Westsurf Posted July 6, 2020 Posted July 6, 2020 (edited) Hello, I was hoping for some opinions on using a Schitt Freya (possible a plus model) as a tube buffer for two channel listening in my HT system. My idea is to either use the processor loop in my XSP-1 which drives XPA-3 Gen 2 LCR front stage. I could also place it directly inline between the XSP and XPA. This would be the preferred manner of operation as I could use XLR input / output. Primary DAC is Oppo 203 acting as Roon media streamer end point / CD and when my wife is operating a Denon AVR 3310. The real query then becomes, as I have to “idiot proof” it for my wife, is whether it would be possible to get a 12V trigger switch installed to allow auto on and off UNLESS it does bypass Audio when turned off. I’d suggest it wouldn’t but cannot ascertain. Would anyone have opinions and / or Experience with this type of setup? Thank in advance. Edited July 6, 2020 by westsurf Clarity
Westsurf Posted July 8, 2020 Author Posted July 8, 2020 No one has any advice? Nothing on the quality of the Freya tube pre amp? I have to admit I am surprised.
tripitaka Posted July 8, 2020 Posted July 8, 2020 The lack of response might just indicate concusion as to what improvement you are seeking, particularly as the Freya has several operation modes. It's clearly not an impedance issue you are trying to overcome, since you already have a preamp. If you are seeking tube colouration it might help if you explained what you dont currently like in your sound? There is a lot of knowledge on these boards but often the key is asking the right question... Cheers Trip
Westsurf Posted July 11, 2020 Author Posted July 11, 2020 (edited) Basically adding a source of upper even order harmonics to particular tracks / sources. Having been a professional audio engineer for decades with my start on SSL desks with tube inputs running Studer 2” 24 channel tape machines and migrating all the way through the digital era ... also including running the Boiler Room at BDO for a decade I’m just wanting, as previously mentioned, the ability to add at a push of a button choral harmonic warmth to my system when and if I choose. I utilise equipment to make a sound I enjoy. Apart from that the components are nothing but tools to get there. In studios or live my options Are often endless. Not so much in the home situation. Hence, requesting advice from those who revel in that environment. Edited July 11, 2020 by westsurf
tripitaka Posted July 12, 2020 Posted July 12, 2020 20 hours ago, westsurf said: Basically adding a source of upper even order harmonics to particular tracks / sources. Having been a professional audio engineer for decades with my start on SSL desks with tube inputs running Studer 2” 24 channel tape machines and migrating all the way through the digital era ... also including running the Boiler Room at BDO for a decade I’m just wanting, as previously mentioned, the ability to add at a push of a button choral harmonic warmth to my system when and if I choose. I utilise equipment to make a sound I enjoy. Apart from that the components are nothing but tools to get there. In studios or live my options Are often endless. Not so much in the home situation. Hence, requesting advice from those who revel in that environment. aha! makes good sense now, especially this 'at the push of a button' thing! Now that you mention it, I actually wouldn't mind considering the same thing - as an optional listening mode whenever I could be bothered warming up bloody tubes. So lets see what advice comes in and please report on anything you end up trying!!!
Al.M Posted July 12, 2020 Posted July 12, 2020 (edited) If it’s the same I’ve tried this with other tube preamps on several 2 channel integrated amps and it was a hit and miss affect, sometimes not bad, others totally messed up sound coherence or lower volume affect. The most common affect was sweeter treble but not necessarily overal better. As to the Schiit Freya sonic signature there are heaps of reviews about that and hopefully some of that may come through. Musial Fidelity and others used to make tube buffers that can sometimes be found used for $200-500. Edited July 12, 2020 by Al.M 1
Westsurf Posted July 12, 2020 Author Posted July 12, 2020 5 hours ago, Al.M said: If it’s the same I’ve tried this with other tube preamps on several 2 channel integrated amps and it was a hit and miss affect, sometimes not bad, others totally messed up sound coherence or lower volume affect. The most common affect was sweeter treble but not necessarily overal better. As to the Schiit Freya sonic signature there are heaps of reviews about that and hopefully some of that may come through. Musial Fidelity and others used to make tube buffers that can sometimes be found used for $200-500. Appreciate the opinion and time given.
Guest dr_carl Posted July 16, 2020 Posted July 16, 2020 (edited) I have a device which is essentially a unity gain preamp. That means that it passes the signal through a tube based circuit which i think is a single-ended topology. No increase in voltage but massaged by the tubes. It was a good way in to tubes for me. In front of a SS amp it was excellent. It was made by Eric Chan of Machanson "fame" he is prominent on eBay, you can't miss him. If you were in NSW I'd let you play with it. I can sell it to you with a box of now expensive tubes if we agree a price. The base unit cost $500 & there $500 worth of tubes. Make an offer if/when you're interested. If you want I can give you pics. I'll probably put an ad in the classified ads soon as I have just become owner of a integrated tube amp, making this unit unnecessary in my rig. I reviewed it sometime back in the product reviews. Or buy one from Eric. Edited July 16, 2020 by dr_carl Improved it
doogie44 Posted July 16, 2020 Posted July 16, 2020 I am a fan of my Yaquin tube buffer that I bought online many years ago. They have made several iterations of this for a modest price. My model uses a single 6N1/6922/6DJ8; I have tried Amperex and Mullard with great results when the buffer was after my tuner or my CD player. Currently they make a 2 valve (6SN7 equivalent) model: https://www.ebay.com/itm/YAQIN-SD-CD3-6N8P-Valve-Tube-Signal-Upgrade-Buffer-Processor-for-CD-DVD-player/292543706199?hash=item441cf6b457:g:7EsAAOSwkcBa5qtq It's around $A250 from Hong Kong and strictly for adding a pleasant harmonic distortion--for fun.
tripitaka Posted July 16, 2020 Posted July 16, 2020 6 minutes ago, doogie44 said: I am a fan of my Yaquin tube buffer that I bought online many years ago. They have made several iterations of this for a modest price. My model uses a single 6N1/6922/6DJ8; I have tried Amperex and Mullard with great results when the buffer was after my tuner or my CD player. Currently they make a 2 valve (6SN7 equivalent) model: https://www.ebay.com/itm/YAQIN-SD-CD3-6N8P-Valve-Tube-Signal-Upgrade-Buffer-Processor-for-CD-DVD-player/292543706199?hash=item441cf6b457:g:7EsAAOSwkcBa5qtq It's around $A250 from Hong Kong and strictly for adding a pleasant harmonic distortion--for fun. This might get to the heart of the poster's original query - how might a (2K?) Freya compare to these cheaper options in terms of sound quality... and how can such a question be best addressed objectively when traditional 'specs' aren't going to help given part of the intention is actually to introduce 'distortion' anyway!
Ittaku Posted July 16, 2020 Posted July 16, 2020 (edited) By the way, Shenzhen (an official distributor) has that tube buffer for sale. https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/yaqin-sd-cd3-6n8p-tube-signal-upgrade-hi-end-buffer-processor-for-cd-player Even if adding some distortion is the objective here, my only issue with this "budget" tube buffer is the crosstalk is likely to be quite high, and it's likely to introduce more intermodulation distortion, and power line harmonic noise in addition to the desired subtle signal related colouration. Edited July 16, 2020 by Ittaku 1
motberg Posted July 22, 2020 Posted July 22, 2020 On 11/07/2020 at 6:11 PM, westsurf said: Basically adding a source of upper even order harmonics to particular tracks / sources. Having been a professional audio engineer for decades with my start on SSL desks with tube inputs running Studer 2” 24 channel tape machines and migrating all the way through the digital era ... also including running the Boiler Room at BDO for a decade I’m just wanting, as previously mentioned, the ability to add at a push of a button choral harmonic warmth to my system when and if I choose. I utilise equipment to make a sound I enjoy. Apart from that the components are nothing but tools to get there. In studios or live my options Are often endless. Not so much in the home situation. Hence, requesting advice from those who revel in that environment. I have one of these Black Ice Audio FOZ-SSX buffers - excellent tone/dynamics and amazingly clear with the crosstalk cancellation setting just barely active (just a few mm right of center). Easy to roll tubes with one 12AU7, but the stock Tong-Sol is pretty good for starters. I use it following a Lightspeed LDR for volume control, but think a clean tape loop would work well also (no audible loss of gain passing through the device). http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0917/Jolida_Foz_SSX_Sound_Stage_Expander_Review.htm
Recommended Posts