Schiit Jotunheim impressions

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Bill-P, Aug 30, 2016.

  1. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    Ah, I see. I pounced on it the week it was released, and got it from stock. I am terribly bad at back-ordering too. I'm still amazed that I was able to join the Noble-X drop without losing my mind.

    Still really impressed with my Jot, if anything moreso than when it first arrived. It's a really clean no-nonsense SS amp.
     
  2. TRex

    TRex Almost "Made"

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    @Torq Are you using Lyr 2 as pre-amp for Jotun?
     
  3. Torq

    Torq MOT: Headphone.com

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    Nah.

    Lyr 2 is what I was running in the "office" with the Bifrost. They're just stacked up like that to show them all together ahead of posting any impressions/comparisons. It remains to be seen whether I just use the Jotunheim at "work" or if I keep both there and switch between them based on my mood. First I have to do some proper comparative listening though (which will include Lyr 2 with LISST as well)!
     
  4. Pillars

    Pillars Embarrassment to Colorado crew

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    The Lyr 2 with LISST didn't sit well with my ears, though the Jot is the real deal. I even liked the Asgard 2 better than LISST Lyr 2. With a nice pair of tubes though, the Lyr 2 was quite euphoric.
     
  5. alchemist007

    alchemist007 New

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    Went ahead and tried it with the ODAC, it worked fine even while the Jot's DAC was...practically inert.

    As for the sound with the Jot, it has better instrument separation than the AK4490, but has a brighter sound to it. I prefer the Jot's DAC when it works. I haven't heard of anyone else having this problem though so I'm wondering what in my setup is causing this. I know you said to try a powered hub but I've literally never had this issue with anything else. And it's really odd the problem has happened 3 times all after my computer's been on for like 8 hours only (never less).
     
  6. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    Well, remember that the Jot's internal DAC is USB powered. Its not just receiving audio through USB. Computers are funny when it comes to power consumption. This is only speculation, but imagine the hard drive, fans, processor and most of the components asking for more power at the same time. Then the Jot isn't getting good current. That's when funny things start to happen.
     
  7. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    don't believe the above to be true.
    instead I recall reading earlier from Jason that the USB module is powered from Jotun mains.
    but yes the USB cable will need the 5V power lead for USB negotiation.
     
  8. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    Hmm, I recall people complaining that they get "the Apple error" trying to run it from their iPhone- so it may at least be reporting that it needs to draw power (unlike, for example, an externally powered Fulla).
     
  9. philipmorgan

    philipmorgan Member of the month

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    IIRC the USB receiver on the Jot is powered by USB but the DAC is powered by the amp's power supply.
     
  10. bxh

    bxh Friend

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    From the Jotenheim World Premier thread

    http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...august-27-2016-so-cal.2500/page-26#post-74559
     
  11. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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  12. andrejc

    andrejc New

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    I am going to order the Jot with Bifrost Multibit.
    Does it make sense to get the Jot with the optional DAC as well?
    Considering difference in audio...
    Also, a 4year old Dell laptop will be the source. Does the "Wyrd" make sense as well?
    Thanks for the advise!
     
  13. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

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    I would:
    a) Get the Modi Multibit instead of the Bifrost Multibit
    b) Not get the DAC module in the Jot unless you plan on transporting it often between work or travel
    c) Not buy the Wyrd unless you notice issues with your laptops USB, you can always get it later.
     
  14. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    ^ What he said.

    Would reinforce these points: get Modi Multibit instead of Bifrost Multibit. Better synergy overall with Jot. Jot can be aggressive and bright. Modi Multibit's more even and laid-back tone go better with the Jot.* On Wyrd or other USB de-fuckifiers, just wait... a few months or more. Good things happen to people who wait.

    *I actually prefer Modi Multibit to Gungnir Multibit through Jot; however I am running Modi Multibit from a CD transport which brings it closer to Gungnir Multibit in terms of technicalities. Still, Modi Multibit tonal balance works better with Jot regardless of data source. Also, make sure you leave Modi Multibit on at all times. The treble smooths out after one to two days. Same thing with Jot, but I would understand if people did not want to leave the amp on at all times.
     
  15. andrejc

    andrejc New

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    Thanks a lot!
    One of the reason I am considering a Bifrost Multibit - I might get a Valhalla 2 later on.
    Would the Modi Multibit work as good with the Val2?
    How about the soundstage being possibly better and increasing going from Modi Multibit -> Bifrost Multibit -> Gungnir Multibit -> Yggdrasil?

    I considered the internal dac for the sake of comperison with the MB dac. Is the MB Dac going to bve better (sound wise) in every situation? (different type of music/HP?)

    Thanks again!
    I have literally read evrything I could on Schiit, even considered going with a Mjolnir2 + GungnirMB for a while.
    My brain is getting an Audiophile info overload, considering I didnt know what an amp or dac wwas just a couple of weeks ago...
     
  16. sphinxvc

    sphinxvc Gear Master (retired)

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    IMO, MB is worth it. But get Modi Multibit if this is just for headphone use. The deeper bass and slightly more expansive, relaxed spatial presentation of Bifrost Multibit are lost on anything but speakers.
     
  17. gamerstudent

    gamerstudent Acquaintance

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    That's actually interesting to know, I'll have to keep the Modi Multibit and Jot on now, and just cover up the bright white LEDs :) Good tip!

    Because I'm someone who loves to learn all they can learn, is there any explanation to why this would be?
     
  18. Dino

    Dino Friend

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  19. bxh

    bxh Friend

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    You still get spill out the rear of it into the chassis cause the rest of the LED is exposed, I'd rather pop the top and wrap the rear of it in electrical tape then sharpie over the front to slightly reduce it.

    That is, if you're comfortable opening the chassis. Personally, I'm all for covering the uber bright LEDs.
     
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2016
  20. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    It's magick. I've ceased trying to understand why. Knowing the science and quantum physics behind how Idris Elba controls the Asgardian wormhole or how Antony Hopkins controls the interplay of graviton particles between Chris Hemsworth and Mjonir makes stuff less fun. And this is coming from someone who has been measuring speakers and transducers for almost 15 years now. Note that some gear tends to sound worse the longer it's left on (BHA-1, Audio GD Master 7). So I'm not one of those idiots that insist burn-in and warm-up makes everything sound better.

    Bifrost Multibit vs. Modi Multibit

    The only reason IMO to get the Bifrost Multibit is future upgrade-ability. Personally, I feel Modi Multibit is the better DAC. Many would disagree with me. But it has less to do with resolution or more open space, but rather more a cohesive tonal presentation throughout the audio band. Also, the all-so-slightly dark or almost laid-back presentation of the Modi Multibit (left on for two days) is something that I prefer for headphones, where the drivers are blasting directly into the ear.
     
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2016

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