Schiit Jotunheim impressions

I'm noticing that everytime I power up the Jotunheim, my screen goes black for a second, then comes back on. (It's connected via USB of course)
Is this normal?

 

Wow, "dark" is not how most people would describe the Jot. "Forward" yes.. Dark not so much. If anything, its unstinting high end scares some people.

If you have a look around the forums, you can find @atomicbob's measurements of the Jot. From memory, I don't think they back up what you're hearing at all.

 

I am afraid not. I don't have any such issues.

Furthermore, power switch is only related to amp, not dac. Jot's dac is isolated from its amp. So if your screen is affected by turning on/off, then it may be something not intended by Schiit. I think you need to contact Schiit to fix your troubles.

 

I don't know, sounds more like a computer support issue, possibly power management, or the OS auto-switching sound devices. If the onboard audio and display controller are integrated closely, there might be a need for a brief bounce when re-configuring, or something.

@Eric_C - do you have other USB sound cards to try, and if so, do they produce the same behaviour?

Live broadcast engineers have a phrase- "it was fine when it left me", and I wouldn't blame Schiit if they took this view, after some basic checks.

 

@Kattefjaes no other USB sound cards to compare it with, but I'll run a few tests to see what conditions coincide with the behaviour (2 sources plugged in, 1 source plugged in, leaving the PC on for longer, etc.)

 

Maybe try a powered USB hub as well?

 

I'm new to the forum so hello people.

I'm thinking of getting the Jot with the dac and seeing as this would be my first balanced amp I was wondering just how much of a difference balance is to single ended? I ask because I'm also thinking of getting the Vali 2 and Modi 2 Multibit, I hear good things about the Modi 2 Multibit.

 

Since you're new, begin by introducing yourself here: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/new-members-introduce-yourself.17/

Next, take the time to read through this thread and you'll see multiple people (including myself) have already commented on your question.

Finally, for general advice pertaining to multiple products ask here: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/the-all-purpose-advice-thread.19/

 

In addition to the above, you'll wanna see this discussion on boobs for noobs:
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...nd-better-discussion-for-noobs-and-boobs.733/

 

This song is absolutely nuts! Thanks for sharing

 

Thanks. I knew that was familiar, just listened to it on a Spotify playlist "Songs to Test Headphones With".

 

Bit off topic, but at least Joti related... in case anyone's interested. felt like:

a. Figuring out how to open it!
b. Mapping out the internal header.
c. Testing with a raspi dac.
d. bonus: avoid the lurking AC or DC power... turns out to be 26.5V DC

Running a DAC into it now, single ended, and A/B'ing it with it's own external SE in... sounds identical! So I think it's the grounds and R+, L+ (I'm ignoring R-, L-) not sure the issues with that or if it even matters. Guess I could shunt those to ground like BAL to SE cable/adapter--

Couldn't resist pics, it's so pretty inside!

 

I'd love a walkthrough of taking the Jot apart. I want to use liquid electrical tape on the back of the power LED to stop it from flooding the internals with white light (I like the Amber).

 

I'm guessing you unscrew the four screws then slide the top case off. Maybe remove the vol knob if you can.

 

Just don't unscrew anything else eh? I'll give it a go.

 

0 screws need to be removed. Only the volume knob.

1. Alan wrench ( Imperial 1/16 ) to loosen the vol knob hex setscrew, then it pops off
2. Remove the vol nut and washer
3. Slide the entire top forward... it's a bit tricky, took some time only in case I missed something

 

Oh, right. I was talking to Jason at the and he mentioned how no one had opened it yet. I forgot. He was pretty proud of the simplicity.

Now the modding begins

 

I'm taking delivery of of a Jot/DAC tomorrow. I'll be using it as a preamp to drive my McIntosh MC275/Harbeth system, along with assorted HPs, while my normal DAC/Preamp is being repaired. Looking forward to it and will Jut, er, jot, impressions as I go.

 

What are the two amber LED's on the PCB for, just to look warm and tubey?

 

That... and a precision constant voltage source to *bias* the transistors. 90% sure on that.