Відео

I know right? It has one for using in mono, but none for stereo!

That’s awesome! I loved the Freya+\Vidar combo! I would probably get a headphone amp with it too. I do wish it had balanced XLR headphone ports in the front, but it’s a really solid amp!

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi I'll bet you the next generation of the Freya+ has a headphone jack, considering that their replacement for the Freya S, the Kara, has one now. Seems unlikely that it would be balanced, though, unless Jason wanted to move the + upmarket, to get a bit more distance from the Kara. Actually, that might be a pretty good idea, considering how good the Kara is.

I agree!

That’s the sound of the mechanical relays in the relay-switched stepped attenuator. Unlike a typical potentiometer, a relay-stepped attenuator gives you perfect channel matching down to the lowest level of the volume knob. There’s only a couple of thin-film resistors in the signal path at all times, rather than a potentiometer wiper. And it doesn’t use a “volume control chip,” like cheap receivers.

Hahaha. It’s a loaner unit. Your guess is as good as mine. It may have been used for one minute or 1,000 hours before I got it. Unfortunately there is no hour meter on it. I guess my impressions mean nothing.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Think of it as a lower bound on sound quality. It could be almost no better or yards better with play . Over years the xformer sound will improve while some caps will increase leakage (more noise): Some caps will keep sounding better until near failure. Just let people know. Ask whomever you got it from.

No need to explain, I am very familiar with the process and the reason behind it. I got it directly from Schiit. They also would have no idea how long it has been used. They didn’t ask me how long I used it. That’s not how any company that I’ve worked with handles their test products. I will say that Schiit runs every amp for 24hrs after it’s built, so that would be the minimum amount of time that it has been run.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Very good, thank you for explaining. Glad you liked it, I’ve had only good experiences with Schiit and their gear.

Glad to hear it!

Thanks so much! I’ll have to try to check one out!

That’s interesting, I’ll have to try that! Thanks so much!

The Freya+ is a preamp, not a phono preamp. The signal coming from the turntable is too low for the Freya+ so you need a phono preamp in between. The phono preamp bumps up the signal enough so that the Freya+ can pick it up and amplify it enough for the amp.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi I didn't realize the small unit was a phono preamp. My bad.

It’s all good. I had a Schiit Skoll phono preamp that I wanted to use, but I had to send it back. I ended up using the Fosi Box X4 phono preamp instead.

Well, clearly I did. I like their turntables and cartridges, although I’m using a Sumiko cart at the moment. Mine is a vintage table, which I certainly prefer to the newer tables. Newer Denon components are geared towards the “all in one type” systems as apposed to using separates so their amps are frowned upon by so called “audiophiles.” What turntable do you use? By your comment I would expect perhaps Macintosh or Acoustic Signature at a minimum.

That’s really a shame. I’m not having that issue with mine, I suppose it’s possible that they made a running change, or maybe you got a bad unit. Of course it is also possible that my speakers and headphones aren’t sensitive enough to pick it up. Out of curiosity, how long ago was that?

Thanks so much! Both are excellent products. I’ve always found that iFi, in general, is very well suited for use with headphones and small to medium speakers. Schiit is better for medium to large speakers. The Zen and Skoll are no exception to that. Both suit a wide range of cartridges. For me, the Skoll seemed to be a bit more detailed and warm sounding. More open and airy. The Zen didn’t seem to have quite the warmth or openness, but it has slightly sharper highs. Miss are about the same on both, with the exception of the Skoll having more clarity in the mids. Bass is more pronounced at lower levels on the Skoll. I love both to be honest. If I was primarily listening with my vintage Sansui speakers, I would pick the Skoll. For headphones or bookshelves, I might go with the Zen. For medium speakers it’s a bit of a toss up. I personally prefer the warmth of the Skoll with a tube amp and vintage speakers. I’m sure a lot of this would also depend on the amp and/or preamp you will be using with it. If just using headphones, you can plug straight into the Zen. Also consider that the Zen is maybe half to two thirds the physical size of the Skoll, if that is a consideration. I hope that helps and wasn’t too long winded.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi - not too long at all. I appreciate the detailed breakdown. It sounds like the Skoll is more what I’m looking for. Thanks for taking the time.

No problem at all! Let me know how you like it if you decide to get it! What preamp/amp are you using with it?

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi- I’m using a Technics SL=1210GR turntable with a stereo pair of Sonos Fives, or it my go on my stereo setup. Swapping things around 🙂

Awesome! I’d love to hear how it works out!

I agree. I would like to see them come up with a premium line that does all that. I think there is a place for both.

I agree and would absolutely buy an upgraded version of this because I love the design aesthetics. They are keeping it to a price point and affordable is the ethos of their brand so I respect it but would love to see a higher end pre from them to go with Tyr.

We can always hope

@@mcgjohn22 Yes it should definitely happen, and I think it is in current plans: I recall Jason mentioning a higher-end preamp in the works, but no details. I think it was in the Schittr broadcast a few months back. I wish, among other things, that they would add a heavy, damped subchassis to mount the boards on to keep them quiet. And there is no end to the quality of resistors, some (Vishay H-series oil-filled) cost over $30 each and you can hear it….

That would be awesome!

I hope to try the Kara next! I do wish the Fraya+ had a balanced headphone port in the front though.

I’m sorry to hear you had that experience!

I cut loose of my Bifrost 2/64 within four months. I just didn't think it was THAT much better than my Modius for $250. Better? yes. Just not that much better.

That’s understandable. I’m not the type to pay 100% more for a 1% improvement. I’ll have to check out Modius.

I’ve had the Aegir OG since the very beginning. Compares favorably to my 5X more expensive Sugden a21 SE. Phenomenal amplifier and made Stereophile Class -A recommended components, along with amplifiers costing $20K - $50K.

That’s been my experience as well

That is intentional. That’s the sound of the mechanical relays in the relay-switched attenuator. It’s essentially turning switches on and off as you adjust the knob. It makes the dial extremely accurate and reliable and far less susceptible to dust interfering with the pot. It sounds louder in the video in my opinion. The clicks bothered me for the first couple of minutes, then I didn’t really even notice it.

Yup, that is always best!

You do have a Schiit load! I love it. I hate that they didn’t have the correct load though, that sucks. It seems like it has a wide range, but I have yet to see a phono stage that can cover everything. That is a killer cartridge and I certainly wouldn’t change it just to get a preamp!

That’s the only thing I use the mute for as well. I really need to explore other tube options, but I have to give it back at some point so I’m not putting any money into it. Thanks so much for the input!

Thanks so much! That’s some really good stuff! I really need to do more research on the types and configurations of tubes. I’m really at the mercy of what they send to me though. I really wanted to try out the different ones they offer.

Thanks, I’ll have to try that out!

Thanks so much! Gotta pay more attention when cut and pasting!🤦‍♂️

Yes it is!

I agree. They sound great with my vintage Sansui speakers.

Thanks so much! I haven’t tried the Kara yet. I’ll try to get it next. Unfortunately, I may not be able to do a side by side. I don’t have too many subscribers yet so most manufacturers don’t let me keep the products. I can only get a limited number of them at a time. I’ll see if I can send the Vidar back and keep the Freya to test next to the Kara.

Thank you so much for the feedback! I am a little confused though to be honest. I stated that I usually hate the SS filter on preamps because it filters out some of the bass you want along with the rumble. Then I stated that the ones from iFi that I've tested in the past did not. They didn't filter anything out at all, presumably because I don't have a warped record. If I did, I would assume that it would work as advertised based on my other experiences with their products. So it sounds to me that we are agreeing with each other 100% unless I'm misunderstanding. Not trying to start a fight, just trying to understand.

It is a power cord. Pretty simple. Did you expect me to plug it in and tell you all about how the electrons are flowing? I intentionally kept it simple because of all of the crap I get on cable reviews. Can’t win either way, not wasting my time. If you have a serious question, ask it. Otherwise, enjoy the static.

Oh wow! I hadn’t looked recently!

That’s my theory behind it. The more copper the better!

At what point in the video did I say that? I just watched it again and I didn’t hear it. I stated many times that it was a PHONO preamp. Perhaps I did slip, but I didn’t hear it. Enlighten me please. I am so thankful that the most perfect human being, that has never once made a mistake, was here to save the day. It’s so nice of you to take the time out of your day to correct me. Even though I clearly made several mistakes, it’s nice to know that someone caught that one. Tell me exactly at what point that it happened. Unless, that is, you made it up. Perhaps, it’s you who misheard what I said. Maybe you simply looked so hard to find a mistake that you imagined it. If I did make a mistake, I assure you, it did not hurt you in any way. Nor anyone else. Grow up and get a life.

What? No response? Prove me wrong. Prove that I’m human. You’ve already proven you’re an A-hole. The best you can do now is to prove that I did actually misspeak. Your move troll.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Your caption reads "Phone", not Phono.

See how much easier that was? Use your words to describe the issue next time. Now you’ve proven that I am in fact a human being, capable of making mistakes. Congratulations. I can change the caption. You will still be an A-hole.

See how easy that was? You used your words to communicate what the issue was. Not too hard was it. They call that one a typo, for future reference. Congratulations! You have proven that I’m human, and capable of mistakes. I changed the caption. You are still an A-hole. Get a life troll.

That’s absolutely true

Glad someone is enjoying this review!

Yeah, they are amazing cables, but certainly not for every system out there. Thanks so much for the feedback!

It can improve sound to some degree, but in my experience it’s only with very high end systems that already have a power conditioner. For most people, including myself, it’s more about heat dissipation.

Hold your breath while you’re at it. 😂

Ooh, thanks. I was sure I was pronouncing it wrong, just not sure what was correct!

It doesn’t. You should use a power conditioner. Then you will see the benefit of it. If you are plugging it directly in the wall, you should at least have a dedicated circuit. This cable is for a high end system, with a power conditioner.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi thanks

Anytime

Wow really?!?!? NwAvGuY said that! You’re kidding me! We should let the manufacturer know. We should tell everyone. Thank you so much for letting me know! I could have made a huge mistake and believed my own personal experience, or even worse, physics. You are such a good person for helping us all out.

No offense taken! I didn’t make it, just testing it out.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi For some reason my comments keep disappearing on UA-cam. Earlier I posted a link to another UA-cam video concerning AudioQuest cables and now it's gone.

I can remove your comments. I only do that if it’s someone being a complete troll. I feel like everyone is entitled to their own opportunities opinion though. It takes a lot for me to remove some. If they mention politics, that’s the quickest way. I could see how a comment like the first one you left might be removed, but I’m not that thin skinned.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi No, they haven't been anything mean or controversial, just talking with people commenting on my commons. I made one referring to something available on Amazon but didn't post any links and it disappeared. I made another comment here that included that UA-cam video link I was talking about and now it's gone again. Did you delete that one?

That’s strange. I’ve only deleted two people’s posts the whole time I’ve been doing this. They were arguing about which president was responsible for the downfall of the audio industry. 🙄

If only people understood that the cables that ship with some amps aren’t long enough for every possible application. Some people prefer to get a heavier gauge cable when buying a longer one to reduce the risk of overheating. If only some people understood that the cable is labeled Hi-Fi Audio because that is their target audience. It matches their speaker cables and interconnects so everything looks nice. If none of that matters to you, don’t buy it. Some of the manufacturers I’ve spoken with stated that they ship their products with the bare minimum cable because they know that people will just upgrade them to what they like. I’m sure you already know this though. I’m sure you’ve spoken with those engineers so you know exactly what they were thinking. Are you going to hear a difference? Personally, I’d be shocked. I think you should look for other issues in your system first. Is this a high quality cable that remains cool under a very heavy load and also looks good(my personal preference), yes. Beyond that, do what you want. I love how there is always someone claiming snake oil whenever there is a discussion about cables. I promise you that a “now playing” record stand won’t improve the sound, but people like those too.

Preput from the Fosi V3 would be either all or nothing. It would not use the volume control, that is true. The problem would be that the preout comes from the Fosi v3, not to it. Effectively you would have two preamps connected to each other. You could just use your Marantz receiver as the volume control and connect to the rca jacks, then ignore the volume control on one of the components. If your Marantz has preout you can go from that to the Fosi and use the Fosi for volume control.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Thanks, I did what I should have done in the first place, I googled the instructions. You were the only video showing connecting the V3, so thanks for that. Thanks for the quick reply! I'm not sure I even need the Fosi as 35 watts from the Marantz is probably enough power.

No problem. I’d try it without before I waste money on something you don’t need. Can always add it later if you need more power.

I didn’t use the cable during the review because it’s a power cable. I will use it in other reviews. I suppose I could have plugged it so you could see that it does in fact provide power.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Different cables provide different benefits, some have low resistance or low capacitance. Others have multicore or solid core with proper shielding. The equipment's design determines which type of cable is required for best performance. When people just buy a fancy cable and don't get favorable results it usually means they didn't buy the right gable for their application. Yes it's a pain in the neck to get the right combination but, if sound quality matters to someone they try to get it right.

One commenter is saying the complete opposite. This is why I kept my review as neutral as I could. Can’t please everybody.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi True, can't please everybody but physics & opinions are 2 completely different things. I do applaud your willingness to put yourself in the line of fire sir.

Haha, thanks man. I live in the line of fire. I couldn’t agree more. I think there are a lot of other ways that will make a greater improvement before you need to worry about the power cord, but it certainly is a crucial component and can make a difference in the correct setup.

To each their own

Sorry about that. Unfortunately it does not come with the Ipower2 power supply, that would be an additional upgrade.

It certainly does. You need to make sure the entire circuit is up to the task.

Thank you

Sound no, but a shorter power cable does help with heat.

I don’t believe that cables are critical as people make them out to be. Especially power cables. Investing in a power conditioner will certainly give you better results. I have no false illusions about a power cable making an audible difference. The shielding is supposed to help with interference, and is marketed that way. Can I tell a difference in my system, no. There are a lot of people that cause that extra 1%. For me, it’s shielded very well and remained cool when other cables got hot. That is good enough for my needs. I hate the word audiophile because it is very pretentious. I’m certainly don’t claim to be one. If someone if buying this cable strictly because they have an RF interference issue, I would say they probably need to look closely at other areas and not expect the cable to work miracles. There are a lot of “high end” cables that claim to do a lot of things. It maybe measurable with some type of meter, but that doesn’t mean you can hear it. That alone is enough for me to not believe everything a manufacturer says.

I was thinking the power cable would not make a difference but I did buy an upgraded cable and it did make a sound difference for a Yamaha RX A3070 receiver. Sound was more sparkling and sound seemed to project more from the speakers. It’s a nice cheap experiment

If you have a power cable getting hot, you have other major issues with your house, a new cable won’t fix that.

If you are running a cable that is too long for the gauge and power draw, it gets hot. Nothing to do with the house. It’s like using an extension cord that is not rated for the load.

That pretty much sums it up!

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Thats awesome! I hope they let you keep it.

Unfortunately I do have to send them back. Some manufacturers let me keep their stuff, but some don’t. The more I do, the more subscribers I get, the more brands I get, and the more I get to keep.

They are vintage Sansui speakers. I forget the exact model. I’ll take a look next time I’m shooting a video.

So sorry about the delay. I guess the thread got buried by the trolls. I’m using Sansui DA-S750U speakers.

It's idiotic. I was put off buying anything from them because of it. I cannot be the only person who feels this way.

Are you kidding? It's good Schiit man!

@@AudiophileToday I am sure it is, but the name is just stupid.

I think it’s funny. Their gear is really good so I honestly wouldn’t care what they named it. I honestly couldn’t even imagine not buying high quality equipment simply because of the name. As far as the name being “out” I must disagree. The name sticks out, it’s memorable, and it gets people talking about it. Plus you can have a lot of fun with it. I read something that said they named it that because one of the owner’s kept saying he had too much shit to do when he was starting the company. His wife suggested he should just call the company that. Not sure if it’s true or not, but it’s a good story.

I'm in marketing and I think the name is brilliant and made the company - lots of free initial publicity from people laughing about the name.

Not insulting at all. I appreciate the feedback. The only issue was that I ordered a Skoll and Vidar, phono preamp and amp, without realizing that I had neglected to get the preamp(Freya). Preferably, I would have ordered all three. The phono stage that I used didn’t have volume control, but I have plenty that do. I prefer for them not to so I can get more control with a preamp, but for the purposes of the video I would have liked it. I also do like it when the phono stage has it built in because I can choose to use it if needed and not if I don’t need it. It simply gives it more versatility. The preference for volume control on the preamp depends on the application. I have a Freya preamp coming in to test, but I have to send the Skoll back before it arrives. I usually can only get two components at a time to test, making it impossible for me to test their components without adding another component to the system. Hope that explains my comment about the volume knob a little better. I should have better described the reason I would have preferred it in this application. That being said, both performed flawlessly.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi A guy could devote a channel just to reviewing Schiit products, lol. Have a great day.

That’s so true! You too!