SCHIIT JOTUNHEIM WORLD PREMIERE: Schiit Show 2 - August 27, 2016 So Cal

I'll be picking one up to possibly replace my Valhalla 2 and also use it as an amp for my uerms. And as a future pre-amp for schiit's power amps.

 

Jotunheim. Integrated (USB balanced 4490 DAC or phono balanced preamp) + (amp with new inherently balanced "pivot" topology). Modi/Magni-style J-curve aluminium case in a Bifrost/Asgard size. $399 for amp-only, $499 with phono preamp or DAC. (EDIT: I am bad at remembering numbers.)

Completely kills Asgard + Bifrost 4490, has compelling advantages over Asgard + Modi USB. Makes things weird and complicated for Modi Multibit + Asgard, kind of a weird sidegrade-ish thing to Modi Multibit + Vali 2, and is the lower-end alternative to Asgard/Lyr + Bifrost Multibit.

 

- new differential topology
- balanced output, single-ended from one leg of the balanced circuit, no summing.
- changeable cards so you can either have a phono stage or a 4490 DAC with USB input
- very quiet, almost inaudible noise with the most sensitive IEMs
- multiple gain levels
- shiny knob, two switches in front (but not the power switch)
- lots of power so it can drive the HE-6 comfortably and still drive high-Z phones like Senns well
- $399 for the amp alone, add $100 for the DAC card
- balanced + SE in

 

$399 for amp only, $499 with DAC or phono pre modules.

Also each module is fully hardware balanced as well.

 

Not going to lie, I'm seriously considering buying a Joti with the DAC module and selling off every other DAC and/or amp I own and putting that money towards a Gungnir Multibit (which I wouldn't be able to buy immediately otherwise I'd just get the amp by itself).

 

Just eyeballin' it, but looks like the Jotun stacks with the Bifrost. Although its dimensions appear to be different than the Asgard or Lyr. Less height. Resembles a jumbo Magni chassis, sort of.

 

Christmas Eve

Less height and depth. 2 vs 2.25, 6 vs 6.75.

 

Kim Jude Un strikes again! Stealing schiit's thunder as usual.

 

Cool. now anyone interested in other Schiit products may just find a glut on the used market.

 

@insidious meme: Do we know if this was an inappropriate preemption of Schiit's own announcement tomorrow? Pretty f**kin' lame, if that's the case.

Edit: Thanks for the clarification, @Marvey.

 

It was the same situation last year IIRC.

 

Wow this looks like the answer to my search for a nice balanced headphone amp/preamp to sit on top of my DAC2 at a price that isn't ridiculous.

Sign me up.

EDIT: On second thought if the socket isn't switched to automatically disable the pre outs I'll be a bit disappointed but if it can't be done due to topology then it can't be helped.

 

The balanced DAC module vs Modi 2 or Modi 2 Uber is a comparison I'd like to see.

Specs!

 

The Jotunheim as an amp is intriguing if only it drives the HE 6 with ease (as is claimed in the video). I can see this replacing my Asgard 2 or heck even the Mojo 1.

These claims need to be vetted by the SBAF experts though. I am not buying anything anymore on "other" recommendations.

 

Available tomorrow?

I wonder how hot this thing runs with all that power in a small chassis. Presumably to leave DAC on you would have to leave the amp on too...

 

Do you need to leave the DAC on if it's D/S? I know they have warm up times too but it's not a very large DAC section and D/S warms up in a few minutes.

 

ex-employee of the month*

 

25W draw and up to 5W output, it draws less than Asgard but is more efficient. Probably less heat output as a result.

Also note that there doesn't appear to be any direct heat-sinking with the enclosure, and there is less aluminum overall.

 

I'm curious how the phono stage compares
to Mani. Also, I'm sure there will be another reveal tomorrow... Jason probably has a couple more surprises up his sleeves.

With that being said, we still have the best for last: RMAF in October. I'm ready to to see some real big boy speaker Schiit.