I hear hum, what do I do?
You may hear a small amount of hum when using 4X gain in some
extremely sensitive systems. Use 1X gain to lower the noise floor.
Hum should not be audible from the listening position.
No, I mean, I have a LOT of hum!
You may have a ground loop. Try a ground loop isolator or a device
like the EbTech HumX to eliminate the ground loop.
I hear hiss in 4X gain mode, why?
A small amount of hiss may be audible when using the higher gain
mode, especially with high gain power amplifiers and high sensitiv-
ity speakers. Use 1X gain for a lower noise floor if necessary. The
noise should not be audible from the listening position.
I hear small pops when I change output modes.
This is completely normal with DC-coupled amplifiers. Freya S is
also complely DC-coupled (no capacitors in the signal path), so
minor changes in DC level may make small pops.
There’s no sound for a while after I turn Freya on.
That’s perfectly normal. Freya S delays the output for 60 seconds
after you first turn the preamp on and flashes the Status light to
indicate that it is working.
What’s with the clicking noises when I turn the volume?
That’s the sound of the mechanical relays in the relay-switched
stepped attenuator. Also normal.
FAQ
Does Freya S convert from single-ended to balanced?
If you are using the 1X or 4X gain settings, yes. You can run single-
ended inputs and get balanced output in both gain modes. You can
also run balanced inputs and get single-ended outputs in both gain
modes. Nexus allows you to go either way—without converting to
single-ended or back again.
Why doesn’t Freya S convert from single-ended to balanced in
passive mode?
Short answer: think about it. Longer answer: it’s passive, so it can’t
do anything except attenuate the signal you put into it. If you put
in a balanced signal, you get a balanced signal out. If you put in a
single-ended signal, you get single-ended out.
Can I use both outputs at the same time?
Most of the time, yes. If you have products that short the input
when turned off, then that can cause distortion.
I have the volume all the way down and still hear faint music.
Yes, that is normal with a relay attenuator. If it’s bothersome,
hit the Mute button to completely mute the preamp.
It doesn’t turn on, what do I do?
Plug it in to a different AC socket. Ensure you are not
currently in a blackout. Then email us if it still doesn’t work.
