I think you're right http://www.thetubestore.com/Tubes/Northern-Electric

They are actually somewhat smaller than the Treasures. You can use them in the Freya without tube savers. There's no indication on the packaging that they are made in China. They simply say Northern Electric, Canada on the packaging so not sure. I very much like the sound of them though.

They are a Canadian Manufacturer. From the website: "Northern Electric had a rich history of producing high quality audio products and vacuum tubes in Canada. We are now re-introducing this classic brand and bringing to you the highest quality tubes possible." I believe they are building them...

Completely agree with you. The Freya sounds and looks great.

Nice writeup. I have the Shuguang Treasures and like them very much. Another tube I've been happy with is the Northern Electric 6SN7. I am currently running a quad of them and am very happy with the sound. I have not heard the Ken Rads - perhaps next.

I must have missed that - thanks for the info.

Has it been confirmed that Schiit is coming out with a LISST tube for the Freya? I'm not quite seeing the point of it but will watch with interest to see what people's impressions are.

I'm currently using a pair of Northern Electric 6SN7's on the gain side and really like them. With the Black Friday sales I ordered another pair for the buffer side. Not sure if I'l really hear any difference but thought I would give having quads a try. I'll post agin after they arrive. Oops...

Personally - yes I am. Big improvement over the stock tube and some over the NOS ones that I have tried - although to be honest I haven't tried that many. Sound is a funny thing and at the end of the day is subjective in my opinion.

I have been using Northern Electric tubes and love them. I also have had great luck with Psvane tubes. I have used them in different products and have never been disappointed. I have a matched pair of Psvane Premium Grade 6CA7-T Mark II on order and expect them within the week.

I hate to spook anything but my tubes have been totally quiet - even a tap does little. I'm using Northern Electric tubes on the gain side. The weight was a good idea by the way.

That's my thinking too. Just don't see the point in it on a Freya.

Personally I love the sound from tubes and just don't see the point in adding a solid state tube when it already has a solid state path. That said if they do come out I'll be interested in peoples thoughts after listening to them.

Yes it is. You'll still hear it although quite faintly. Freya is the same. Also when you hit mute you'll still hear just a bit. For me it's no big deal.

I had a few problems with a different tube preamp and found the source of noise to be dimmer switches. I ended up having an electrician install a dedicated line to my listening room. Problem went away after that.