Schiit Audio Jotunheim 2 Headphone Amplifier Review

Schiit Audio's new Jotunheim 2 balanced headphone amp packs some serious tech into a small package. But how does it compare to it's competitors? Schiit sent me one to find out.
In case I forgot to mention it in this take, the sound as a pre-amp is much the same as it is a headphone amplifier.
-------------
Thanks to my Patrons who made this video possible. Become a Patron and see these videos in advance, get my first impressions on new gear and get my buying advice any time.
www.hear.audio/go/support
-------------

[@jimmyblues59m76]

What I enjoy most about Amos' reviews is that he uses his technical knowledge to explain audio concepts in a simple way that anyone can understand. And this really does make his videos both helpful and enjoyable.

[@valkyrieorion7200]

Thanks for the review was really informative and I enjoy your presentation on the couple other videos I watched tonight (just found your channel a few days ago and had time). Signed up a patron, keep up the great review!

[@georgelamacka8125]

Excellent review. I always enjoy your explanations, comparisons and advice. Thank you for good and detailed videos. George

[@jessyszabo148]

Just purchased a jot 2 and a set of focal elex! thank you for all the great advice!

[@Currawong]

Very welcome!

[@Sent2Strike]

Mate I am so glad I found your channel. It’s made me realise how many of the “Audiophiles” on here don’t know what they’re talking about. I’m Tasmanian so it’s a pleasure to listen to your very articulate and detailed descriptions. My hat goes off to you sir. I have a chord Mojo 1 driving, Audeze LCD2C what would be a better matching DAC/Amp?

[@mmmadog]

I agree I have the Jot 1 and NFB1 and the Jot does have the old school punchy sound. The NFB is more open and slightly smoother, Bass hits harder on the Jot but the NFB can hit some low lows.

[@chupachup6362]

Perfect review for me to watch, my daily is an NFB-1Amp and was considering buying a Jotunheim 2

[@adrianmorrish8494]

excellent review thank you, I was thinking of matching a topping d30 pro with this, wondered if you had any experience or thoughts on this, don't want a warm DAC with the Jotunheim also the preamp function would be good for taming the power

[@mox05]

your reviews are detailed and super great explained. Would like to see your thoughts on the RME ADI-2 FS

[@Currawong]

I'd much like to borrow one, but that is a bit tricky here in Japan.

[@redbull2007]

Great Review, can you tell if the jotunheim 2 is a good amp for the hifiman arya?

[@darrellross8609]

C, So many "Reviewers" talk down about the Jotunheim. So, Thank You for putting it good light. Best, D.

[@mden2490]

Thank you for your thorough video. I own the Meze 109 pro and was wondering how they would pair with the Jotunheim 2. Could you recommend a 3rd party xlr cable for the 109’s?

[@madmeister407]

Good video, but how does the Schiit Jotunheim 2 compair with the offerings from Lehmann audio? Yes, Lehmann are only single ended but does that really matter if the amp is well designed.

[@michaelj.4187]

thanks, and sending love to everyone...

[@TechnoGuy11]

Compared to my chi-fi amps that measure quite a bit better all my headphones except one sound better with the Jot2 and a few sound a lot better. The THX amps and other like it can be to clinical sounding and music just sounds dull or even boring but with the Jot2 there's a more musical and fun sound with just as much detail as the chi-fi amps imo. I love the Jot2 and it pairs extremely well with my Neo and I feel like it's the best amp I've owned so far.

[@andreic5822]

All the information I was looking for but could not find it in the review, thx a lot.

[@tor13128]

do you have a tract to test airiness on sources where the track will sound airy and bright on one source, but instantly lose that airiness and spaciousness on a more fun sounding source? I ask this because I want to make sure the Jot2 will not do this.

[@ippothedestroyer1]

Thinking about an asgard 3 or the jotunheim 2. I have a dt1990, sph500, Ad900x, about to get a t1 2nd Gen. Have a schiit heresy and a topping e30 to start. I was using a creative g6 to start, but it wasn't powerful enough to drive the dt1990 fully. Is the jotunheim 2 really worth it over the asgard 3?

[@picklesandufos7860]

Wonder how the Jotunheim 2 is vs the Topping A90

[@mttrashcan-bg1ro]

I just got a Jotunheim 2, had an Asgard 3 but I wanted to go balanced, and also felt like it would be a better pairing with the Bifrost 2/64 and Focal Clear MG and Focal Radiance, which yes it is. It's definitely punchier, the kicks in a lot of my favourite songs seem to feel deeper and there's a everything is maybe a bit cleaner, while the soundstage maybe is a little wider, for gaming I feel like I can pinpoint stuff even better than the Asgard. That being said, the upgrade for many wouldn't be worth it. I definitely think the Single Ended output sounded better than the Asgard and it's not too much different from the Balanced output to my ears, but Balanced outputs more power. The Jotunheim is the better buy, being more versatile, but if you don't see yourself ever going balanced, then the Asgard 3 is still great.

[@RaKnows]

@@upltsk00 I just got one in myself, went with the Multibit DAC. I see no reason to buy Schiit DACs if you aren't choosing their Multibit stuff, it's how they sound best.

[@tor13128]

8:59 can you recommend a clean sounding amp that isn't THX that has great dynamics that is not flat? which amp has big enough power supply? is there one better than or similar to Master 9 now for better value or more budget friendly?

[@stanstaniboy7655]

Yes, Jot2 is a ballsy amp. Very musical and enjoyable. I totally agree. Compared to the THX AAA stuff, this is punchier, has better bass definition, slightly warm and rounded off (kinda like tube hybirds), with actual depth, but somewhat narrow in width (still way wider than say a Magni3). Detail retrieval I'd say is on par with the THX stuff, maybe a smidge blurier at times in the treble, but the bass definitely is better defined on the Jot2.

[@cisco150]

Have you reviewed the Singxer SA-1 would you say the JOT 2 is better with Planers like the Ananda and with hip-hop, Rap and R&B reggae music etc

[@tomgarcia9200]

Would you mind posting an image of that catalog cover online? I am in love with the art

[@audioaficionado9494]

I'm running balanced Sundara with a Jotunheim 2. Using Schiit Freya S preamp for remote controlled source switching and volume control. Sounds excellent IMHO.

[@earlgrey7342]

What amp do you use for the pair? What do you think of the amplification of the Jot 2? Is it able to feed hungry cans such as Hifiman HE-6se and LCD-4? Thank you

[@earlgrey7342]

Sorry I meant DAC. Thanks!

[@killerra]

@@earlgrey7342 Jot 2 has 600mW RMS per channel at 600 ohms. There is no headphone it can't power through the balance output.

[@carlosamlgo4863]

Hola !! Se puede poner el Jotunheim encima del DAC (por el calor) ?? O se puede poner en vertical ? Gracias,son preguntas extrañas

[@mmorales508]

Got the Jot 2 with a SMSL SU 9 and Sundaras with a Periapt balanced cable... ABSOLUTE END GAME for me!! Such and upgrade from my JDS Element 2 🔥🔥🔥

[@mahavakyas002]

Periapt cables are fantastic!

[@chrisdacosta4182]

I have a Asgard 3 paired with a Modius currently powering Audeze LCD-XC 2021. This is a very good pairing. I have a Jot 2 on order and just got Cardas Clear Light balanced cable hoping to get a little more resolution and slam. Can you please give me some insight as to what I should expect with the Jot 2 SE and balanced compared to Asgard 3? Thanks!

[@eLcHiNoChannel]

I have the same LCD-XC 2021 on the baby stack (Modi, Magni). After a year with your Jot 2… would you recommend the upgrade?

[@BS1071M]

Sir - will this amp be excellent for Hifiman HE1000v2?? - thank you :))

[@quinnwhite2415]

Do you think that the jot2 works well for easy to drive headphones (like focals) and IEMs? Or is it so much power that the usable volume settings are limited?

[@Currawong]

More so too much gain. It picks up noise too easily with Andromedas and Aras.

[@kato2395]

Now this is a very important info because I was planning to purchase jot 2 for my grado with 38ohm impedance. I know it doesn't need the power that jot 2 offers but I am planning to buy a HEDDphone in the future so I thought I might just invest in jot 2 since it got both single ended and balanced port. I planned to use the single ended for grado and balanced for the HEDDphone. Guess I will go with Asgard 3 instead. Thanks for asking this question!

[@colingordon0986]

Made my decision! Gonna purchase this to pair with my Gustard x26 pro dac! But do I need to add the dac module on the jot 2 when I purchase, our I can keep it off since I already have a dedicated dac! Thanks

[@Currawong]

Your Gustard is the DAC. You don't need a DAC module.

[@pennfootball71]

It would have been nice if you said how it is with IEM's and a few other normal stuff. The Susvara is the Extreme end of the difficult to drive spectrum and a quirky headphone and a good Schiit test lol.

[@Currawong]

You can use the balanced outputs with IEMs, but the SE output is noisy. It's not really a great amp for IEMs in general.

[@earlgrey7342]

Does this amp pairs with Bifrost 2 able to drive LCD-3 and 4 and bring out their tonality? Thanks 🙏

[@Currawong]

h-ear.audio/faq

[@billyc3161]

Do you think the Magnius is as good as the Jotunheim 2 is? I’m trying to decide between the two for my Audeze LCD 4z.

[@Currawong]

The Magnius uses a wall-wart, so I highly doubt it. It's just a basic, generic chip-amp for people who see the word "balanced" and the price (and probably measurements) and buy it. I expect it's decent though.

[@killerra]

Jason himself has said the Magnius beats the Jotunheim in measurements. This quote was in a press release posted on Schiit's website.

[@Currawong]

Measurement test tones aren't music.

[@renamamiya9128]

@@Currawong Hey what is your opinion of the Modius? Do you have a similar opinion about it as with the Magnius

[@eggerteinarsson3738]

With the new 2021 LCD X would you consider this amp to be a good match or rather something else?

[@teemuvesala9575]

Well honestly Asgard 3, Jotunheim 2 and Lyr 3 can all drive LCD-X well. Jotunheim 2's main power comes from balanced output though, which means you gotta pay $150 to Audeze for their balanced cable for LCD-X. I personally think going Asgard 3 is the way to go. Even one of Schiit co-founders uses Asgard 3 + Bitfrost 2 as his main set up so it can't be too bad.

[@Currawong]

Unless I'm mistaken, the LCD-X still comes with a balanced cable in the box, as it always has.

[@teemuvesala9575]

@@Currawong Just checked and no, LCD-X does not come with balanced cable any longer. No matter do you buy the premium package or creator edition.

[@Currawong]

Did you read the web site correctly? It says: • The LCD-X Premium Edition comes with both Balanced and Single-ended cables, the 1/4" to 1/8" stereo adapter, and our premium travel case. • The LCD-X Creator Edition comes with the Standard Single-ended cable and our new economy travel case. Even so, you can buy Audeze compatible headphone cables from various companies for less than what Audeze charges.

[@dobber5109]

im new to high end audio and i am curious about this, can i plug my studio monitors in to this and my headphones at the same time?

[@Currawong]

Yes. You can switch off the output to your studio monitors from the front as well.

[@jonmarinos7170]

Do you prefer the Jot 2 or Singxer SA-1 overall? And which of the two would compliment the 789 more as a second amp?

[@cisco150]

Would like to know this too. Have you reviewed the Singxer SA-1 would you say the JOT 2 is better with Planers like the Ananda and with hip-hop, Rap and R&B reggae music etc

[@carlosamlgo4863]

Hola.Con que DAC se llevaría bien Johuteim 2,menor 500€ ? Modius no funciona DSD Gracias

[@Currawong]

DSD is a waste of effort. Find a DAC that plays PCM well, like a Bifrost 2.

[@dustinmihalcheon5013]

Is there a way to get balanced sound from a balanced amp without a balanced Dac?

[@Currawong]

All balanced amps with RCA inputs convert the SE input to balanced internally, so just hook up your DAC to those.

[@dustinmihalcheon5013]

@@Currawong So it doesn't matter if I have XLR or RCA coming from my line out on the PC then? Awesome thanks a lot.

[@allan5692]

I would pay you some amount to be able to test out those headphones of yours, i'm new to the hobby & looking to buy a high end pair.

[@Currawong]

If you can, go to a CanJam. You can usually try all high-end headphones there. If you're ever considering coming to Japan, contact me through the contact form on hear.audio. :)

[@allan5692]

@@Currawong OK for sure man. Cheers!

[@DrDingus]

I wish he'd explain the switches. Will this device let me switch between preamp Out to my powered speakers and the headphone and control the volume of both with the single knob? Also, can I switch between the balanced in and the phono-in assuming I had the phono module?

[@Currawong]

Yes, you've got it right. That's exactly what they do.

[@kwccoin3115]

@@Currawong always wonder what is going through in this Pre-amp function. Jokingly just switch the input to output and bye. Or it go through the valve or tube and snap it a bit. Or even amplified a bit. What is the Pre-amp function of 1 to 1? Perhaps I do not have a pure power amp and just use integrate amp. hence all Pre- so far get me a feeling that they do switch and do shape it a bit (must be as control volume) and hence I have 2 volume controls. But for 1-1 lyr3 like pre-emp and to repeat, what is its function in the pre-amp part.

[@IrritableMan]

Now I want to know where I can buy the Skull Amp.

[@amargnwalkr]

It's the Marquis Memento Mori from Metaxas & Sins [SIC] and it's only $6750.

[@chungang7037]

Schiit sadly is not available in Asia, not sure I can get a hold of one...

[@Currawong]

You have to buy direct from them. They essentially only sell direct.

[@chungang7037]

@@Currawong I would, but the tariffs in Korea are crazy (40% on anything over 150 USD).

[@soulevans7334]

Stop tempting me into buying more audio equipment I don't need internet man

[@silence5232]

I have some questions, how can I talk with you?

[@Currawong]

Members are welcome to: buymeacoffee.com/currawong

[@teemuvesala9575]

I don't get why you keep saying Jotunheim 2 is better than Asgard 3 from single ended output... Asgard 3 has clearly more power from single ended output. Asgard 3 has 300mW at 600 ohms, Jotunheim 2 only 165mW. Jotunheim 2 naturally is better from balanced, but you specifically said its better from single ended which just seems odd to me.

[@Currawong]

I'm talking about actual sound quality, something that power figures wont show you. The single-ended output of the Jotunheim was clearer than the Asgard.

[@M.G2192]

@@Currawong worth the upgrade from the Asgard 3?