tubesforhifi VTA sp14 or shiit freya

Easy, VTA SP14. Roy can help you improve it as well if you want it to truly sing. Either way as much as I like my Freya, the SP14 is in another class all together. I am not sure if Roy has finished his move or not. It's possible that he just hasn't updated his site, you should email him. If you want a last preamp, Don Sachs does some major upgrades to it, but I believe that he has a pretty long waiting list. Ray knows most of Don's mods and can get you pretty close if you are in a hurry. Anyway, the SP14 is the last preamp you'll likely buy. If you get a standard one you can always go back and hot rod it later.

thank you lous.  I have read all of both of their sites.  I am not sure the rest of my equipment is at the level to match Don's hot rod models.  I have emailed Roy and he was really helpful.  I might get the basic SP14 with upgraded tubes from Roy.

I've had an SP14 for several years now, which I built stock then upgraded as funds allowed. 
I've brought home preamps from VAC and McIntosh and preferred the SP14. 

The Freya gets criticism simply for being too inexpensive (and a wide range of other opinions it seems, none I've found that really relate to my experience with it, except bright LEDs), and as I’ve never heard one of the well regarded Sachs preamps I can’t comment on them...but I can say I’ve really enjoyed my Freya (bought last December) with NOS Sylvania 6SN7GTB "Chrome Domes" and was thinking recently that the 128 step attenuator is something I’ve really come to appreciate...I use this thing with a 12WPC SEP amp and 99db efficient speakers so any hum or tone issue would jump in my face, and none do. A great preamp by any standard.