Is it an option, which is fairly normal, or an upcharge
But the balance control is part of the optional module, its not unlocked by the module. In my tiny brain cell that seems like an option and not an upcharge
Stepped attenuator volume controls don't need a balance control as they are nearly perfectly balanced channel to channel, while old carbon trace/wiper potentiometers really need a one as they can be way off channel to channel... However it is nice to have balance control to correct room deficiencies.
This ^ : it is a program on the forkbeard's chip, so I consider it an option (and Schiit call it just that too).But the balance control is part of the optional module, its not unlocked by the module. In my tiny brain cell that seems like an option and not an upcharge
yes, it does. like 2 clicks will be a large difference. 3 clicks is like whoa, sometimes.
I think it is all designed into the little micro processor they use to control the functions (probably how they set the balance to begin with) and it uses a boat load of resistors on the right side of the circuit board to to change the volume. They change the design of the circuit board all the time- I have seen them marked as Freya+ 1.0 (my 1st one) / Freya+ 1.01 / Freya+ 1.10 (my second one) / Freya+ 2.0 (my third one with Forkbeard).
This in all the spaces I have set up in over the years, and its a lot.
I'm going to go check mine in a minute-- I know for sure that my Mimir Dac has EQ and balance controls via forkbeard...
You just classified 90-95% of $1100 tube preamps as not worth their salt. So what $1100 tube preamp checks the same boxes and includes tone controls?
Ditto for my power amps with input trimmers.
And if you drop your phone or tablet it won't explode like the little remotes do!
4 drops of super glue will affix those pesky little magnets.
The Forkbeard module is $50. Forkbeard software updates are free, and will always be free.
It depends. Forkbeard capabilities vary according to the device it's used with. An analog based product does less, while a digital based product can have greater Forkbeard capabilities, since those features can be implemented digitally. So, while Forkbeard can't add a Balance control feature to an analog preamp, it can add Balance features to a DAC. Preamps, amps, EQs and DACs, all have differing capabilities with Forkbeard, that will work in conjunction with one another, as a whole, which is how the software is designed to work. Each Forkbeard device will stack on top of each other, as new Forkbeard enabled gear is added to a system. A symbiotic relationship.
It depends on the peice of equipment- for the Freya+ it does mirror the remote, but my Mimir the forkbeard module adds EQ, balance, and Loudness which is something I wish all preamps had !
On the other hand - if the signal chain of my Freya+ was digital, it would be someone else’s Freya+. I find it reassuring that if my Freya was a month newer, it would have an empty FB socket and still have a purely analog signal path without a pot or any point to point wiring dependent on some foreign national wage slave having a good day to get it right. My Emo and Jolida Chifi power amps have all been moved on. When the total cost of repair and shipping exceeds what I pay for it, it goes as a fixer. I still have 6 out of 6 pieces of new Schiit, the 7th piece I bought used.
