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Best Value Line Stage Tube Preamps?

Given they are all multi-input, multi-output, balanced line stage tube preamps, what are sonic benefits of a serious Rogue RP-7 or Prima Luna EVO 400 vs. the $899 Schiit Freya Plus? Currently these would feed a Parasound Halo A21 into Legacy Signature SEs, with all cables and speaker placement constant. I know the relevant mfrs/dealers all offer trial and/or return policies, but living far from any source and disliking return hassles, I'm soliciting expert opinions before (preferably, in lieu of) undertaking in-home experiments.
I know that much depends on one's own listening habits and sonic signature preferences, but surely differences in power supply, output impedances, etc. might be objective benefits to spending the 5x more coin for a bigger, badder device?
hickamore
rickytickytwo
88 posts
 
I have the Schiit Freya Plus and was happy at first, but take precaution with any tube rolling. The inserts for the tubes seem pretty cheap to me. I know nothing about Prima-Luna, and have only heard positive about Rogue Audio products being well built. 
hickamore OP
525 posts
 
rickytickytwo, thanks. How much tube rolling have you done with the Freya Plus, and what did you think of the original stock tubes? Build quality would certainly be a key for the long haul, and I too have read that the big boys are built like farm tractors. On the other hand, at my age, how many Freyas or equivalent could I possibly wear out?
melm
1,057 posts
 
I find the Freya+ quite sturdy.  It is said that the circuit board was made thicker compared to the original Freya.  I believe it.  The sockets seem to grip like any others I have had.

In any event, if the sockets are a concern you can use socket extenders and avoid the issue entirely.

As for tubes, the Freya+ used to ship with Tung-Sol tubes (which is what they were reviewed with) but now ships with cheaper JJ tubes.   

I have rolled and find the SQ to respond very well.  Currently using Sylvania chrome domes in the gain positions with excellent results.  Especially if you prefer (or like me must have) balanced outs the Freyas do very well at 1/5 the cost of the Rogue, for ex.  But you will probably have to roll to see exactly what it can do.
phcollie's avatar
phcollie
342 posts
 
I’m listening to Eva Cassidy Best of....and saying to myself, I don’t want to change anything to mess this up. Tung Sols...Freya Plus. Thinking everything is well settled in after about 300 hours. I can’t give an expert opinion because what works in my system and in my room may not be good for anyone else and I will always consider myself a student. I have a temporary housemate who just walked in sat down and said "omg, I can feel her emotions" (Aint no Sunshine) Guess it passes the test.
hickamore OP
525 posts
 
Very helpful, melm, much appreciated. Especially the news that Freya+ no longer gets Tung-Sols, yet tube rolling is easy. Having heard nothing to the contrary so far, any reason not to start with Schiit and if displeased, trade up for big boys? 
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