Considering Schiit equipment

I owned the Freya Plus for 2 years,  and currently have it posted for sale on USAM.

If you want to save money ($650), please feel free to consider my listing. 

Putting that aside, here are some thoughts for you to be aware of (also discussed in my listing).

First, with the right tubes, the Freya Plus is a top tier preamplifier (not best of the best, but can compete with preamplifier on the lower end of that top tier), which is unbelievable for the price.

Two, I bought mine with the premium Tung Sol tubes. After first listen, I was prepared to sell it the same day.  It sounded dry, sterile, and no dynamics. I switched out the Tung Sols on the output stage, and replaced them with the Electroharmonix Platinum Cryo-treated tubes from Upscale Audio and it completely transformed the sound... huge changes...honestly...from hell to heaven and those tubes are inexpensive.   My theory is that the Tung Sols are really good at filtering which is why they work so well when left in the buffer stage, and sound so poorly when placed on the output stage.

A PS Audio BHK Signature preamplifier replaced my Freya Plus, and the Freya gave it a good run for the money soundwise using the stock BHK preamplifier tubes and the magical pairing of tubes mentioned above. I bought some new tubes for the BHK and expect those to take SQ to the next level.

Hope this is helpful and best of luck. 

Thank you for the valuable information Gino. I appreciate the offer but I'm only looking to buy new. The tube info you provided is a big help.

Does anybody have any input on what I said about using RCA to XLR interconnect adapters? It would be appreciated. 

BTW, another hectic work week starts tomorrow. I'll reply as I find the time and will always appreciate the input. 

Adcom has a great heritage.

1. Get a couple of bridgeable GFA-555ms (125 wpc) at $1,549 each OR

2. Get a couple of bridgeable GFA-555se (200 wpc) at $1,899 each

3. Then get a GFP-915SE preamp, with balance control knob, for $1,100

4. There is a 15% discount off one amp and preamp when purchased together

My dad still has his Adcom stuff circa 1990 and it sounds excellent. Sure it is a revived company today, but it has history. I sold my Adcom stuff long ago.

Regarding XLR-RCA adapters, I would try to avoid them since added connections in the audio signal chain can potentially degrade the signal. Is it audible, I don’t know?

Schiit Tyr and Freya+ are top notch gear. My own experiments with my Freya gave best results with Ken-Rad VT-231’s in the gain stage and CBS-Hytron (made by RCA?) 5692’s in the buffer. It gives my Cary SLP05 with ultimate upgrade a run for the money.

 For a budget option, Sylvania 6SN7’s of any vintage are pretty good with a sparkly top end. But this preamp sings with vintage tubes, especially of the WW2 era. The Tyrs are amazing, I have been so impressed when I have heard them (and the Schiit Wotan amplifier as well).