OK, so I now have a balanced phono pre en-route (PS Audio GCPH) so we'll see how that pans out with the Freya. In the mean time, the tubes have finally broken-in. It took about 3 weeks of continuous on time for them to settle in. At this point, it depends on the music as to whether I prefer the tubes or the JFET buffer. But, (using the tubes) I'm happy to say that the soundstage has now opened up nicely and the spitty high-end has settled into a smooth and natural sounding presentation. The mids and bass have a wee bit more body (barely) using the tube stage vs. the JFET buffer and the dynamics are better with the tubes. Which one is more accurate is a tough call. I will get around to some tune specific observations soon, but I got sidetracked as my Father had a heart attack a week and 1/2 ago. He's 85 but made it fine and is now rehabilitating at a skilled care center :-)
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