[earnmyturns]

You’ve pretty much got end game gear EMT. I’d be shocked if the sound wasn’t mind blowing.

Edit: if you’re not happy with either of those amps, I would be happy to dispose of it for you.

I switch between two locations regularly, one SET amp at each. Used to have two (used) Aficionados until the Stellaris arrived. Sold one of the Aficionados then.

 

[Derrick Swart]

I am trying to resist the temptation of buying the 'bonkers' Folkvangr but I can feel my resolve weakening...

I have a fairly naïve question, which I'd really appreciate some help with please, from those on the forum who, unlike me, understand tubes.

The Folkvangr is of course, primarily a headphone amp.

However, I notice it has preamp outputs.

Now, if I'd really wanted a tube output option from a preamp, I should have bought a Freya+, but I didn't- I bought a Freya S!

I run a balanced system comprising : Digital source->Yggy OG->Freya S->Active ATC speakers (with XLR inputs for built-in power amps).

Is there any way that the Folkvangr could be used in this set up?

I completely understand that the Folkvangr is a single ended design, so not well-suited to my balanced set up.

I just wondered if its preamp output could be connected to one of the single ended inputs of my Freya S, which will then magically output Balanced, via the Nexus gain stage?

This is probably a stupid idea, for a number of reasons, and if so, I'd appreciate anyone on the forum putting me straight as to why that is.

However, if it would work, it would mean that in addition to introducing some tube magic for headphone listening, I might be able to do the same for the speaker system.

If that is the case, all bets are off and my credit card will be taking a big hit

Edit: I have succumbed to temptation and just ordered a Folkvangr, in silver!
I would appreciate any comments about whether the preamp output from Folkvangr could be fed into a S/E input of my Freya S.
Thanks

Yes you will use one of the best features Freya has, besides remote volume control: conversion single ended to differential

 

[quasor]

Yes you will use one of the best features Freya has, besides remote volume control: conversion single ended to differential

I believe you’d be skipping the FV gain stage (6 of the 8) tubes though. Might be worth getting a Freya + for this case (if your primary listening is ATC). But if you don’t care about some “wasted” tube time, Enjoy!

 

[Zojokkeli]

Folkvangr is super tempting, but we’re planning to get married in the autumn, so I’d better save some money for that instead.

Hopefully Folkvangr will make a comeback in the future in some form.

 

[DACattack]

I like LQI Cables for their build quality which is top notch. There are cheaper and more expensive options of course.

https://lqicables.com/

Thanks for the recommendation. I'd bought a couple of cables from ImpactAudioCables in the past but they are currently on hiatus, so I was looking for other options. After browsing innumerable possibilities on-line, I did order a replacement cable from LQi for the HD800 so I can pair it with the Folkvangr. Now it's just a matter of being patient waiting for both to arrive, and re-jiggering the rack to find a spot for the Folkvangr and remove the Lyr3.

While I expect the HD800 will be my main headphone with the Folkvangr, I also have a HD600, and HD6XX. (What can I say, I like Sennheisers.) On the Valhalla I preferred the HD6XX for rock, HD800 for jazz and classical, and the HD600 for a general mix.

Happy 4th to those who celebrate.

 

[bcowen]

Folkvangr is super tempting, but we’re planning to get married in the autumn, so I’d better save some money for that instead.

Hopefully Folkvangr will make a comeback in the future in some form.

This must be your first marriage? If so, load up on everything you want before then. Trust me on this.

(Seriously, congrats on the upcoming wedding!)

 

[sam6550a]

Folkvangr is super tempting, but we’re planning to get married in the autumn, so I’d better save some money for that instead.

Hopefully Folkvangr will make a comeback in the future in some form.

What a great wedding present for your bride!

 

[Les Strat]

I believe you’d be skipping the FV gain stage (6 of the 8) tubes though. Might be worth getting a Freya + for this case (if your primary listening is ATC). But if you don’t care about some “wasted” tube time, Enjoy!

Thanks @quasor
I did try an original Freya, and the tube output wasn’t good with the ATCs ( in my opinion).
Bass control suffered and the sound was just ‘woolly’.

I know that the Freya+ has a superior tube stage to the original Freya, but I came to the conclusion that my ATCs do not need any ‘tube magic’.
I bought a Freya S and the speakers sound ‘real’ and ‘natural’ on good recordings.

 

[Zojokkeli]

What a great wedding present for your bride!

She is always cold, so I guess Folkvangr would make for a nice space heater (and a headphone rig) to the bedroom.

This must be your first marriage? If so, load up on everything you want before then. Trust me on this.

(Seriously, congrats on the upcoming wedding!)

Yep, a first for me. I’ve already promised to scale down on the extravagant purchases once we’ve made some kids, so I should be good until then.

 

[A Jedi]

I believe you’d be skipping the FV gain stage (6 of the 8) tubes though.

Huh? That's not how things work.

 

[golfbravobravo]

I suppose that no one would buy the sauce if it was called North Carolina Ned.

Ned Seagoon may be very offended by that remark.........

 

[golfbravobravo]

Never been so obsessed with checking my email for shipping notices. Where the Folk is my vangr ?!

If you don't know now.........

 

[45longcolt]

warming up! might need the loki max to control all tubeiness with the extra 6 from the phono stage...

Ooohh, your rig is so neat, so organized. Was struck by the handy towel rack. Is that a record-cleaning cloth? For dusting the gear? Or do you wash up before each listening session?

 

[Pandahead]

warming up! might need the loki max to control all tubeiness with the extra 6 from the phono stage...

Superb. I like where you put your record sleeve. Now why haven't I thought of that! Beats draping it over the speaker. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Pietro Cozzi Tinin]

Only me and my wife. We didn't eat anywhere close to all of it

Looks good as the food goes but those trays and plastic utensils remind me of prison. (I worked there on people often.....)