Schiit Audio
Freya 2
Schiit Audio launches Freya 2 with four operating modes
The new Freya 2 preamplifier is built in the USA and offered in Black and Silver finishes. An included IR remote covers all front-panel functions.
Georg S. Kuklick
•
Schiit Audio has introduced a preamplifier with passive, all-tube, MOSFET solid-state and hybrid operating configurations. The Schiit Audio Freya 2 preamplifier is available directly from the company, starting at $999.
Volume control uses a hermetically sealed signal-relay-switched attenuator with discrete 0.5% thin-film resistors, providing 128 steps of 0.625dB. Both the solid-state and all-tube configurations offer gain settings of 1× (0dB) and 4× (12dB). The specified frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz, -0.05dB, at either gain setting in those configurations. The preamplifier accepts 6SN7, 6N8S and 5692 tubes and operates in Class A when running all four tubes.
Connections comprise two XLR input pairs and three RCA input pairs, with one XLR output pair and two RCA output pairs. All outputs are simultaneously active whenever the preamplifier is unmuted. Input impedance is specified at 10k ohms, while output impedance in solid-state and all-tube operation is 75 ohms single-ended or 150 ohms balanced.
Freya 2 includes Forkbeard, Schiit Audio's unified control system for multiple products and stacks, with system-health monitoring and alerts. Its power supply uses 48VA and 24VA c-core transformers. The supply incorporates a shutdown-capable 300V main rail and independently regulated, shutdown-capable 6V DC tube heaters. Maximum total heater current for four tubes is 2.4A.
The chassis measures 16 × 8 × 2 inches, with the tubes adding approximately 2.5 inches of height, and the unit weighs 11 pounds. Specified power consumption is 50W in all-tube operation, 36W in half-tube operation and 22W in solid-state operation. Standby consumption is specified at 3.5W.
Key specifications
Product type | Preamplifier |
|---|---|
Operating configurations | Passive; all-tube; MOSFET solid-state; hybrid |
Volume control | Hermetically sealed signal-relay-switched stepped attenuator; discrete 0.5% thin-film resistors; 128 steps of 0.625dB |
Compatible tubes | 6SN7, 6N8S and 5692; other types may require adapters; CV181 not recommended |
Maximum tube heater current | 2.4A total for four tubes |
Amplification class | Class A with all four tubes operating |
Gain | Solid-state and all-tube: low gain 1× (0dB); high gain 4× (12dB) |
Frequency response | 20Hz–20kHz, -0.05dB, for solid-state and all-tube operation at low or high gain |
THD | At 1V RMS, 20Hz–20kHz: solid-state low gain <0.0007%; solid-state high gain <0.0008%; all-tube low gain <0.006%; all-tube high gain <0.003% |
IMD | CCIR: solid-state low gain <0.0006%; solid-state high gain <0.0009%; all-tube low gain <0.007%; all-tube high gain <0.003% |
Signal-to-noise ratio | A-weighted, referenced to 4V RMS: solid-state low gain >120dB; solid-state high gain >110dB; all-tube low gain >124dB; all-tube high gain >115dB |
Output impedance | 75 ohms single-ended; 150 ohms balanced, in solid-state and all-tube operation at either gain setting |
Sources
Data Source
