SCHIIT Saga+ Vs Freya+

smipau29 · « **on:** 21 Apr 2020, 04:47 am »

Quick introduction I’m new at this w/ about a months worth of research.. along with some jargon my pops use to teach me.

After sleepless nights of reviewing a set up I want to go with I came to a conclusion that I would like to go with a Schiit set up. Being said, I thought I had this down to a clear science but am confused from a response from help at Schiit. With my current budget (- speakers) I can do the following:

1. BifrostMB DAC, Saga+ Pre-amp, Vidar amp
2. ModiMB DAC, Freya+ Pre-amp, Vidar amp

I received a response back from Schiit that my best action would be bifrost and the saga+ of I don’t plan on using dual XLR. Is this because I am only using one Vidar amp? And if I did go with the saga + would o be missing out on a better quality tube sound than with the Frey+.

Best,

drhoon · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Apr 2020, 01:38 pm »

#1 vastly superior. Better dac. Saga > Freya in transparency

smipau29 · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Apr 2020, 02:37 pm »

So is more not the merrier in this case of tubes? What about throwing The Freya gen 1 into the mix. So 3 options now.

1. Bifrost2 DAC, Saga+ Pre-amp, Vidar amp
2. Bitfrost2 DAC, Freya gen 1 Pre-amp, Vidar amp
2. ModiMB DAC, Freya+ Pre-amp, Vidar amp

Also, can ya help feel me in what you mean saga > Freya in transparency?

seikosha · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 Apr 2020, 05:12 pm »

Haven't heard the Freya, but I have a Saga and Sys. In my system, two Sys's (dual mono - one for each channel) outperform the Saga. They provide a more transparent open window to the music. I know they shouldn't, but they do. Something to consider since it's a cheaper option.

REY · « **Reply #4 on:** 28 Apr 2020, 07:44 pm »

I have a Sega+ and for the most part does a good job, now remember, this is a passive preamp, so in some cases (like me right know) I wish I had a bit more of gain for some of my amplifiers, which you can do with the Freya.

mcmusicman · « **Reply #5 on:** 28 Apr 2020, 08:58 pm »

I use the Freya plus with Quad matched Tung Sols. Sounds much better in my system than the JJ's.
Can not say enough good things about the sound of the Freya Plus. Dead Quiet ( they improved noise floor over the Freya) and agree with above poster regarding Bit Frost. Worth Waiting a few weeks to bump budget and get the better DAC with the Freya plus. I am not alone in regarding the Freya Plus as the best value in Pre amps available on the market. Have 600 hours on mine. I do not use their DAC but am planning on purchasing the Aegir for my new bedroom system. It was given an A rating by Stereophile and that puts it in very rare company. Full disclosure, I was one of those who thought schiit was low end and not worthy of being in a real audiophile system. After listening to the sound of the Freya Plus, my opinion changed and I received a much needed humility check.

smipau29 · « **Reply #6 on:** 6 May 2020, 01:47 am »

Awesome to hear! I currently got a bike Schiit set up and then going to narrow down what I want to do. I’m doing a bifrost and either Aegir, Vidar, Vidar mono or Agee/Vidar bi-amped. Most likely it will be the Aegir Vidar mix since my heresy III seem to. It give the bass needed. I refuse to get a sub lol

Samoyed · « **Reply #7 on:** 20 May 2020, 10:41 pm »

I’ve ordered a Freya+ for mid June delivery, and wonder about the JJ tubes. I’ll be driving KEF R900 speakers, using a Nuprime evolution DAC. I have two amps, a Rotel 1590 and a Nord one up with d revision boards. Any insight or comments welcomed.

smipau29 · « **Reply #8 on:** 21 May 2020, 12:20 am »

So can’t comment on the amps as I am using Schiit amps. Experimenting with mono Vidar and aegir/Vidar biwired/amped combo (subject for another time) as far as the freya + its awesome especially the extra gain to my Heresy III. I couldn’t imagine running solid state. Though I must say, I bought a brand new freya + (2 months old from a friend and during shipping something rattled loose with the tube sections and have a crackle pop. Need to be returned to ship for investigation. I say sadly because it Schiit WILL NOT uphold their warranty unless schip it to my friend (nearly $100 on me) then ship it back (again 100 nearly on me). Grant it, it says strictly in Schiits warranty that they only cover original purchaser, but this is crazy... 2 months old and already issues.

Other wise it’s a great piece. I really did love hear the relays click when turning up and down volume as I’m a tech guy but honestly after awhile it gets old. Keep thinking I’m working on a job and there are shavings stuck in a contractor.

planet10 · « **Reply #9 on:** 21 May 2020, 12:21 am »

I orderd Freya+ mid last week, looks like they are waiting for some parts. Will be driving Firstwatt SIT-3.

Before playing with other new tubes i’ll dig out my box of old ones and se ehow they work. Then maybe contact PEARL about cyro valves.

dave

mcmusicman · « **Reply #10 on:** 21 May 2020, 12:22 am »

@Samoyed, I ordered the Russian Tung Sol from Viva tubes. SKU# NP048-4 quad matched.
They sound simply beautiful but this becomes individual preference. My box of JJs
were used once for about an hour and still sit in the box.

Samoyed · « **Reply #11 on:** 21 May 2020, 01:36 am »

Many thanks.

Samoyed · « **Reply #12 on:** 7 Jul 2020, 01:05 am »

Just installed the tung sols from the recommended vendor. About two hours in and while I like them, I like the JJ MORE. The latter have a 3D quality that the tung sols lack, and a more defined sound stage. I’ll keep them in for a bit, and don’t regret the purchase in the least.

mick wolfe · « **Reply #13 on:** 7 Jul 2020, 05:45 pm »

I started with the supplied JJ's ( Freya+) for most of the break in period. Then switched to ANOS GE's about 3 weeks in. At some point, I'll reevaluate the JJ's, but I heard nothing offensive in their presentation early on. The Freya+, much like my Saga from a few years back, takes 2-3 weeks of play before things start to settle in. In comparison to the "original" Saga, the Freya+ has a bit more weight and "meat on the bones". The Saga was no slouch by any means, but it did present a leaner character. ( this with the tube buffer engaged) For those seeking a bigger, bolder presentation with a tad of warmth in the mix, the Freya+ is the better choice. In addition, I find the rotating volume control via remote a plus vs. the Saga. Now to be clear once again, this is a comparison to the original Saga, not the +.

Samoyed · « **Reply #14 on:** 7 Jul 2020, 06:02 pm »

I’m using a Freya +. So far, I prefer the JJ.

mcmusicman · « **Reply #15 on:** 8 Jul 2020, 04:00 pm »

@samoyed
I ordered a pair of Melz NOS 1578 military tubes from Ukraine and they just shipped. Will let you know how they sound in my gain stage. If you google "Shootout of NOS 6SN7 Tubes" you will run across a detailed thread comparing the sound of many of these tubes. The OP owns a Freya plus, as well as several other tube components. Highly informative. Cheers!

Samoyed · « **Reply #16 on:** 8 Jul 2020, 05:50 pm »

Thanks!

mcmusicman · « **Reply #17 on:** 9 Jul 2020, 11:53 pm »

Shkong78 (thomas) spent thousands of dollars to test and give detailed opinions on the 6SN7 Tubes. Not to mention the many hours of his time putting everything together. The possibilities are immense and frankly he saved me a lot of money posting his results.

Samoyed · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 Jul 2020, 01:20 am »

It’s an amazing précis. I’m set for awhile. I love the JJ but like tung sols.

Samoyed · « **Reply #19 on:** 15 Jul 2020, 01:43 am »

Went back to the JJ. Deep bass and a clearly superior sound stage from my KEF R900 speakers. Lovely.