Schiit Ragnarok 2

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Vtory, Feb 12, 2019.

  1. songmic

    songmic Gear cycler East Asia edition

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    Other than dedicated speaker amps, Ragnarok is probably the only headphone amp I'd consider using with HE-6.
     
  2. zonto

    zonto Friend

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    Someone posted a few videos on Head-Fi today, which I thought some might find interesting (source). The interviewer is not great, and Jason is a saint for being so patient. In one video, Jason compares (a) Ragnarok 1 to Ragnarok 2 and (b) Ragnarok 2 to Aegir. I've watched them all and summarized below to hopefully save you some pain.

    RAGNAROK 2 OVERVIEW



    Ragnarok 2 anticipated shipping in 1-1.5 months from AXPONA (which means longer). (source)

    COMPARISONS



    RAGNAROK 1 VS. RAGNAROK 2 (starts around 0:56)*
    • Rag 2 much more of a speaker amp. A lot more heatsinking.
    • Rag 2 much richer and more tonally interesting amp than Rag 1 (see: 3:30 mark)
    • Rag 2 probably better for most headphones. Noise levels are slightly higher than Rag 1, so be careful with IEMs.
    • General: Rag 2 has remote, front panel switch for headphones/speakers, and modularity
    RAGNAROK 2 VS. AEGIR (starts around 2:20)
    • Very similar re: richness/tonality with Aegir. Rag 2 is probably a richer sounding amp than Aegir, despite Aegir being a Class A amp (!)
    • More powerful than Aegir (obviously)
    • Rag 2 is going to hit harder than Aegir
    • Similar technique in Rag 2 as Aegir, in that Rag 2 is also dual-mono back to the transformer. Rag 2 and Aegir use similar transformer, but the transformer in Rag 2 is potted and shielded in a box to keep the noise down.
    I'm even more excited for Ragnarok 2.

    * For some reason, time-specific embed wasn't working for me.
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2019
  3. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    Wait Rag 2 is more a powerful and richer sounding amp than stereo Aegir? And the Rag 2 is better shielded?! And has a remote, works as a headphone amp and has a dac (balanced?) slot?

    How much is this sucker?
     
  4. RobS

    RobS RobS? More like RobDiarrhea.

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    It was listed at AXPONA for $1499/1799. Assuming the $1799 includes the Multibit and Phono modules.
     
  5. SPAZ

    SPAZ New

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    I heard the Rag2 at Axpona. I was impressed with the sound and overall design of it. It will be a popular amp for sure.
     
  6. Mike_WI

    Mike_WI New

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    Yes.
    Per AXPONA staff: tweaked Mani or modi MB modules.
    Future MB modules may come in the future but not initially.

    You are a gentlemen and a scholar.

    I was surprised at this:
    "Very similar re: richness/tonality with Aegir. Rag 2 is probably a richer sounding amp than Aegir, despite Aegir being a Class A amp (!)"

    PS - Unrelated. Looking forward to the Bucks/Celtics tonight.
     
  7. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    It sounds like Jason finally gave up explaining what continuity is (equivalently put, constant-transconductance output stages) and how it differs from class-a! lol

    Maybe smarter strategy for average people (as the youtube interviewer defined himself) though.
     
  8. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Nexus (Rag 2) vs. Continuity (Aegir).

    Now I have not heard production Rag 2, but have heard Nexus topology. Nexus is powerful with a fuckton of kick and has it's own unique sound. Rich for sure, but I dare say not like tube and also not like SS. Nothing at all like the Jot's Pivot Point where it originated from. And by fuckton of kick, I mean if this ever got packaged in a small form factor, no more speaker amps for HE5/6. FWIW, the Jot does decently with HE/6, but still not enough.

    Aegir is Class A. This means richer and sometimes warmer sound. Aegir pulls it off by not being warmpoo, but with sort of a bit of inherent warmth. Aegir overt warmth seems pulled back from Vidar just a tad. Continuity is about microdetail and microdynamics, and at speaker gain, openness and space. The Aegir is has a more traditional BJT sound. The richness is a light touch. A little sweet. Think EC BW mids and highs, but approaching Vidar grip and heft on the lows. Or Lyr 3 not quite so laid back but with better bass grip and space.
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2019
  9. mark47

    mark47 New

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    I bought Ragnarok 1 a year ago.
    Will it be possible to update the ragnarok 1 in ragnarok 2?
     
  10. RobS

    RobS RobS? More like RobDiarrhea.

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    You'll have to buy the Rag 2 when it releases if you want an update.
     
  11. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    In other words mark47, it’s not “upgradable” or “updatable” to go from Rag 1 to Rag 2 - they are completely different amps in almost every way that matters.

    Schiit doesn’t promise any upgradability to the newer versions of anything but their DACs.
     
  12. mark47

    mark47 New

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    So, not even a year after the purchase of my Rag1, should I spend more than 1000 dollars for another amp??
    No thanks.
    I keep the Rag1, and that's okay.
     
  13. StanT

    StanT Acquaintance

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    It's not like your Rag 1 will start sounding bad the minute Rag 2 comes out.

    I have a Rag 1 and will be comparing it to Rag 2 when it comes out. Will it run in my cabinet without overheating? Can I get that last 5-10db without it going into self-protect? Does it sound as good or better with my gear?

    I'll likely pay $1000 to get my desk back.
     
  14. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    Or just sell the Rag1 and get Rag2
     
  15. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    That would be so cool if it did. Schiit should take a page out of Apple and gimp their gear when the next version comes out.

    --

    There is also no guarantee that Rag 2 will sound like a better version of Rag 1. What if it sounds like something different and better than Rag 1, or just different? A system built around Rag 1 may not necessarily work with Rag 2 as a direct substitution. Might have to dial-in everything again, with different DACs, headphones, cables, USB, etc.
     
  16. mark47

    mark47 New

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    For the rag 1, what is the best DAC, headphone,cable, ...?
    Thanks
     
  17. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    The best is whatever you are currently using and like. I'm serious.
     
  18. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    I personally find the "Fingerphone" to have great synergy. Did I mention it is also wireless?!

    [​IMG]
     
  19. mark47

    mark47 New

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    I was referring to the components that have the best synergy with rag1.

    My current config:
    - Schiit Ragnarok (ampli)
    - Van Den Hul The First (RCA)
    - Pioneer U05S (DAC)
    - Denon ADH2000(headphone)
     
  20. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I really liked the Rag 1 using the BK-16 kit speakers and a sub and a supertweeter.

    https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/full-range-speaker-kits/fostex-bk-16-folded-horn-kit-pair/
    https://www.changstar.com/www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,833.0.html

    Originally used Mjolnir 1 amp, so it was natural to go to the Rag since same topology and more power. Yggdrasil 1 for source. I think a modded HE-5 (original issue) or LCD-2/3 would be a good match for Rag 1.

    For Rag 2, I'd probably go to Gungnir A2 for source if using the same speakers. Just a wild guess since I have not heard Rag 2, just guessing on its sound.
     

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