BRAND NEW technology!! Schiit Midgard headphone amp review

[@PassionforSound]

My maths was a bit shabby when discussing the Magni vs Midgard pricing. The difference is $110, not $210 😊

[@TheVeganVicar]

Just double those amounts for we Aussies (although I'm currently overseas).

[@onepieceatatime]

$110? $210? No problem! There's a job for you in government here in the United States. Also, for your next review any chance you'd be willing to refer to Schiit Audio products as "Schii-Fi"?

[@TheVeganVicar]

@@onepieceatatime, because the Aussie government is less corrupt, right? ;)

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. I like Schii-Fi! I guarantee I'll forget to use it, but I do like it 😉

[@yogiwp_]

Just being clean, powerful, and balanced at ~$200 is a big selling point in itself, let alone having novel tech. This is hard for even Chi-fi to compete. Well done.

[@TheVeganVicar]

It’s NOT fully balanced, AFAIK.

[@yogiwp_]

@@TheVeganVicar If I understand correctly, it needs to be balanced for the Halo tech to work, a separate loop for each channel.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm not sure if it is or isn't fully balanced. It definitely is using a different circuit for the XLR output even though the gain is identical between the XLR and 6.3mm output. I don't tend to worry too much about whether an amp is technically balanced or not though because there's no inherent benefit in being balanced. All that matters is how good it sounds and the Midgard passes the "good" test. 🙂

[@thelastrhino2581]

According to DMS - "This changes EVERYTHING". He put it in the title of their video. Anyone thinking that that was just clickbait is just not as excited about audio as he is, bless his heart.

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. Yeah, I'd say it changes something close to nothing (that is measurable via simple THD measurements). It's a lovely sounding amp, for sure, but I don't think it's actually revolutionising audio at this point. 🙂

[@Artemis_Prix]

Lachlan, thank you for the helpful review. For 2024, I think a very interesting topic for you to cover relates to whether it would be worthwhile to add a preamp (tube vs. SS) to popular headphone/portable amps (Mojo2), in order to enhance what's already a wonderful package. For example, would such a pairing add to increased dynamics, expanded soundstage, and if so, which order would you recommend (e.g., would it be better to use the Mojo2 as a preamp into a headphone amp, or vice versa). This topic would be incredibly rich when you consider all of the possible pairings and the tonal flavor one may seek. Thank you and wish you continued success in 2024!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the comment! I actually have had a special (and hopefully fun) pre-amp specific video planned for a while, but it keeps getting bumped by "urgent" content reviewing new products, etc. Sounds like I need to force it back into the schedule.

[@Michael_mki233]

It might be worthwhile to re-do the Midgard measurement with the Utopia. It has such a crazy impedance curve, shooting up to 300ohm @ ~60Hz before falling and then leveling off to remain essentially flat from ~700Hz-20kHz that there might be interesting data to be collected there.

[@PassionforSound]

It's not about the impedance curve of the headphones. It's working with the distortion of the headphone. Almost all solid state headphone amps will manage those large impedance swings just fine (unless they have high output impedance).

[@ayushbhaumik7980]

@@PassionforSound Do you think OTL and OTC tube amps are better at driving headphones with large impedance swings than solid state amps at similar price levels ?

[@PassionforSound]

Not necessarily. Any amp with a higher output impedance will interact with such headphones to alter the frequency response and damping of the driver which might be positive or negative depending on the specific driver characteristics and your personal tastes. It seems to often be preferable if the nominal impedance of the headphone is high, but there are still no guarantees.

[@AQUPAS]

I've been absolutely jamming lately to my Jotenheim 2 and RME ADI-2 PRO FS R. How does this compare to the Jot 2? An upgrade or downgrade in your opinion.

[@PassionforSound]

The Jot 2 is a bit more fun and exciting. The Midgard is a little more clinical (only a little). I would personally stick with the Jot 2.

[@AQUPAS]

@@PassionforSound I sort of figured that would be the case. Thanks!

[@kbdvoid]

just purchased a pair of the hd660s2 as i found an advantage in the current sale, and this video has helped a lot with deciding which amp to chose. leaning toward the schiit fs

[@PassionforSound]

Glad I could help! Enjoy your new headphones 🙂🙂

[@NexusS4GIceJelly]

This thing is super clean and have texture for a very clean sounding amp

[@PassionforSound]

I agree

[@NeilLavitt]

Super nice review. Where would it be on your list of headphone amplifiers to try in this price category? Also, you have a minor typo on your channel name in the titles at the end. It says Thank you to all Passionate for Soud patrons.

[@PassionforSound]

Oops! Thanks for catching the typo. I'll get that fixed for the February videos. I think the Midgard sits at the very top of headphone amps for this price. I can't think of anything else under something like a Singxer SA-1 or Geshelli A3 Pro that I'd take over the Midgard. (Jotunheim 2 is also great, but different - punchy and dynamic)

[@rajdash4387]

I have the Schiit Midgaurd. I use it w a Topping 30 DAC, Audrivana Origin. Headphones are AKG 701 and will soon Verum arriving in a few weeks. It's a nice sound. Great value.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your setup!

[@davidwhitener2923]

Just got my Verums. You're gonna L-O-V-E them.

[@Michaelincontext]

Some reviews note that the Midgard is not balanced? While it has XLR inputs/outputs, it is still single ended? The 4pin headphone connector is only for the "halo topology?"

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't dug deep on the specific topology because it really doesn't matter much. Both SE and balanced have benefits and drawbacks. All I know is that the Midgard sounds great via XLR output in particular.

[@Firebottleman]

Hello Lachlan. How would you compare the Midgard and the Fiio K7's amp sections. Tonal and sound signature differences and such. Thank you for another excellent review.

[@PassionforSound]

I didn't keep the K7 to have it here for comparison, but I suspect they'll have some tonal similarities. I'd expect the Midgard to have a clear advantage as a dedicated headphone amp (plus, FiiO seem to be better at DAC design than amp design these days) so I'd put my money on the Schiit. 😉

[@Temperature980]

I paired it with a Hifiman ef499 with a Ayra Organic-balanced from the 499 and balanced to headphones. Using usb to the 499 and on low NOS. 25 percent volume and the highs are not sharp, detailed and sounds good. The empty is black when directly to the 499 but the details are less. Going to dry the sen 660 s2 when I get the balanced xlr cable, but I don’t think it will be as good with the r2r dac.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences 🙂

[@jerryodom4542]

Schiit sure knows how to take my money. How much of a jump up would it be to go from Midguard to Jot2, in your opinion?

[@PassionforSound]

I'd have to try them side-by-side to be certain, but the things I remember about the Jot 2 would suggest that it is more punchy and fun while the Midgard is more neutral and maybe a little less spacious, but I'm not certain on that last bit.

[@jerryodom4542]

@@PassionforSound Perfect. Thank you again! The Jot it is! (surprise surprise)

[@Shozimus]

Do You plan a Mjolnijr 3 review, quite interested in one, after a Currawong review. But quite a hassle to get one in Europe, also not so greatly priced vs US.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. I have a Mjolnir 3 coming thanks to a channel patron. It's expected to ship at the end of January. 🤞

[@Alexandra-Rex]

I've been using my Creek OBH-11 headphone amp since the late 90s, and I'm thinking about upgrading to this one before I get a dedicated DAC so I can have it connected to my mixer where most of my PC sound comes from, but also a DAC (Schiit Modius) which will be used for music mostly. I was going to go for the Magni+, but then I can't switch between the mixer and the DAC.

[@PassionforSound]

This will be a great option for your planned setup!

[@soulshinobi]

This Halo technology sounds like a complicated way of compensating for not having a high damping factor?

[@PassionforSound]

Damping factor is a function of the output impedance of the amp only and has nothing to do with the natural distortion characteristics of the headphone driver. The Halo tech is trying to control the driver characteristics that go beyond damping. I might have misrepresented/ oversimplified it a bit.

[@soulshinobi]

@@PassionforSound thanks for the clarification!

[@coardtech]

Year 2032. Me still waiting for Diana MR review. 😂

[@PassionforSound]

It is scheduled for 17/3. Channel patrons will likely get access about 3-4 weeks before that. 🙂

[@Roni-u2c]

Hello, Is the BIFROST 2/64 a good mutch? Or you recommend to buy a better headphones amp for it (Sound wise)? Thanks in advance

[@PassionforSound]

That will make for a great setup. The BF264 can perform even better than the Midgard, but it's a great system to begin with and some will find it enough for ever.

[@LucianPSimracing]

Very cool T-shirt!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks! I removed it from the merchandise store because no-one ever bought one. Perhaps I should bring it back.

[@archerlink3]

Aegir 2 will also have Halo. It'll be interesting to see if the results will be the same with speaker amp reviewers or not.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. It will be particularly interesting to see if the larger drivers have a more noticeable and consistent result with Halo.

[@chungang7037]

thanks 4 the review! what is the warmest amp you have heard?

[@PassionforSound]

Probably a tube amp like the Darkvoice 336 (depending on the tubes). In the solid state world, the Asgard 3 is right up there.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

I think this is just the beginning for Halo. I bet it'll go into Asgard+ and Lyr5.

[@PassionforSound]

It certainly isn't doing any harm to the sound quality so we'll see...

[@ScottoGrotto]

Lachlan :) The shirts message so important! Wobble, I think astrophysicists use that to detect planets ;) Cool term in this case, great diagram too! This halo thing has a bit of a ring of sound cancellation tech? If so it might be more of an unwanted sound cx which may or may not be a distortion? Another way to think about this is the amp dampens or cancels non musical electrical impulses or feedback from the driver, and tries to optimize meaningful/musical driver motions? I remember Jason discussing this tech :) *Which phones benefitted the most from the 4 pin in your testing?* Synergy? Looking forward to a modhouse tungsten review and which amps work from your collection!? Have you tested the CanPur CP622B yet?

[@PassionforSound]

I found that the XLR output was just consistently better with everything so I don't know that Halo is having any particularly audible impact on specific driver types. I've been in touch with Ryan from Modhouse and hope to have something to share soonish. I've not even heard of the CanPur before.

[@ScottoGrotto]

@@PassionforSoundI guess the xlr is the only output that Halo is active on, that everything you tried sounded better is a good sign for Halo? Any headphone that really shined with this amp? Canpur is a newer brand. Heard it adjacent to the Unique Melody table by the same distributor at SoCal CanJam. HBB has an introductory video out on the CP622B a week or two back. It’s definitely worth a listen and a video if you get the chance :) It’s a master of inflections, capturing more of the musicians’ artistry, that normally is veiled apparently ;)

[@hartyewh1]

How do you volume match when doing comparisons? I've been struggling a bit to do it well in my workflow.

[@PassionforSound]

When I need to, I get the listening level right with music and then measure the output with white or pink noise so I have something consistent to align the second device's volume to. Keep in mind though that the character of a device might make listening at the same volume level more or less enjoyable. In a real world situation, you'd just turn the volume up/down until it becomes enjoyable so there is a time for volume matching (especially with DACs) and a time for simply adjusting to preference.

[@steven2640]

Schiit just won't introduce a switch to deactivate the headphone outputs like Topping amps has. Having to unplug headphones from my Jotunheim 2 whenever I want to listen to my monitors is just a pain in the ass.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. It would be a nice addition to see

[@NeilBlanchard]

I would imagine that the Halo circuit would be dependent on the headphones? The mass of the driver would possibly be a factor for how much the Halo circuit can "control" the overshoot? Edit: remind me which op-amp is used used in the Geshelli Erish 2?

[@PassionforSound]

I believe that's true about the drivers. I may have also oversimplified the way it's working because what I've described sounds only like damping (which all amps do), but it's obviously dealing with any "back-signal" generated by the movement of the voice coil. I don't recall what the Erish 2 uses, but it's probably an OPA1656 knowing Geshelli. 🙂

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@PassionforSound I didn't check before I asked - and I just looked; they use two OPA1612 op-amps in the Erish2. I think they use the OPA1656 in the J2, and as the base option in the J2S.

[@PassionforSound]

That's correct about the J2 versions and why I assumed the same for the E2 😉

[@carminedesanto6746]

GM ☕️❄️❄️ Interesting..I think for those of us in this hobby …probably have one or two ( in my case 4) amps around …so it’s probably something that we may add to the collection just to have one.🤔

[@PassionforSound]

From a sound quality perspective, I don't know that it sounds unique enough to need one in your collection (unless you just want to see how it interacts with your headphones, of course), but it's definitely a really solid option for anyone needing an amp at this level.

[@mttrashcan-bg1ro]

After recently going to a Jotunheim 2 from an Asgard 3 and originally from a Magni Heresy, I can see why the Asgard 3 would be considered niche now. You've got the Midgard which has balanced, thought to many the Jot 2 might not be worth the extra money. Having balanced is a huge bonus, and I feel like even if you think you won't go balanced, it's better to have it. But do you think the Midgard is a worthy change form the Magnius? And do you think you would make a comparison between them?

[@PassionforSound]

I didn't keep the Magnius around so I can't do a direct comparison, but that's also why I think the Midgard is a clear improvement. The Midgard IS an amp I will keep on hand as a benchmark at its price, but the Magnius didn't stack up in the same way.

[@diana73654]

So, based on what you are saying, Magni is very close to Asgard 3 :D. Joke aside, my point is that everybody is hyping new products, but almost nobody talks about important things, like output impedance for hps, the rule of 8, and how this match specific headphones . I think this counts a lot more and also could sell better and more honest, the new equipment. I've bought the Burson Soloist 3x GT, as an alternative to the amp of Matrix Element X2, and now I must sell it, because it has 5 ohm output impedance, and Arya Organic has only 16ohm. Matrix also has 6 ohm, and Arya sounds muffled from both . Sounds better from phone or from a Topping A90... Cheers !

[@aRc11-11]

Low output impedance matters more for the super low impedance iem's.

[@diana73654]

@@aRc11-11 It is relevant also for a 16 ohm over ear headphone, when the amp has 5-6 ohm output impedance. If not, how to explain that Arya Organic sounds far better from my phone or from my old Topping A90, than from Burson Soloist 3xGT, or Matrix Element X2, and a headphone like Beyerdynamic T1 1st gen or Audeze LCD 3, sounds better from this two more expensive amps than from phone or A90 ? In all cases I have used the same dac inside Matrix .

[@aRc11-11]

@@diana73654 Hufflemans are not particularly special. What you're hearing from the more expensive gear is what they actually sound like. Toppings are warm and round sounding. Not the last word in definition. Your phone proves that fact.

[@diana73654]

@@aRc11-11 sorry, but what im listening from Topping is the true sound for that headphone and it is amazing . That most expensive gear has not the specs for that hp, and also colours the sound, not always in a great way . In this case it is colouring the sound but also making some areas to sound dull, and I tend to think that is because the impedance . This is my opinion .

[@aRc11-11]

@@diana73654 the colorization is a match.

[@MarylandDevin]

I have the THX AAA 887. I like it ok, but it's a little sterile. I'm considering something new under $300 mark.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, the nested feedback approach used in the THX and similar systems can suck the life out of the music. The Midgard or Asgard 3 are both excellent options.

[@ancientalien815]

It's just really sad that schiit can't put a pre out on/off switch on this. Why schiit......why

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. That would be a very welcome addition

[@NetvoTV]

Do all DAP with android before version 14 will downsample your music unless you use their purposely build music player app and USB DAC mode and when they are in USB DAC mode there will be delay if you watch movie and play game through it?

[@PassionforSound]

It's not quite so costs l clear cut as I believe some manufacturers customised Android to force it to bypass the internal processing. You'd need to check each model specifically to be sure.

[@martinfox2244]

I have a Magnius (and Modius) . Is this more of an upgrade or lateral move?

[@PassionforSound]

The Midgard would be a little bit of an upgrade, but I'd recommend saving up for a bigger jump to something like the Jotunheim 2, Lyr+ or Bifrost 2 DAC.

[@martinfox2244]

@@PassionforSound Thanks

[@dangerzone007]

How organic does it sound?

[@PassionforSound]

86.3%

[@russellnedland4569]

If you have an affiliation with Shiit you should do a review of their “summer stack”. A Midgard, a Modius w/ balanced connection cables and a pair of Dan Clark Aeon r/t closed backs. Fully balanced plug and play system for $749 (US)

[@PassionforSound]

That's a great setup! I do get products to review from Schiit, but I've already reviewed both the Midgard and Modius separately already.

[@aRc11-11]

Does it run cool? I like alternatives to class A in the desert.

[@TrinoElrich]

My unit hasn't gotten that warm, honestly. It felt like my Magni 3+ was running hotter.

[@aRc11-11]

@@TrinoElrich thanks man.

[@PassionforSound]

Yep, it's a very lightly warm amp (as in, it's not cold to the touch when running despite being made of metal)

[@Dave30867]

Just bought the Midgard after looking at lots of other headphone amps , most are double the price and there is no real difference to other balanced amps . Am now looking for a nice set of 4 pin headphones. 🤔🎧

[@PassionforSound]

Good luck in your search! I've got some recommendations in the description of most of my videos that might help to get you started...

[@arimanwd]

How would you compare this to the topping A50s?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the A50S, but knowing Topping and the fact that the A50S will be using integrated op-amps, the Midgard should be comfortably better, especially in soundstage.

[@aa5az423]

I’m a headphone newb. I’ve got a Grado R2SE. Would there be anything to using a 1/4” to 4-pin XLR adapter? Any advantage? I fried my Asgard 3 a couple days ago and I’m looking at the Midgard as the replacement. I actually tried to hook it up to a single Klipsch Heresy I. The manual said the Asgard was stable at 8 ohm, but it lasted about four minutes! LOL blew the gain stage.

[@PassionforSound]

Stability at 8 ohms is one thing, but speakers can fluctuate significantly outside of their nominal impedance. They also push a lot more signal back to the amplifier as the drivers move, rebound and create their own signal as the voice coil moves through the magnetic field. As for the adapting you're looking to do, you can always get an adapter from a 6.3mm headphone output so you can connect a headphone with a 4-pin XLR connectors, but don't try to connect a 6.3mm terminated headphone to a 4-pin XLR headphone output because you risk shorting the output stage (again) 🙂

[@aa5az423]

@@PassionforSound HA! Glad I asked! LOL!

[@aa5az423]

@Passionforsound BTW, I ordered a JOTUNHEIM

[@PassionforSound]

Great idea. It's a lovely amp.

[@fatdoi003]

I find schiit products are like fiio or hotel restaurants... they are good, sometimes really good but somehow there's also something not quite right about them and let the whole experience down

[@PassionforSound]

Sorry to hear that. I think you've missed trying some of their very best. The Yggy OG, Bifrost 2/64 and Asgard 3 (when it was new) are all brilliant without any real drawbacks. Jot 2 is also buckets of fun and I think the Midgard is exceptional for the price too.

[@Dave30867]

Thank you 😉👍

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure

[@Scede]

How would you compare it to a Fiio K5 pro or K7?

[@PassionforSound]

That's tricky because it's not a DAC. As a pure amp, I'd choose the Midgard.

[@Scede]

@@PassionforSound Thank you for replying - much appreciated!

[@jamesfiorucci5774]

sad they don't really sell in the UK...

[@PassionforSound]

Can you purchase direct from Schiit USA? We have similar challenges here.

[@jamesfiorucci5774]

@@PassionforSound I could but there's all the import fees and postage. If they had a partnership with a uk store I'd be much more inclined to purchase schiit products

[@sy0635]

How does this compare to the topping l50?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't compared those two, but I suspect they'd be pretty comparable, but with an edge to the Midgard due to its discrete design.

[@dangerzone007]

So it doesn't have a lack of soal. How do you measure soal?

[@ayushbhaumik7980]

Our current measurement equipment is not advanced enough to measure music because we lack temporal resolution. All people trying to judge amplifiers by their ability to amplify sine waves are idiots. Music is composed of infinite sine waves overlapping each other not a single sine wave which is used in measurement rigs.

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Now I'm certain mj3 is next. 😇

[@PassionforSound]

I wish! Still hasn't shipped...

[@carlsitler9071]

I feed my Asgard 3 with a bright Sanskrit 2.

[@PassionforSound]

That would probably balance out nicely.

[@trubadyr99]

Is it just me? I always play Passion for Sound videos at 0.75 speed. Otherwise, his speech seems rushed.

[@PassionforSound]

Sometimes, I do rush a bit when I have limited time to squeeze in a recording during my day job and family life. I try not to. Sorry about that!

[@Chuy82496]

Check out the Mjolnir 3!!!

[@PassionforSound]

I will once it gets here 😁

[@masterazlan6999]

When u said Warm sounds u meant Bright sounds??cuz in the early days. back.. We used Words.. dark n bright sounds.. .. Peace!

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Schiit is an amazing company which always offers quality and value.

[@PassionforSound]

I agree

[@IrenESorius]

👍‍‍🌟👍‍‍

[@John.Christopher]

"Schiit audio" lol

[@PassionforSound]

They have a great sense of humour across their whole website and even their user manuals.

[@John.Christopher]

@@PassionforSound I have to take a look! Thanks! 😆

[@philkelly8261]

I noticed they sell ( presumably branded) toilet paper?!

[@Solarsystem50]

Pure unadulterated schiit.

[@PassionforSound]

Until I realised the video this comment was on, I thought you were being really rude 😂

[@ValterSuriZis]

Please, does the Topping D90 le make a big difference in sound compared to the Topping D30 pro and the Topping L50. Have a nice day

[@PassionforSound]

The Topping D90 is a much better DAC than the D30 so it's a worthwhile upgrade, but I think there are also other DACs that are better (like the SMSL SU-9 Ultra or Geshelli Labs J2S AK4499 version)

[@ValterSuriZis]

@@PassionforSound thanks

[@MorTphyr]

Hello! Would it be a waste using an active/powered speaker with a modius/midgard stack?

[@PassionforSound]

Not at all. That could be great, but it would depend on the level of active speakers you're talking about.

[@MorTphyr]

@@PassionforSound would something like the r1700bt be worth it or should i opt for passive speakers instead?

[@PassionforSound]

@MorTphyr I think the Edifier actives are excellent value for money. If you go for passives, you've got more boxes and cables to worry about which is extra cost and hassle for not necessarily any additional sound quality.