Schiit Jotunheim impressions

We probably have different sensitivity. Maybe the Rag is exciting a region in the treble that you're sensitive to and I'm not?

 

I'm finding that Joti does plankton very well. Rag presents the fine details well also but they don't sound quite as natural as the Joti. This is with Gungnir Multibit in front of both.

 

I agree that comparing tube amps is somewhat trivial. Had my Valhalla 2 came with a pair of Amperex OG, I would think it as a warm, thick & quite wet amp (not muddy like Woo though). I agree Valhalla 2 is lean, lacking dynamic & hazy no matter what kind of tubes you put on it.

Hopefully Schiit includes a piece of black tape in the next product. That or use dimmer LED. Trying to sleep with a bright white LED next to bed is more painful than listening to Katy Perry songs with stock HD800.

This Jotun thread makes me anxious about trying HD600 + Jotun combo. The only worry is HD600 soundstage size.

 

https://www.amazon.com/LightDims/b/...6578011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=LightDims

 

Multimeter in hand, I went to open it... buuuut, hmmm?!?

 

@Marvey @schiit

Is it okay to use XLR to RCA adapters with Jotunheim to act as two RCA outputs or is this a no no with the new topology? I would like to have separate outputs to power amp and powered sub instead of going through the subs crossover. (Obvious gain difference will be accounted for)

 

Damn it... I'm going to have to eat my previous words about using the balanced output with the UERMs.

The balanced output is noticeably better in a few areas.

• Wider soundstaging with better layering and instrument separation
• Treble clarity and detail, which can especially heard in high-hats and cymbals
• Fluidity. Music just seems to flow more smoothly and coherently

Less noticeable

• Slightly punchier bass impact
• I feel like I can hear a little bit more into vocals

Ultimately it comes down to some things to determine if it's worth it for you to get a balanced cable for your IEM and Jotun. Here's a flowchart:

1. Do you have a top tier IEM? (UERM, Andromedas, or anything at the same level or higher)

A. Yes

I. Do you at least have a Gungnir Multibit or Yggdrasil?

a. Yes

i. Do you use your IEM a lot on your Jotun?

x. Yes

>If's probably worth getting the cable if you use your IEMs over 50% of the time on the Jotun​

y. No

>Skip the cable​

b. No

>Save your money towards a Gungnir Multibit or Yggdrasil​

II. Do you also have dap or other amp with a balanced output?

i. Yes

>Might as well get a cable for both of them​

ii. No

>Go back to I
​

B. No

I. >Skip the cable
​

Personally I don't think it was really worth the $225 (used) for me, and definitely not worth it if I had to buy everything new. That being said though, I did appreciate the benefits of going balanced with the UERMs. If anyone is interested in trying the Forza cable with their Jotun, I wouldn't mind sending it out for a loaner.

 

I used a pair of XLR to RCA adapters with my Virtue and it does work. I just stuck with RCA to RCA though.

 

Cool. Just wanted to try running separate outputs.

 

Just get a set of simple RCA splitters rather than try to do something wonky with the XLRs

 

Not a good idea to use an XLR to RCA adapter on the balanced outputs of any audio device. The XLR usually connects pin 1 and 3 together for RCA shield. This connects the balanced negative output to ground. It may not cause any damage but it usually degrades the signal. Here is what happens specifically with the jotunheim:

Input Blue - Output Red - normal balanced connection performing as expected:


Input Blue - Output Red - XLR to RCA adapter used - note the overshoot caused on the output:

 

That's what I needed to see. I'll have to get something else, maybe a reversed Sys?

EDIT: I guess that won't work. I'll just stick to sub pass-through for the time being.

 

not to defend the guy, cuase he does participate practices such as those often, but doesnt he usually like and approve of schiit designs?

 

Wow! TH-X00/Jotunheim synergy is amazing! Jodie really helps control the bass and the treble is not as glarey and uneven to me.

 

Ive actually been keeping an eye on head-case ever since the Jotunheim came out(i dont usually go there without reason), just to see what those two have to say about the new topology. They always at least have something to say, and sometimes they do move past senseless hate to provide interesting commentary. Which is why ive been sad to not see a thread over there on it at all. Maybe once he gets his in one will be started.