Schiit Freya 2 Adds Tube, Hybrid and Solid-State Options From $999

Schiit Audio has introduced Freya 2, a new generation of its balanced preamplifier that puts several approaches to amplification inside one chassis. Announced September 30, the preamp starts at $999 with four new-production tubes included. Its central addition is what Schiit calls Fusion Architecture, allowing listeners to select all-tube, hybrid, solid-state or passive operation.

For listeners interested in experimenting with their systems, the arrangement provides several options without swapping preamplifiers. Only the tubes required for the selected configuration receive power. In solid-state operation, the company says both the tube heaters and high-voltage supply are switched off completely.

As with many things Schiit comes out with, the company has taken a path to offer more features. This time, they are perhaps even incorporating some that the consumer wasn’t even aware existed. Not many amplifiers in the market offered the solid-state or tube options of the previous Freya generation, and now that option has been expanded even further.

The Schiiit Freya 2 volume adjustment comes from a relay-switched resistor ladder rather than a conventional potentiometer. Passive mode routes the signal through that volume control while bypassing the gain stages. The component list includes Wima capacitors, MELF resistors, NEC relays and Neutrik connectors. An internal linear power supply uses two independent transformers to support the unit’s circuitry.

Freya 2 also retains a differential, balanced signal path, with both balanced and single-ended connections available. Schiit says balanced input signals remain balanced internally, rather than being converted to single-ended operation along the way.

Everyday controls are accessible from the front panel and an included infrared remote. A supplied Forkbeard module adds app-based operation, including balance adjustment. That balance function remains analog, using independent control of the left and right channel relay ladders.

Forkbeard also connects Freya 2 with Schiit’s broader control ecosystem, which now supports nearly 20 products. Depending on the connected equipment, available features include Visual Volume and Continuous Class A Monitoring.

The main story here is configuration choice: The Schiit Freya 2 gives owners several operating modes to evaluate within their existing systems. It is available now directly from Schiit for $999 in black or $1,049 in silver.

More info: Schiit Freya 2

If you would like to hear Schiit founder Jason Stoddard himself talk more about the Forkbeard and also what is new at Schiit Audio, check out his recent interview on the audiophile show The Occasional Podcast. The episode is available to listen direct from the embed below or by subscribing via the major podcast platforms including iTunes, Android, Google, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and now YouTube.

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