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Recommendation for replacement of Freya +

In one of my systems, it does double duty of 2 channel and HT. I have a Lexicon RV-6 for HT and then I was using my Freya + for 2 channel. The main issue is that I use the same speakers for both systems so I use Home Theater Bypass. The Freya doesn’t have what I would call a true version and you have to turn the volume control all the way up on the Freya to get the full signal in bypass.

I get a nasty hum once it’s turned all the way up and it’s driving me mad!

Looking for a replacement pre-amp that has HT bypass, a remote, and balanced input and output for around $1k used. I’ve seen Parasound P6, Emotiva XSP for around that price but looking for other options.

Greatly appreciate any input or recommendations.

 

blkwrxwgn
reubent
6,935 posts
 

I think Kal may be on to something. To get "full signal", you would want to have the Freya+ in "passive mode" and turned up all the way. That would be full signal pass-through. If you have the Freya+ in tube gain mode, you'll be adding 12db of gain and I can believe you could get some noise.

Try it in passive mode, if you haven't already". Just remember, re-do your HT setup with the Freya_ in passive mode, volume control all the way up.

blkwrxwgn OP
240 posts
 

I’ll try it again in passive mode but I think I was getting the hum in all modes once the volume got close to full. 
 

thing I really don’t like is that I don’t want to accidentally leave it in full volume when I go to use it in 2 channel. It’s not the most elegant way of doing it. 

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,498 posts
 

Seperate speakers is my way. Then I don't have to worry about any nonsense. 

Good luck

blkwrxwgn OP
240 posts
 

It's a bit quieter in passive mode but still noise from the speakers at full volume, take it to half volume and it's quiet.  

My turntable is quiet, I don't have much electrical noise usually but it's the needing of full volume on the Freya in bypass that's creating the issues.

I really like it for 2 channel use but I'm sure there has to be another pre out there with a real HT bypass that can work.

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,649 posts
 

It's a bit quieter in passive mode but still noise from the speakers at full volume, take it to half volume and it's quiet.  

Seems strange to me and I have run it "full up" in all modes.

Either your Freya+ is defective or there's a lot of noise in your system that needs to be attenuated.   

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