Are two Schiits better than one?

[@cheapaudioman]

I bet they are. Would love to give these a try.

[@SgtMjr]

Steve I ordered my Freya + and a Aegir this morning. Ordered, shipped and on the way in 2 hours. You and Randy The Cheapaudioman convinced me on these. Getting another Aegir and XLR cables later based on this review. Cheers.

[@seanlobdell502]

I run Schiit Aegir mono blocks and Freya + pre amp with Cornwall 4s and could not be happier! Thanks for another great review Steve!

[@officerockstar]

This preamp and power amp combo is on my shortlist, and most likely what I end up buying.

[@rtbnyc]

Same, but with Klipsch Forte IIIs.

[@wa2368]

I don't give 2 Shiits.

[@1mctous]

@@wa2368 But did you get 2?

[@photorealismstr]

Hi!how do you find the noise floor on this setup;do you have any hiss;

[@markcarrington8565]

Nice review, Steve. The word I'd use is grip. When I switched from a 75Watt per channel amp to a dual mono from the same company, with twice the power, it wasn't because it wasn't loud enough. The music took on a whole new level of separation, with the bass stopping with far greater precision, hence my term, grip. Sounds like a similar thing is happening here.

[@kevinzerr3924]

Totally agree with your comments Steve, I had one and just loved it on my 97db DIY speakers. Then I went to two and it is where I want to be in sound.

[@tjp444]

Steve - I always like it when you mention which LP/CD you're using to evaluate a product. I always try to check them out. A long time ago you mentioned Macy Gray's Stripped CD (which is amazing) and today I just purchased on Discogs the Gil Evans Pacific Jazz CD. I was unaware of Gil Evans. I love his sound. Thanks Steve!

[@m8edofallm8eds]

Would love to see how you plug it all together. As a newcomer, this part is always missing in my opinion. Thanks for the lovely reviews.

[@pickyaudiophile]

Your DAC-preamp should be equipped with two balanced XLR outputs, one for the left channel, one for the right channel. The Aegir however has *one* single XLR input *only*. So connect left ch with the one Aegir, the right ch with the other Aegir. Speaker connection is the same for left and right speaker: Connect "+" from speaker terminal to "right +" on Aegir, and "-" from speaker terminal to "left +" on Aegir. Don't use the lower two banana jacks (marked left "-"and right "-") from Aegir's terminal, these are not used in mono mode and may cause damage when connected!

[@davidlewis1886]

Not sure how clued in you are to amp vs. pre-amp, balanced vs. single-ended, etc. There are lots of primers on KZbin, google that if you're clueless (that's what I did, I was). If you basically get it, you can download the manuals for Freya and Aegir from Schiit and review. Balanced outs on Freya go one to each Aegir. You can plug SE sources into Freya and it converts automatically. You can use any true balanced pre-amp, Freya is an example.

[@dynagroove1.020]

I think I’ll start with one and see how it sounds. Iv been researching this very topic on this Amp. Thank again Steve.

[@joenogueira2801]

It will be an improvement for sure, try bi-amping both vertically and horizontally (if they can’t handle the load) as they’re not rated 4ohm in mono config.

[@johnhicks3540]

Thanks, I've been on the fence and needed the push.

[@TorToroPorco]

The best part of this video is Steve’s Nick Waterhouse recommendation. Such kick ass retro rock with a hint of rockabilly and hipster swing.

[@jeffadams9699]

Agreed! Steve is always turning me on to spectacular new music. Never heard of Nick Waterhouse before tonight. So thanks Steve, for telling me about something I didn’t know about. And as far as dual Aegir’s, well you didn’t enlighten me at all 😂, I already want two! But it was still nice to hear your thoughts on the dual Aegir’s.

[@brown-eyedman4040]

Found this video after buying my Freya Freya and 2 Aegirs. Totally pleased. And so revealing that switching cable makes an obvious difference.

[@neilfisher7999]

I definitely think 2 Schiits are better than 1! Great video, and my wife enjoyed it too. 😁

[@ryanschipp8513]

Curious to know how they sound against two Vidars

[@orwhat24]

One thing I really like about the Klipsch big boys is the way they make great sound at modest volumes. I wonder how these babies perform in quiet running mode? Any other very helpful review and new artists to listen to!

[@jameselliott8533]

Thanks for the review. Ive been considering this amp for some time. Im still new to the audiophile world and I always appreciate your candor and insight/ advice about figuring out what matters to yourself in terms of presentation. Lots of flavors in the audio world and I am enjoying the ride.

[@tim_bbq1008]

Could you do a video about some nuts and bolts of monoblock installation? What does the pre amp do? How are the connections made? You mentioned that is a special input connector for use when running in monoblock configuration, what is that all about? Love the videos, I learn something everytime.

[@Farengast]

The preamp does what it always does. The differing connection is just because of how Schiit designed their power amps, it's not a general requirement for power amps in monoblock. Schiit made the amp so that if you run two RCA cables each half of the amp will drive a channel against ground (i.e. 2 channel unbalanced) and if you run a single balanced input each half of the amp will run half the signal against the other (i.e. 1 channel balanced). So for stereo you'd run L and R RCA cables in, and L+/L-/R+/R- out to both speakers. For mono you'd run left OR right XLR in and then both reds (with their alternate +/- designations) to whichever speaker corresponded to the Left or Right XLR you put into that amp.

[@tim_bbq1008]

@@Farengast You say 'the preamp does what it always does'. My question is 'What does the preamp do?' For example, I plug my CD player directly into the amplifier...no preamp needed. Or, I plug my DAC directly into the amplifier. Again, no preamplifier needed. What does the preamp do, and why do I need one?

[@Farengast]

@@tim_bbq1008 Sort of depends. Vinyl records produce their signal in way that requires special handling making a phono preamp a totally separate sort of thing. For everything else the preamp essentially just functions as a volume control. Power amps take the input signal and amplify it so you need a preamp to take your line level signal and amp it up or down to an appropriate volume since your power amp can't do that. It's something of a historical artifact really nowadays. Modern electronics manufacture could easily put them all together now and just put a volume knob on the power amp (these are called integrated amps btw) but a lot of people like to have them separate. The basic point is that adjusting the volume on the signal AFTER you amplify it would require heavier duty hardware so it's better to adjust before you amplify, i.e. pre-amplifier.

[@faridmaruf3102]

@Tim_BBQ Some people refer amplifier as power amplifier , a box that does not have volume control. Vidar and Aegir are (power) amplifier that do not have volume control. Preamp do the volume control stuff (among other things like input selector, etc). To some, amplifier also refer to integrated amplifier that combine those functions into one box. Paul McGowan from PS Audio has a video that discuss this "Does anyone need a preamp?"

[@dilbyjones]

Oh man! Brilliant suggestion! @ 3:09 , great review ( another )

[@stephenlee4704]

Yes...partnering freya+ with vidar monoblocks...prefer AB instead of A. Am happy with this combi ...will be going for another pre amp - Cayin SC 6LS MK2 soon...hope its perfect another match of East meet West.

[@jackturtle131]

Thanks for the clip mate, that alum is awesome btw

[@JK-yu7hj]

Thanks for another great review Steve. This covered a subject I’ve been curious about for a long time, basically showing that even with highly efficient speakers, the extra power can be a big improvement. One thought, if you have two units you can always switch back to a single unit to enjoy the subtle differences you described.

[@dilbyjones]

Great TEST of mono vs stereo ( with class ab)

[@dangerzone8408]

I love the acoustic treatment behind you.

[@ychilds99]

I love the endless play on words with the company name! It's the first time I've heard "two Schiits". Too funny.

[@timball4892]

I had two Aegir's a few months ago. Ran first with Linton Heritage then a pair of CSS Triton 2D kits with superior crossovers. Did fine with the Wharfedale but went into protection constantly with the Triton's. The Triton's are rated at 6 ohms but have a dip to just below 4 ohms at 40HZ. They also worked fine on my Cornwall IV's, no surprise here. They are incredibly great sounding with an easy load but I would be very cautious with anything that approaches a 4 ohm load. I also used a Freya+. I have since switched to Rogue Audio RP-1 and Atlas Mk III. Far superior build and oh those wonderful tubes! Other speakers used were Rogers LS 3/5A 15 ohm and Maggie.7's. Rogers were no issue and I think you know how they worked with Maggies! None the less, Schiit makes some great stuff at reasonable prices but do not confuse them with the likes of others like Rogue in build quality. I do use a Schiit Bifrost 2 and believe it is probably the best overall value below 1K.

[@jon4715]

The Aegirs are very sensitive to speaker cable capacitance. I'm running Aegir monos into Maggie LRS and have only had an issue with higher capacitance cables.

[@timball4892]

@@jon4715 I used 2 cables with all associated. Mogami and Kimber 8tc. Zero issues with other speakers. I do not know if either of those cables are high capicitance. I even had multiple communication with Schiit, they were awesome, and they said that the Aegir's probably had a problem with the Triton.s due to the low end dip in resistance. They would do ok at low volumes but anything approaching 90-95db sent one of them into protection. I switched amp sides to see if it could be isolated to one amp or speaker or combination there in. I also switched cables. I really wanted the to work. I loved the Freya+ as well. I only sold it as I did not care for the remote and there was a poor indicator on the volume knob that you could not read from across the room. The Tritons are 86db rated. I hope no one misunderstands me here. The Aegir's are wonderful amplifiers. They represent an incredible value but just like all things high end we must be sure components are well matched.

[@timball4892]

@@jon4715 I also have a pair of Maggie.7's which I did not try. Perhaps I should have?

[@jon4715]

@@timball4892 That would be a great test. 86db, 4 ohms (they are pretty stable, right? though people say they dip into 2 ohms sometimes). The Kimbers are high capacitance. I was using some Canare 4S11's and those went into protection after 10 or 20 minutes, sometimes less...they're not even that high, but I've remade them a few times, short runs, and they always cause issues. But with any length of Belden 12 awg I've tried, they're fine all day long. Full volume, playing difficult pieces that have been reported to cause protection in reviews. But I've had no issues. And I'm playing at about 75% on the Freya+ with it's 12db tube stage. Passive or with the 4db stage, I'm close to maxing them out (but that's louder than I want in a very large room). It would be great to hear how the kimbers do with the .7's. So if you test, please update. I'm going to upgrade to 1.7i's at some point, but I'm not confident that the Aegirs will be enough. I think you should also test some very basic speaker wire, 10/12/14awg, bare ends, short runs, and see how the Aegirs handle the Tritons and the Maggies. They were that temperamental for me, but they've been rock solid stable for months since.

[@timball4892]

@@jon4715 I guess I was not clear, sorry. I have sold the Aegir's and replaced with the Rogue.

[@Rickzolla]

I already own a Schiit Aegir. Actually, I already own TWO. Driven by a Schiit Gungnir Multibit into a Schiit Freya preamplifier. Speakers are Harbeth 30.2s .

[@akispapasavvas9307]

And? what is your opinion then?

[@davidbeiler6364]

@@akispapasavvas9307 no opinion, he just owns them....

[@erics.4113]

I looked at owning a pair. No opinion in my opinion

[@mornecoetzee735]

I Love the black finish!!!!

[@joenogueira2801]

I run 2 Aegirs with Freya+ but in horizontal bi-amp configuration (due to power hungry B&W towers, one Aegir keeps going into protection in vertical config and mono is a no go either). The other Aegir works in any config, the bad one has been replaced 3 times, so I gave up trying! Steve, you should experiment with vertical and horizontal bi-amp configs just to hear the differences with monoblocks.

[@delvalle9256]

It’s not the Aegirs , might be your speakers thats the problem. I have 4 ohm rating speakers with the Aegir mono blocks, and so far it has not gone into protection mode. Maybe your speakers dips way lower than 4 ohms

[@joenogueira2801]

@@delvalle9256 no, B&W are known to be current demanding (even though rated 8ohm nominal with a 4.5ohm min) Schiit Tech’s verdict. Fact is that one Aegir works fine other doesn’t (3replacements) my conclusion is an Aegir quality control issue.

[@Rickzolla]

I assume you have reversed the speakers on the good amp and it does not go into protection.

[@joenogueira2801]

@@Rickzolla yes of course! My bad Aegir is currently driving tweeters only but strangely runs much hotter than good Aegir running lows! At least there are no shutdowns with the bad Aegir!

[@spencerJtye]

No issues here in monblock powering Focals that drop to around 3.9ohm from 100-700Hz

[@urbantone]

Many Thanks for the info of xlr in mono very thankful Steve

[@maestro0428]

Love this show!!! Love Schiit too. My Adcom pre just died but my sound is better ran right to the amp.

[@gronthomson]

My 1990 Adcom pre-amp and amp and Klipsch Chorus II speakers just died from 2' of flood waters in our home from Hurricane Ian. After LOTS of research, I'm going to replace them with two Shiit Vidar 2 amps and 1 Schiit Freya + pre-amp and two Zu Audio Union 6 Supreme speakers. Can't wait to hear the results!

[@davidlewis1886]

I just got an Aegir. I’ve been running it with both Klipsch RP-600Ms and also my 30-year-old re-foamed Boston Acoustics A-60 IIs. I have two different listening rooms and the two speakers each have their favorite rooms. The A-60s sound AWESOME in the smaller room (open, sweet, resolving) with the Aegir and even better than the RP-600Ms but not quite enough bass, so I’m getting a sub. The RP-600Ms now get my vintage Luxman 45A and Technics SLD3 turntable and they’re happy in the larger room. I drive the Aegir with a Schiit Vali and Modi 3+ delta-sigma, with Amazon HD hi-res source. If I went with the second Aegir I would need to get a different pre (would still want a tube), but I’m definitely tempted after Steve’s review. Freya looks awesome but $$$ for just a pre-amp. Mjolnir? But same price point. Considering a DAC upgrade but the Modi 3 is so good it would have to be a big step, like Bifrost or Gungnir or equivalent.

[@delvalle9256]

Adding the Loki might do the job just fine to add bass . Cheaper solution

[@davidlewis1886]

@@alex.149 Nice! Thanks. This doesn't get you the tube, but I don't have both so I can't compare... I'm sure it's good.

[@davidlewis1886]

@@delvalle9256 The speakers aren’t rated that low so doubt the Loki could push the needed bass well. Getting a Loki in addition - they are back ordered till Feb!

[@simianinc]

Thank you - this is exactly what I wanted to know

[@Gnofg]

The Grateful Dead show from Cornell is a great show, that whole tour is great. The Cornell show has the great Scarlett Begonia's Fire on he Mountain. I saw the Atlanta Fox shows 10 days later. 5/18 and 5/19. Great shows and John Mayer considers the Sugaree as one of he finest songs they ever did He lists it in his nine top Dead songs. Mayer is a great guitarist.

[@hansbogaert4582]

Unfortunately running the Aegir as mono blocks with low impedance speakers doesn’t work. I also wanted to add one to it but was advised by Schiit not to do due as the Aegir needs a relative high impedance when running as mono block

[@roundearthshill248]

yeah I noticed they don't provide a power rating into 4ohms in mono. Now we know why haha.

[@erics.4113]

@@roundearthshill248 8ohm in mono only for aegir and vidar according to their site. I was looking at a pair for 6ohm speakers but think it might turn into a hot plate if I do

[@ericnortan9012]

Small room, Smallish speakers, Schiit Freya+ N. Pair of Aegir, Vidar 2 or Tyr? All three are in the budget but I don't like to waste money. I rotate speakers a little so power could be a factor.

[@Labor_Jones]

I'm glad you talked about this since I will eventually be running 5 Amps into 5 speakers to get my STEREO Sound. I've owned 3 pair of JBLs 1 Century 100 and 2 4311a which were then slightly re-designed into the JBL 100s. Before that I owned AR 2a, 3a, 4, 7 and I'm connected way before I became a musician liked the sound to be as real as possible to imagine (the key word here) 'imagine.' Some people like to call those kind of speakers a 'reference speaker,' but what ever they call it I like it most I think. .... The Klips were always my dream speakers and they are not 'reference speakers,' so I'm mixing TUBE with REAL and hoping for MUSICAL by mostly using Tube Amps. So far (with 2 amps running 3 speakers) it seems to be working :) - m.

[@oblatespheroid2212]

I had 2 Aegir monos powering 95db sensitive 8 ohm speakers. Sounded Ok until I tried just one amp in stereo. It was more transparent, more textured, more involving in stereo mode. Bridging gives you more power, but strips away the nuances and textures.. less intimate. People are easily wowed with power, but after some time with it, you realize whats missing.

[@joeslacker1020]

Seems like lots are saying the opposite more feel they come alive better with bridged

[@joeycastillo1496]

Thanks Steve !!

[@stevezeidman7224]

Just played Nick Waterhouse. Now, that’s really good Schiit!

[@stephensmith3111]

Obviously you shouldn't comment on what you haven't heard, but as a long time fan of the LS3/5a (which I have listened to at length, though not in a long time, and really liked back in the day) I have been giving some thought to the pairing of monoblock Aegirs with the 15.7 ohm mini-monitors from Falcon Acoustics. Schiit does not publish a spec for the monoblock into 4 ohms due to concerns of potential problems into a lower impedance load if you crank up the volume (or so I read somewhere, excessive current draw or some such). Just throwing this out there, hypothetically this could be a very nice combination. Not inexpensive, but not bat-schiit crazy big bucks either. And yeah, I know all about the limitations of the basic LS3/5a. "That don't bother me, at all" -- Mason Proffit

[@robw1031]

That Nick Waterhouse LP is outstanding!

[@matthewrichey7128]

Great video, excellent justification for monos. I started down the Schiit path with a single Aegir that I used to drive my Klipsch Forte IIs. No doubt, the Aegir did a lovely job. Then I got a pair of Magnapan LRS’s. Clearly, the single Aegir wasn’t going to work so I replaced the Aegir with a stereo Vidar. The Vidar did a decent job but I immediately realized I needed another. In particular, at moderate volumes the LRSs just didn’t respond. Now I have a pair of Schiit Vidars (fed by a Schiit Freya S) running in mono. The sound is so much better, all the great features of the LRSs come through. I can’t imagine anyone being totally happy driving LRSs with a single 100w stereo amp. As well, my extremely efficient Forte II’s also sound amazingly good being driven by the Vidars. It’s as if they have that little extra bit of dynamic range and punch. As Steve said, it’s hard to imagine going back to a single stereo amp if you have the option to use to monos.

[@carlitomelon4610]

My LRS arrived yesterday. My El34 amp choked at the attempt to drive them😐 My 100w Mu-Fi integrated is doing fine with the 4ohm load, but the REL subs were backing them up after an hour! I was curious about Vidars ability to run 4ohms in bridged mono. Good to hear you got them to work. Any issues??

[@matthewrichey7128]

@@carlitomelon4610 The Vidars work brilliantly with the LRSs 99% of the time. They will shut down after an extended period of pretty loud listening, e.g., its hard to get through all of Keith Richards “Talk is Cheap” at the appropriate level! For any reasonable, but loud, listening levels, the Vidars will heat up but keep on going without a problem. I find the overall sound is extremely satisfying. The combination of the LRSs and the Vidars (and everything else in the system) has a wide and high soundstage. The LRSs essentially disappear as speakers. The midrange definition is exceptional, vocals are especially satisfying, often seemingly come from a point in front of the rest of the band. I also have a REL T7i subwoofer to complement the LRSs (since they roll off pretty sharply at 60hz).

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@matthewrichey7128 Thanks for the update. I will look into The Vedars at some point in the future. I'm happy with the musical fidelity integrated driving the lrs right now, but I don't think I'll be listening at the levels you're trying to get out of the maggies, 70 to 85db is quite satisfactory with the REL subs;-)

[@Leicaphile27]

Likewise for the Vidar. Once you go mono, you can never go back.

[@andywrollo2915]

🤣🤣

[@faridmaruf3102]

Yeah... I went dual mono Vidar from day one & Freya+. Never had a chance to try the stereo setup.

[@zogzog1063]

Really? I have heard this about LPs but digital?? Very interesting!

[@Slant88]

I've been wanting another Vidar since purchasing the first Vidar.

[@faridmaruf3102]

@@zogzog1063 Just in case if you were addressing me, I meant I took L and R stereo output from preamp connected then separately to two Vidars, each in mono setup that give 400 watts per channel.

[@nheinsius]

Single greatest KZbin video title ever.

[@nyxsplitter7168]

Great video

[@Britishbandogge]

Why would anyone give this guy a thumbs down? If you're not interested in this stuff just don't watch it.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Sounds like pretty advanced sound for a very reasonable investment. How does it compare to one of your First Watt amps?

[@Hare_deLune]

Steve might have done that comparison in his earlier review.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

You can buy FIVE Aegirs for the price of ONE First Watt J2.

[@Hare_deLune]

@@petersouthernboy6327 *Well* now! Quality or quantity? 😆

[@petersouthernboy6327]

@@Hare_deLune - for an amp under $1,000 with a five year warranty and quality US parts Schitt is impossible to beat

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

@@petersouthernboy6327 Agreed. That is my point. Is the two Aegir system good for a budget system or does it now reach into the realm of performance of a J2 or a SIT3? If not, what are the sonic advantages of paying 2.5x the Aegirs to obtain a J2. I think that would be an interesting topic that Steve is uniquely equipped to tackle.

[@ramin3080]

I really enjoy watching your reviews I just watched this video and it is important for me to know your opinion. I have a Cambridge Audio CXN V2 with a CXA 81 and I'm considering connecting two Ageirs via XLR to the CXN V2 and replacing them with the CXA 81. I wanted to know your opinion and will it get a better sound? Also, do you recommend a network player like CXN V2 with the difference that it has tone control?

[@buffal0bilious]

Bet the NAD C 658 would be a good dance partner for double Aegirs, what with its balanced DAC/Preamp, streaming, and Dirac room correction.

[@stephencosta6814]

💯 percy

[@petenamlook18]

This missing part here is about the 4 ohm question for the Aegir in the mono configuration.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

There is no 4 ohm spec, But the amplifier can happily drive that impedance

[@hansbogaert4582]

Steve, inline with another comment I made. My speakers are nominal 4 ohm. I wanted to buy a second Aegir to run them as monoblock but Schiit advised me not to do so as the amplifiers would trip due to the low impedance

[@smartfun4896]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I am on my third Aegir trying to drive my LS50 metas in mono. All three shut down rather quickly on sharp transients at a fair volume. I have an older one that I had been running stereo, but now mono, and it is fine .... never shuts down. Seems like something has changed in the last year.

[@pickyaudiophile]

The bang-for-buck-ratio question remains open whether two Aegirs outperform an equally priced stereo amplifier... we are $99 above the priced asked for the Ragnarok.

[@joeslacker1020]

Did you ever find out?

[@gotham61]

The ad that ran before the video was for some colon cleansing product. Seems appropriate.

[@julianbinder2371]

That's definitely voice recognition

[@crimsonghost6454]

Well that is a shit commercial

[@mcknyc6401]

You know, the ads are based on your viewing/click history, not the content of the video you're watching at the moment, So, I guess the KZbin gods thing you're full of....

[@jimshaw899]

What preamp did YOU use for your tests, Steve?

[@thorstenamesoder7852]

Schiit mani + audio fx tube 01(china gear 30 us Dollar!). This is a nicely working tube buffered phono stage/preamp section on a Budget. For all those non millionaire audiobhiles out there, i can highly recommend this combination. ;) Greetings from Germany

[@bigmike5785]

Pfffft. That audio fx is trash.

[@thorstenamesoder7852]

@@bigmike5785 i don't think so. Mani does the phono stage Job. FX is the tube buffer. Zero distortion + you can equalize treble and Bass, volume. Built Quality solid, fully aluminium. I don't work for the Company. Im just a fan.

[@thorstenamesoder7852]

The best argument i've forgotten. This small fx preamp ads some tuby warmth to the Sound for Real ;) I got a 4000,- Dollar german Monster tube amp here in one of my chains. So i think i know what "tuby" sounds like. I didnt say fx is the best of the best. But for that price its surprisingly very good.

[@wmanggrum]

Glad that they sent you one. I’ve been waiting since the end of November only to be told that I have to wait until the end of March to get one. Canceled the order.

[@jamesbrotherton5487]

Please comment on 1 mono per side vs bi-amp.

[@uterpia]

Thank you

[@zogzog1063]

Suggestion Steve: Do a vid or two on the concept of Power Amplifier -vs- Dual Mono Power Amplifier -vs- Monoblocks. My two cents is that the monoblocks can be better due to the heat dissipation - and thereby higher Class A bias. Then there is the price / performance parameter. Your input would be appreciated.

[@hillelbrandes1488]

Yeh but, Steve, what about the two mono blocks versus stereo bi-amping??

[@aceofspades6667]

I bought the Maggie LRS last year ended up pairing with Hegel H160... Originally I wanted to go dual mono Schiit vidar or Aegir but decided to go hegel as the LRS goes down to 2.8 ohms so need the damping factor/current from Hegel. Not sure that running Schiit mono is stable below 4 ohms.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

You made the right move, enjoy!

[@gracenotes5379]

Not withstanding that this configuration sounded good, I would be cautious about using low impedance speakers with bridged mono operation. The LS50 Meta is nominally 8 Ohms, but stays close to 4 Ohms from 150Hz to 600Hz. Giving these amplifiers a 4 Ohm load in bridged mode is equivalent to giving it a 2 Ohm load when operated in stereo mode. Most likely you would not have any issues at sane listening volumes, but worth keeping in mind that doubling the available voltage (and source impedance) by bridging doesn't improve available current or damping factor.

[@matthewhilty4209]

Imagine Mono-blocking AND Bi-amping them for 4 amps in total. Would be interesting

[@Baerchenization]

You probably get much better amps for 4000-5000 bucks though, but it is appealing as a fetish item ;)

[@petersouthernboy6327]

I can’t imagine listening to music in MONO

[@Baerchenization]

@@petersouthernboy6327 I can't tell whether this is funny or just dumb... please advise :)

[@thomasedward2231]

What preamp did you use?

[@mikemagures4979]

Have you reviewed the Raven Audio osprey?

[@vdrc9787]

Steve, I purchased Tannoy Cheviots (thanks for the great review)...do think a pair of Aegirs bi wired with Cheviots would be a good match? I was considering tubes, but I’m not a tube guy. Thanks, and happy new year!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Bi-amped, sure, Bi-wired, doubt it.

[@vdrc9787]

Thanks!

[@cosmonaut9942]

I own a pair of Tannoy Cheviots and use them with a variety of amps, including the Aegir stereo bi/wired. I also use them with a 20 watt per channel 845 tube amp so go figure. But, they are 90db so fairly efficient.

[@vdrc9787]

Thanks cosmo naut. I’ve decided to take plunge and purchase the Audio Hungary APX 200. Tube amp that puts out 100 watts, uses KT90s. I’ve avoided tubes for years, but so many Cheviot and Arden owners swear they pair best with tube amps.

[@larryphillips1392]

Hi from Brooklyn; I would like to know if you reviewed or talked about the iFi retro stereo 50 unit. Thinking that this unit would the best for me .2 phono inputs(mm,mc),additional input, 3 digital inputs, tone controls,headphone amp(7 watts) and class A 25 watts tube amp. What more is needed! happy new year! I would your opinion on this.

[@mcknyc6401]

This Schiit dual mono-block amp setup is at the price point I am looking at right now. So, thank you very much for a very interesting and timely review. If possible, another review that people might find interesting in this same price category would be the Odyssey Audio Stratos Stereo Plus (~$1500) which, like Schiit products, is made in the USA. While the Odyssey hasn't had much recent publicity, in the past their products have received very positive reviews. So a new look might be interesting to a lot of us Audiophiliac followers.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I have asked them many times for review samples, and never had any response.

[@robh9079]

Mono is strictly 8ohm min I believe (as in specs). Mono 8ohm; each side of the amp is 'seeing' 4ohm, and stick a 4ohm speaker on it each side will 'see' 2ohm. It will not be a 'happy camper'!

[@peterlarkin762]

Yes this is a very important point. No wonder they run quite hot with the Ls50 (they have low impedance dips)

[@cosmonaut9942]

First time I've seen you mention the Dead, even if you spent no time describing that concert CD. The Grateful Dead deserve more of your time since audiophiles and live music lovers owe a debt of gratitude to them for pioneering modern sound systems. John Curl is just one person we all know who worked on the Dead's innovative "Wall of Sound" with Owsley Stanley. Meyer sound worked with the Dead and still do. BTW, the concert/CD is amazing. That whole year, 1977, was amazing. There are recordings of all of it.

[@MichaelMcGuire]

Is burn-in a factor when pairing a new amp with an existing unit?

[@deeplyclosetedindividual]

yes

[@carlitomelon4610]

Will they drive Magnepan LRS in mono? (-: Arriving Monday :-) Will the Vidars?? Is there a mono 4 0hm rating??? I'll experiment with the Mu-Fi amps I have first, no hurry. Thanks Steve.....

[@joenogueira2801]

They’re not rated for 4ohm in mono and besides, LRS requires a lot of quality juice to sound good. Check LRS reviews and all credible sources will confirm that...

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@joenogueira2801 So one Vidar would be better than two Aegir? Cheaper too! For LRS specifically. It would be good for Steve to try this out for us. I'm sure he could get his hands on a second Vidar :-)

[@joenogueira2801]

Quality power is expensive...you could try buying used Macintosh or Pass Labs. If you want new, (not in the same category by any stretch, look at Emotiva)

[@petersouthernboy6327]

@@joenogueira2801 - I’d buy Parasound Halo before Emotiva.

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@joenogueira2801 Well the LRS are here. My older high current Musical Fidelity X150 is driving them beautifully. The Silk Audio 40w EL34 tube amp choked even thru it's 4ohm tap!

[@stonefree1911]

Steve, 1 Parasound A21+ or 2 Schiit Aegirs?

[@Scopolamine46]

Peewee Herman also said if you love it so much why don’t you Marry it😂

[@stephensmith3111]

Mrs. The Audiophiliac probably has some thoughts on that topic.

[@Scopolamine46]

@@stephensmith3111 Ha ha… I wasn’t thinking about Mrs. The Audiophiliac when I made my comment. Very good reply.

[@stuartgreenaway8999]

I can happily attest to the benefits of two Vidar. Sonically there is greater and improved sound. I have an all digital system Topping D90 dac to the Vidars into Kef R300, plus svs sub woofer. Source is jriver on ssd win 10 OS with fabfilter pro 3 dsp vst3. Audiophile optimizer v.3.and Fidelizer Pro. Music library on usb 3 hd external drive. Take away each software tweak the sound is worse. Yes, balanced is better than rca for me. Grab two power amps and KEF are a R300 great matching speaker if you like bass.

[@AllboroLCD]

Peewee's original stage act was priceless, with Phil Hartman as the genie!

[@kwilj]

On the way out to the garage I Aegir'd my Freya and now I can't stop schiiting

[@danielleung3961]

Great channel.

[@rndm4642]

I wonder how much of the sound improvement was due to balanced connectors? I assume Steve was using RCAs for the stereo setup.

[@sound-flies]

What pre amp do you like to use to test all your power amps with

[@geraldmosley2195]

What do you mean by true balanced output? From other manufacturers, is there something I'm missing😕

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

An XLR is just the connector, a true balanced amp means each channel has two channels, with separate "+" and "-" circuitry. That's obviously rgw case with Aegirs run as mono amps.

[@fattnersgeekfile5478]

I got rid of all my macintosh stuff I was sick and tired of being too analytical. How do you think the agir in mono with their preamp would go with my La scalas II

[@marcusmiles100]

Steve... Is the Nelson Pass Amp Camp ..x2. better ?

[@iainrobertson6867]

How would a pair of mono’d Aegirs handle Dynaudio Contour S1.4s? Enough or is the Moon 340i going to deliver a more effortless sound?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

How big is your room, do you listen at very loud levels? if yes, you need more than 80 watts.

[@delvalle9256]

If your speakers are 8 ohms you will be fine for sure . 2 Aegirs have better handle on lower frequencies vs one Aegir. When I run one Aegir, i use a Loki to boost the bass just a touch. If your speakers have nominal rating of less than 8 ohms , just hope that they don’t dip way below than 4 ohms otherwise, they will go into protection mode.

[@jogmas12]

So what would be the difference between the Vidar and Aegir?

[@johnhoffman8041]

I have had both of them and the Vidar is an A/B amp with a lot of power. I found it harsh compared to the Aegir. Running Herey IV's, Aeres 2 DAC, Freya + preamp. Love my single Aegir

[@WNK1955]

Steve >> Help my understanding, please... I'm new at this and considering purchases. Would it be possible to bi-amp (tri-amp?) using a single pre-amp to run a stereo Schitt Aegir that drives only the Cornwall's horns AND then 2 Aegir in mono, one per each speaker giving L & R woofers 80 watts each? Would it be overkill? This sort of confusion is what I get from binge-watching the Audiophiliac!!! Despite my confusion, keep up the fun!

[@davemclellan4221]

Anyone try a pair with Zu Omen DWs? I am considering replacing my 18 watt SEP amp for 2 Aegirs but feel like I won’t like the sound as much at most listening level but will gain the head room I occasionally need.

[@intrinsicfreedom]

I can’t imagine seeing much benefit. I run a fire bottle at 11wpc on a pair of 98db efficient Tekton Moabs. It’s AMAZING! I also own the Aegir and you would have a hard time judging one better than the other, even as the Aegir pushes 40wpc into the Moabs. Keep in mind the Aegir will be at about 18 wpc as the Omens operate at 12ohms stock. I have a pair of the DWs coming in late February, will have more specific info at that time...

[@davemclellan4221]

@@intrinsicfreedom Thanks for the good insight! The thought was to run 2 Aegirs in mono but I’m less enthused now. I believe the fire bottles taps are 10 Ohm like my Hotrod. I saw a dramatic improvement using ZUs resistors to being the Omens down to about 9 ohms so I would recommend the same as the cost and instal are next to nothing.

[@johnsimmons5056]

Wait...no comparisons ??? So how do the mono aegirs compare to your faithful pass labs xa-25 ???

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Sorry, there’s no comparison! The XA 25 is a significantly better, more transparent, and even more powerful sounding amplifier

[@gregorypatton360]

If you run them in mono with a balanced pre would a balanced source or lack of make a difference?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No

[@ssvv27]

Does anyone know if I can run a pair of Aegirs from the balance output of the Mytek brooklyn bridge? Any pointers on how I can verify that would be very helpful.

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

This seems to be a lot more about balanced vs unbalanced?

[@dksculpture]

I was thinking the same thing. That may be a good portion of the difference Steve is hearing. 🤔

[@Rickzolla]

It's nice to have the choice.

[@GentielioGaming]

Could they power the 85db Dynaudio Heritage Specials??

[@IKnewMickey]

I'd like to see a top 5 head phones video for current products at different price points. If anyone knows of a video from a trusted source that would be great info for me. Thx.

[@rhwinner]

I can't wait for my present Creek to go belly up, so I can get a couple of these suckers....

[@fletchermunson6225]

Makes me wonder how two Vidars in mono at 400 watts would d0? ! I do love my Schiit.

[@scottmichaels1764]

400? I don't think that is correct.

[@fletchermunson6225]

A Vidar amp in mono puts out 200 into 8 ohms. Two amps in mono = 400. This is a different amp than the Aegir. It starts out as a 100 wpc AB amp. Look up the web site

[@BroadcastTV.g]

hey steve please do something about the white noise in the videos.

[@FOH3663]

? Interesting, as I don't detect anything different, no significant noise etc.

[@BroadcastTV.g]

@@FOH3663 try turning up volume and notice when he is quite there is a hisss

[@FOH3663]

@@BroadcastTV.g I hear no difference from any other SteveMo content. There's some, but it's consistent in each vid.

[@BroadcastTV.g]

@@FOH3663 yea that's what i think it's microphone and i don't think he is using any fancy hardware or software to record his audio.

[@FOH3663]

@@BroadcastTV.g It's nothing new, I listen via hi rez high end in-ears, it's all good.

[@rustydog2112]

Speaking of live in the studio music, check out Volto! Incitare. A really great heavy Fusion album

[@dsmdarryl]

Cornwall University! Lol love it

[@damiankirkwood7924]

what about running two Vidars?

[@thomaschippie9057]

Wish somebody would give me 2 schiits:-) Way to loosen up dude.

[@jimdavis5230]

Using this amplifier in balanced mode is basically bridging the left and right channels. That doubles the current passed by the output transistors and halves the damping factor. Not a good idea in my opinion. Using two of these amplifiers in unbalanced stereo mode to bi-amplify the speakers should sound far better despite having less power.

[@joenogueira2801]

I totally agree. Bridging half’s the impedance that the amp sees ie 8ohm seen as 4ohm and 4ohm seen as 2ohm! These amps are not rated for 4ohm in mono for that reason. I realize that it still works with some speakers, but only if they’re not power hogs. Bi-amping is a better approach with these particular units. Vertical is better if they can handle your speakers (keeps L & R channels separated) otherwise, horizontal, which is what I had to use with power hungry B&W (matrix 3 series 2)

[@oblatespheroid2212]

One amp sounded better in my system then 2 in bridged mono mode. Much better !

[@plaubelmakina8916]

Two Schiits makes for a good day indeed!

[@steve121758]

please what does balance outputs mean...vs ?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

A balanced preamp, not just one with XLR output jacks. Beyond that I can’t explain it any better. if you’re not sure if your preamp is balanced check with the manufacturer.