAD 2600, B&K ST 1400 series ll as power amps. I am considering following pre amps -

1. Conrad Johnson PV10-AL (can get it used for $600)
2. Freya Plus (can get it used for $800)
3. Sound Valves SV-100 JFET preamp (can get it used for $200)
4. Open to other suggestions for new or used tube preamps

I am hoping to get two pre-amps for a total of under $1200. I am hoping to get some advice on which pre-amps might work for my situation. Thanks in advance.

@deltaa2333  This is an old dormant thread.

To get more exposure to your question(s), it is best to start a new separate thread