Introducing: KLIPSCHIIT

[@DrewHawken68]

As always I really appreciate your humour and perspective on hifi John. Your music taste is fantastic as well!

[@gaza4543]

Really entertaining vid John, and i learnt something and about the dragonfly that didn't know.

[@motorradmike]

John, recently I replaced my Vidar with the Aegir driving Tekton Double Impact speakers. Your description of the two is absolutely spot on. The only other difference I would add is the Aegir seems to convey a little more dimensionality, if that’s even a word. Separation of vocalists and instruments is more 3D. My preamp is a Schiit Freya in tube mode with Russian tubes. I can’t say the Freya is “tubey” sounding at all. I just like extra drive it gives the Aegir in the tube amplified mode. You are, hands down, one of the best HiFi reviewers in the KZbin space. Cheers!

[@anthonyhopkin]

Deserves a thumbs up for the 'humid top-end' alone. Worth another for accuracy and relevance and yet another for pure entertainment value. Must have missed a couple of other reasons. Greeting John - great work.

[@christiantheodore3919]

John - I purchased the Klipsch RP600M & Aegir! Awesome combo! Thank you.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Klipschiit!!!!

[@DarkoAudio]

It's what I say when I stub my toe on the bed post.

[@kenstephens2955]

John I really appreciate your consistent effort to put whatever review you’re doing into context. It’s immensely helpful. I don’t know if it’s possible but I’d be very grateful for a review of ‘the next significant step up’ system. With love, Ken

[@sabolia]

U crack me up every time.great stuff.am having to watch ur videos more because of how blunt and entertaining it is.love it

[@deputy3690]

Love your videos! Humor is off the charts, and explanations are top notch.

[@tedjensen8841]

Thank you for the great review and for being different than US You Tubers. Appreciate your perspective and great photography. I get a very complete picture of the hardware you are reviewing even without being able to listen.

[@dougcampbell2814]

I'm glad you mentioned the Schiit Sys. For an amazing $49 it makes for a great sounding passive preamp. Feed your DAC into the Sys and the Sys into your power amp. A great combo.

[@HD-su9sq]

Great video John! Some of us are on a "Honda" budget right now, so something like this will be good for the time being. My favourite quote was "this system sounds great ..... with all the music I don't listen to"!!

[@philipsimbajon]

You are my kind of reviewer! I'm learning a lot from you, your videos, and recommendations. Thank you, sir!

[@darreng279]

Recommending first 20 seconds of A Passage To Bangkok, off of 2112 for layer separation and texture.

[@peterdodge7513]

Nice suggestion. And also the following immersive track, The Twilight Zone. Echo's of Thin Lizzy somehow..., well the guitar sound anyways.

[@cbpersel]

Excellent. Always love your detailed comparisons with other similar/competing products, how it integrates with related components, etc. Really helps get a feel for its performance.

[@owuzet]

You could make an hour long video about a rock and I would still watch it. Your videos have a great vibe and simply are a pleasure to watch. Keep up the great work!

[@NightFlight1973]

DAC->Class A 25WPC -> 87db sensitive speakers is about my sweet spot. I might give the 600M another run on my Firstwatt, but only after they are fixed with Dannys' kit. They are a bit under potential as stock.

[@michaelcollins966]

Glad to see the RP-600M’s back! Your review of them kicked me off on a path where I ended up buying them.

[@MurchyMurch]

I'll probably pick up some RP-600M and use them for a year then I'll mod them with Danny Richie's crossover mod (GR Research) and dampening. He's got a 4 part series on YT detailing the mod and results.

[@michaelcollins966]

H. Murchison , yeah I saw that. I’d be interested to hear how you think they sound before and after.

[@fugelkusch3722]

I'm running my Klipsch RB-81 II with a NAD C326BEE amp. Can highly recommend the combination. Never thought after switching from floor standing speakers I could get so much out of a bunch of bookshelf speakers. It's amazing. You have to listen to it.

[@hotcayenne]

Your best video so far, John. (Maybe because I own an Aegir and love wordplay.)

[@DarkoAudio]

Reasons enough. ;)

[@JRadian]

John, I see in the video the factory brass bridge is used and the speaker wire connected to the bass terminals. For almost-free SQ improvement, change that bridge with short OCC wire and connect the speaker cable to the treble terminals of the Klipsch!

[@erichhofer111]

why should there a difference between bass and treble terminals connection?

[@markd4292]

John, Bloody Hell, thank you for doing the Schiit + Klipsch combo. It is exactly what I am working toward, and I like what you said thus far, bloody great. I'm sold. It's the Hersey IV's plus Schiit...or if I can afford the Cornwalls then that's where I'll go. Peace. Stay Healthy.

[@chrisforsythe1605]

It’s funny last night I was drunk and bored in quarantine, I took some extra speakers I had hooked them up to a spare class d amp and was using a schiit sys as a preamp play music through my dragonfly red. This set up sounded very good but it never even occurred to me I could just hook the power amp up to the dragonfly and use it as the preamp.

[@andrewmorgan5795]

I don’t have any Klippschiitt but compared to your videos on KZbin, John, I have seen a lot of Schiit klipsch.. Keep up the good work. More dad jokes always appreciated!

[@laurencerothman931]

I now have two Schiit stacks, one at home and one at work. I love their products.

[@econautx]

Same here :)

[@derekf5495]

Really enjoy your channel. This is the exact setup I've been looking at picking up.

[@AdamJRichardson]

Klipschiit - Also sounds like an Ikea shelving unit 🤔 Fun and informative video!

[@breezetidewater5120]

WHAT! I never thought I’d heard the dragonfly preferred over the bluesound by anyone in any configuration. I drive the Dragonfly and a BMW... love them both!

[@domtomas1178]

Another great video John. really enjoying your rants... ;-) and a thumbs up to Olaf for his camera work. Since I started watching, videos have improved a lot. I love hi-fi but am also a photographer/cinematographer and do appreciate well shot videos.

[@trickyrat483]

I watched this video and informed my wife that "I'm a fun-loving audio guy." She's still growling

[@alainbesario6679]

me too tricky rat hahahhhaha3 and thank you darko I love you man, peace

[@nacarp2000]

Yep, I have my serious system, and a fun system in the same room, currently playing the cheap, fun system more! Node2i into vintage 30 watt tube amp into homemade single driver horn loaded speakers.

[@georgefaria598]

"As always, thanks for another great review", nice one John.

[@jimshaw899]

A "by the way": The Schiit Modi 3 volume control issue seems exclusive to MacOS and maybe iOS. PC Windows 10 and my Android adjust the volume normally from the computer or phone.

[@hermannisavolainen8328]

Jim Shaw That is because Windows and Android keeps the os volume control even when an external dac is connected. The os volume control only limits the volume and should be set to max for best quality. So you do need a preamp with volume control with the modi even with Windows because the hardware is not built into the unit like with dragonflys

[@josephaccettola7754]

I was just about to post that exact thing. When feeding the Modi via USB from my Win10 pc the only time that I’ve not been able to control the volume is with Tidal, and only if the option “Use exclusive Mode” & “Force Volume” control is enabled in sound settings of Tidal. I also have no issue varying the volume if AirPlaying from my iphone to the Modi. This may however be a function of the airport express that is feeding the Modi via optical.

[@gordonrankin3995]

@@hermannisavolainen8328 Windows requires Exclusive Mode, Android is the only OS that is not compliant with the USB specification for volume control unless you use add on drivers like Extreme Audio. So the Windows problem can be changed by enabling Exclusive mode in the Control Panel Sound.

[@fraicheness]

What a delightful video once again, John!

[@brunonjezic6208]

Dang, i was really looking foword to this weeks playlist from you. They were really good

[@lazarosnikolaidis256]

I personally like shortcuts in audio. And I like (and use) DAC-direct to power amp(s), but you took it one step forward. Having in mind that the majority of our music files are

[@feelsgoodmanjpg7762]

The Emotiva BasX A-300 is also a Class AB amplifier. It costs only 400 bucks. I'm using it for my Klipsch RP280f's. Definitly sounds great for the price!

[@johnfinn1570]

Greetings from Melbourne Australia. Ramble on all you like sir. I enjoy listening.

[@dennisheadley4408]

Your take on the Aegir in bridged mode would be interesting.

[@jarekharmening8993]

Hey hey it's Darko, comin' at ya with another videoooo!

[@gbessette40]

Love the KLIPSCHIT naming John!... Makes me smile = )

[@libertysoutlook5160]

I’m using Schiit modi 3, a Schiit SYS, and a used Integra power amp for my Klipsch KG 4 speakers.

[@allanjuulkristensen5132]

Come on John ... you wanted to say “ more musical “ 😉

[@zeissiez]

Willsenton R8 comes at below 800 bucks. It takes care of the top and the bottom of the RP600M extremely well.

[@robmaxwell3678]

Glad to see you're using the dragonfly red in this system. I'm putting together a new system and was going to update my red to cobalt. Think I'll give the red another try first. As always, great video showing importance of system matching.

[@TorToroPorco]

It’s always hard to quantify the sound of a system and John does a good job of relating his impressions in a useful way. But I’ve never heard high end frequency response described as being humid before but it’s appropriate if one considers the opposite as being dry. Personally I find tone to be important even in electronic music, there can be a richness and complexity of tone much the same as the tone from a guitar through an overdrive or distortion pedal that a good system should be able to express.

[@DarkoAudio]

It's how I avoid saying 'moist'. ;)

[@TorToroPorco]

@John Darko I can see how using that term could upset the Google and YouYube search algorithms. ;-)

[@gemini211269]

Thanks John, this was highly entertaining and illuminating. I've had a not so long distance love affair with Klipsh speakers since I sold them back in the late 80s/early 90s. I am also very Schiit curious (and have been for the past 4 or so years). This combo might actually work very well in my office (although I really really really want to pop for the Heresy IVs...just don't have the space to do them justice). Here's to Klipshiiting it up in the very near future!

[@rickdiorio153]

thanks fun review, I purchased these speakers for Christmas, I hooked them up to a brand new in the box (old ) arcam solo neo ( 50 wpc into 8 oms ) that I had for years and never used. I am a newbie to in home audiophile ownership. The Arcam has a built in dac, the sound after a long burnin time is amazing, I don't think this is the ideal system for these speakers, but really amazing with well engineered / produced cd's at loud volumes.

[@ericjensen9091]

Arcam solo neo, never used until now!

[@Currawong]

Very enjoyable video John. The Class A vs. Class AB thing reminds me of auditioning a Linn Klimax Twin, which is also Class AB. One of the most punchy and fun amps I've encountered.

[@redstarwraith]

Great video, John. Thanks.

[@Slant88]

Excellent video bc it’s insightful, has well described reviews, and offers creative audio options.

[@Winterfell1066]

Klipsch and Schiit work very well together. I am using the Schiit Freya preamp running balanced into a pair of Schiit Vidars through Klipschhorns. It is absolutely stunning, dynamic, smooth. Previously I was using a pair of Mcintosh MC-30s for power. it sounded really good, but maybe I needed a change. The Vidars are less warm and enveloping, but they have the punch and drive on the low end that John describes.

[@MAKcraig]

This looks ideal for what I've been lookong for. Initially asked how I could integrate my turntables, then checked out the sys,then deleted and re wrote my comment. Another great video john, plus having similar music tastes makes for trusted advice

[@stevec3526]

John I use the Schiit Modi with a Dell laptop running Windows 10 and the volume is easily adjusted up and down with the Up and Down volume buttons.

[@BunnyslippersEUC]

When the Schiit hit the Klipsch...John Darko will be there😎

[@pegun]

Game of tones... I like that!

[@Denso95]

For people who start from scratch, a solution for driving these speakers is also a Yamaha R 803 ND. AB class amp, with a Sabre DAC.Plus you get a good streaming solution, sub preout and a decent phono stage. For around 700 buck also.

[@alfma976]

denis 1 it’s a great receiver, an all in one box solution, it powers the Forte III with no problem.

[@steverees1936]

I'm amazed at how both these companies can produce such good products for a relatively affordable price and assembled in the USA. Klipschit sounds like a new conglomerate and I like it. Oh and you need to show us the progress of that new fandango haircut 😏

[@MLDAVIS453]

Enjoyed this review, was curious about bi-amping the two schiit amps to keep the ab class for the low end, and the quasi-a for the top end?

[@baktashzameer4193]

The Aventone CLA200 is rated at 200 wpc into 8 ohm, is class a/b, and costs roughly the same as the Vidar. I went with the CLA200 over the Vidar for more power and better looks.

[@PitsterPits]

I power my RP-600M's with a NAD C388(150w 8 Ohms), Streaming from Tidal using a Node 2i. They are absolutely insane, and I love the combination. Might try some Schiit gear on them soon though!

[@shkermanshahi]

Thanks John. The Dragonfly as DAC/Preamp also gives you remote control with Roon( device volume) that modi/sys don't. Let say if you use a USB out device as Roon endpoint. I have my own Intel based streamer that beats many under $2000 and connected to Schiit Yaggi. Did a test with dragon fly and the remote worked so well.

[@DarkoAudio]

A very good point!

[@shkermanshahi]

John Darko was there a reason you did not use Dragonfly Cobalt and used Red instead?

[@mden2490]

Thank you so much for your great videos and your knowledge that your are passing along to us. I just started listening to LP’s again. I purchased a audio technica LP3 TT..love it, and a pair of edifier 1280DBs speakers and they are good but not sure if I am getting a rich full sound out of them. I was thinking of bumping up to either the audioengine 5+ or klipsch R-51pm speakers. I was hoping I could get your opinion on which speakers you would prefer? Or should I just add a subwoofer to the edifiers? Thanks again.

[@Taladin1234]

Congrats on 100k !!!

[@EwaldWassink]

Awesome video again! I love Klipsch and Schiit, but i don't have them coupled together atm. But probably will happen in the near future.

[@aerobill8554]

Hi John. Vidar (pronounced “VIH-dar”; from Old Norse Víðarr, which might mean “The Wide-Ruling One”) is one of the younger generation of gods who survive Ragnarok, the cataclysmic end of the cosmos in Norse mythology. ... Vidar, a son of Odin by the giantess Gríðr, immediately set upon the wolf to avenge his father's death.

[@RamisDad]

Had the RPs but sold them for a pair of Omen DWs. The RPs did blow me away tho

[@smite0568]

I am running the RP600s with the Vidar paired with the Bifrost Dac, and Asgard and I couldnt be happier

[@RideTheComet]

Have you had the Vidar for some time? Do you notice any hum or noise from it? I have RP600Ms and I have been constantly debating between Aegir and Vidar. I ordered the Aegir and reached out to Schiit...they said they recommend Vidar for my speakers and want me to let them know if I wanna switch it out before it ships. So conflicted! I have read various reviews online of people gushing over the Aegir with RP600ms....

[@alanchan920]

hmm thinking of getting the aegir as external amp to drive my surround bookshelves. wonder it will sound better than my marantz multi channel amp

[@mra.cortez3553]

GR Research has a crossover upgrade available for the 600Ms. Just search on youtube for details. Supposedly fixes the V curve dip.

[@braintoosmall]

I listened to the original 600s and the upgraded pair that was digitally recorded and is posted on youtube. Everytime I picked the originals. Seemed to me that there was much more air and clarity before the upgrade imo. I own a pair of 600s btw that I really enjoy.

[@gene8933]

love your style your not full of Schiit like some of these other guys. I often wonder how bookshelves integrate with subs.

[@SisterRay100]

Isn't it better to use the DragonFly Red on its line-out mode (volume set to 100%) and then use the amplifier's (or pre-amplifier's) main volume knob to control the volume of the speakers?

[@hiphopdino67]

Thanks for the 'Welcome' John, greetings from Canada :-)

[@j.craigh.3480]

“Klipschitt” We’ll said! 😀 You may have just created a new word.

[@TrashfordKent]

As a beginner i did wonder how you how you were going to do volume control, neat solution. Being a beginner with no knowledge or taste i quite like the idea of this set-up with a Schiit Loki. I've not really got past 80's, 90's equaliser sound yet.

[@yyams]

Darkman, you have production quality on your side.

[@yyams]

Also - I don't understand how you can live without a room corrected sub in there with some of the music you love. One with a plug you can turn off of course:D

[@MrEric5452]

Thanks for your video, John...Will go for the Dragonfly for my Mac.

[@nicselander490]

Cambridge AXR100 is another great A/B stereo amp for only $499 USD. Would love to hear your opinion on it! One of the best entry level piece of gear out there imho. Phono stage, digital inputs and even Bluetooth is just icing on the cake.

[@skitstorm5634]

Aegir. As when you say “A”, combine with E (as in Electronic), the G is hard like Glitter, Glad etc. I as in Inferno and R as in the Spanish gentleman Ricardo. Would this setup beat the Marantz PM7000N paired with Audio Vector QR1? I’m really not sure what I need to buy. So thanks for all the guidance.

[@bertoray5497]

My budget system is a NADKLIP. Oof. RP-600Ms driven by a pair of vintage monoblocked NAD 2200s (400W/8Ω) and Dragonfly. Love the stay at home haircut.

[@jeppemichaeljensen2684]

Great as usual.

[@GetBant]

I own the wood side RP-600M, they are WONDERFUL. I'm not happy with Klipsch for trying to phase them out though, They don't even do the bass with wood, only black. BRING BACK WOOD FINISH SPEAKERS!

[@ericjensen9091]

100% agree. I'm so tired of gloss black.

[@ayellowbeard]

I love it when you laugh

[@MrDamianOZ]

To fix the issue with Modi volume control you can try software for Mac called SoundSource with their super volume keys.

[@lostinbostom]

Great vid John

[@andrevee]

Thanks John. One thing about the AudioQuest DragonFly Red. It uses the headphone jack as output. And mine has gone bad. Somekind of loose contact. It's not the male plug. But the female end of the DragonFly. So I can't have a reliable connection anymore, unless I fixate the cable in a certain angle. The DragonFly Red is an amazing product. But that issue with the output has now spoiled most of the fun for me. Sadly.

[@pennfootball71]

My next amp will be a VAC PHI 170i :) It is a class A tube 85 watts per channel. Speakers I might go for Boenicke W8 SE or QLN Prestige Three. DAC Might be a Dave..not sure yet depends on if the guy replacing it with some crazy 118k MSB sells it at a good price to me. This whole system is good for someone starting out that spent the rest of his money on a motorcycle.

[@pevendrame]

I Really would like to see a comparision between this set and the klipsch the sixes

[@gustavohannun]

I have a pair of Klipsch RP-600M and a Cambridge CXA80. I like pretty much my system, for now it is all I need to enjoy music. I connect my 2011 iMac with USB to the CXA80 and stream Tidal. To listen my cds, I use a simple old Panasonic blu-ray connected with toslink. And that's it for now. I am not an audiophile, I just like music.

[@davidgreen1504]

You happy with the set up that's all you need clarity good sound that's a wrap🍺🍺

[@cartilagehead]

At this point you should probably go ahead and look at the Saga+, admittedly the tube buffer is a hybrid which I believe makes it different from the Freya but it’s also half the price and size. Frankly the only thing really missing from the Saga/Freya right now is the ability to take the expansion modules that some of the more recent Schiit headphone amps use. It would be great to be able to add a built-in DAC or phono stage and not need an external box/power supply.

[@johnristheanswer]

Englishman , discussing German equipment , not talking like a US presenter but talking about " bucks " , great stuff.

[@michalolszewski8627]

I was thinking about pairing these klipsch speakers with cyrus one cast. What do u think about it?

[@cnhhnc]

Looks like a nice combo. Always into the budget scene. Currently running a simple setup for my laptop Home Office audio, an old NAD 50 watt x 2 integrated and a set of Elac Debut B6.2. Have some Dolby software and upgraded soundcard on the laptop. Very pleasing even on youtube sound, lol! Elacs and old NAD A/B amps. Two thumbs up if you like to warm those Elacs up a little. Plus, good headroom.

[@Ocanacharlie]

Great ! As always !

[@bmwman63]

Agree, I guess I got a Klipsh-Schiit system too. Mine is a Ragnarok V.1 onto RP600Ms. But yes, it is a great weigh station. eventually the speakers with go to either Fortes or Cornwalls and, well the world is open for the amp.

[@davidbacon1484]

Thanks John. I have pair of the Klipsch RP-600Ms and just ordered a Schiit Aegir today. So, does that make a Klipschiiter?? I’ll let you my thoughts once the system is together.

[@blakeanncook7375]

David, Did you get set up yet? I have the Klipschs and am considering the Aegir. Are you finding that there is enough power? Thanks much for any insights you might have. Blake

[@malcolmpercival5266]

Great video. I'd be curious to know how adding the pre-amp, then a second Aegir and going mono would impact the sound. Kind of a study of an upgrade path.

[@IceBullit]

Could throw a Schitt Sys in line for volume control, I did that with my system and it works well.

[@jeremyh8446]

I have the klipsch rp600m. I am trying to choose either between the Vidar or Aegir. My pre amp will be the Schiit Saga +. The 20WPC on the Aegir just scares me. I live in a small home, but I like my music loud with base. I like dance music and hip hop. I like party music 🎉 🕺

[@stephensmith3111]

How about the Sphinx v.3 tube/solid state hybrid integrated amp (100 Wpc @ 8 ohms) driving the latest incarnation of the smallest of the ancient and venerable Klipsch speakers still from Hope, Arkansas? Turn up the volume and you could have a Rogue shouting Heresy.