Schiit Audio Magni 3+ and Heresy Headphone Amplifiers

[@ZadiusTech]

Great to see a reviewer that is knowledgeable about how the inner components of various DACs and Amps work and can explain it to us.

[@Yotakari14]

This is one of the BEST reviews for hifi gear I have ever seen. Extremely educated, detailed and mature with realistic descriptions and opinions. I love the in depth look at circuitry and what certain components do and the quality of presentation is fantastic. No intimidating salesman type attitude just a friendly chat about cool stuff with deeper detail for those who want it. Fantastic. Subbed. :)

[@beardenj1]

Can anyone tell me why used Schitts typically bring well over retail in auctions? Is there a problem with the manufacturer?

[@mystikmeg]

I agree. Really helpful and sensible advice.

[@mystikmeg]

@@beardenj1 they can’t seem to make them fast enough or distribute them overseas. The UK website is all out of stock.

[@geoffreydyck6367]

Budding audiophile here. I've watched a lot of audio reviewers, and most of them are really good in my opinion, but your videos stand out due to the depth of technical knowledge you have. You have earned a subscription from me!

[@stevenjackson8226]

This is it - the best era of audio ever. The greatest number of great choices at incredible value for the dollar with greater accessibility than ever. It's even made beautifully and beautifully designed. The more spendy stuff has gotten incrementally/marginally better, while the lower/mid end of the market has gotten better in revolutionary jumps. Things have changed a lot in the last ten years, and even more notably in the last five or so. I tend to say this over and over, and it's because I'm enjoying so much how good things sound for the money today. When I started in this avocation a fairly long while ago, good stuff was the exception, especially at an "affordable" price. Now we're down to what color do you prefer. It's a wonderful thing.

[@andyboa8107]

Well restored fully discrete 1968-1974 stereo receiver will drive headphones of over 100ohm much better than these oversized mobile phones.

[@Tacet137]

@@andyboa8107 lmao

[@ryushev2000]

@@andyboa8107 lol

[@smirfbroil6934]

@@andyboa8107 Lmao the original Magni 3 could handle up to 600 ohms and handles 300 ohms with ease, I'd rather have this tiny amp that will power most cans than a bulky stereo receiver

[@andyboa8107]

@@smirfbroil6934 Power transistors are better than opamps :) I had plenty of opam based headphone amplifiers. Cheap valve based Little Dot MKII will sound better than this.

[@kr33k00]

You are a real good reviewer!

[@Nukemizer1]

Perfect review for me. I know very little on the topic and need to spread my budget out when considering to power my DT-770 (80ohm) headphones and your video has helped me to make a great purchasing decision. Personally I am greatfull that you took the time for this comparison video. Thank you for the Video.

[@Dakkar171]

Thank you so much for the in depth analysis of these amps! Glad to hear the 3+ and heresy are so similar, red and black look WAY better with my setup! Thanks again man.

[@lucasroorda5929]

I love how this review takes about 14 minutes to explain in quite some detail the type of circuits that go into these amps, how they compare to more expensive amps, even Schiit's possible price strategy, and then ends up with saying "do you like silver or red and black?". Which is pretty much the same as what Schiit says on their website hehe. But jokes aside, great review, this really helped me (an amateur) pick a decent headphone amp, and I learned a thing or two about the inner workings of amps as well. Thanks!

[@metalman0708]

As a first forai into the Audiofile head amp space. I just purchased a Magin 3+ and Modi paired with the Senhiser HD 6XX headphone. I find it very pleasing to me.

[@generalplimskye5444]

This is the first review I've seen that gave me confidence in my decision to buy one over the other. Very detailed review. Thank you!

[@MadSupra354]

I appreciate the concise impressions at 13:20.

[@GearGazer]

Ended up going with the magni 3+ since silver matches my set up better, thanks for the review.

[@mzmPACman]

Objective, balanced, and non-pretentious review. Everything I want in an audio channel!!

[@Currawong]

"Gets" the idea of my reviews. Everything I want in someone watching my channel. :)

[@jerryodom4542]

Always the best reviews with all the relevant info for someone considering the gear AND comparing them against other options. A+++

[@BlackBirdMax]

Really appreciate your well thought out and knowledgeable review. You did a great job of explaining the differences.

[@MrPhins]

I have absolutely zero knowledge about electronics and inner components and yet I find myself mesmerized watching your explanations of the chips, etc and their functions. Plus, excellent info on the capabilities and comparisons of the products. Subbed.

[@felipemotorhead]

This should be the only audio channel on youtube.

[@KlipschHead281]

I bought the Schiit stack, the Magni 3+, the Modi and the Loki to run off of my Lenovo P1 Gen 2 laptop while will output to a set of Klipsch HP3's, I should have the Schiit stuff by Friday, I can't wait! Great review, I subbed and I'm looking forward to more great content.

[@visitur4914]

How's it going? I ordered the 3+ and Modi yesterday.

[@ajuyal]

Really really good review! Thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Clear visuals, helpful narrative and very very relevant. Thank you Amos

[@Currawong]

Cheers!

[@jmannUSMC]

Thanks for taking them apart to show us the guts! No I don't have too when it arrives in the mail, though I probably still will just to learn what good design looks like 😀

[@xx_cthuwu_xx]

Thanks for making such an in depth review, now I really have a good idea of what i'm getting.

[@supreme5998]

Thank you for being so knowledgeable and imparting it publicly.

[@Tony-pk6ql]

Schiit Magni 3+ with a Schiit Mani brought my turntable to life.

[@Kenoji8]

Subscribed! Also, thanks for this whole video. I never knew how amps worked (as I'm not an engineer and never vested a major interest in them), but this explanation really helped me in understanding how these devices amplify and tweak the sound coming out of the audio devices you are using. Also, because of your explanation, I decided to go with the Heresy amp and am looking forward to the results. I have an old, old Topping TP21 amp which is "okay" when paired with some of my headphones (I don't have any super expensive ones, mainly the Bowers & Wilkins P7 and Bang & Olufsen H6 [2nd Gen]), but I saw that this old amp was only "meh" when compared to newer stuff out nowadays. I'm not a major audiophile, but I've been wanting to increase my audio experiences for mixing and general music listening. And I think this will fit the bill well! Thanks for your information and enthusiasm when looking at these amps! :)

[@DeathbyBambi]

This was a great review! Thank you for your time and video man

[@georgelamacka8125]

Hi there I revisited this lovely video of yours for number of times. Thank you for excellent presentation. I like to correct you about USB powered ifi ZEN DAC. Yes, it is USB powered, but has additional 5.0 Volts power input as well. I bought ifi ZEN DAC recently from Minidisc (Sydney) and than I also purchased iFi iPower X 5.0 Volts Low Noise Power Supply which I can use to power ZEN DAC via it's external port. I enjoy your reviews so much. Thank you. George from Adelaide, SA

[@jonathanr2830]

Your reviews are consistently excellent. I do enjoy them. Thank you very much.

[@TheHerstad7]

Watching this while using the old magni 3, Still good but sad to see that the new ones are so much better :(

[@juanignacioschulz5015]

Thanks for such a great video. I love how simply you explain the differences between the 3+ and the Heresy. I'm definitely going to try the 3+.

[@VredesbyrdNoir]

Great video! I've been waiting for them to be available in my local Hi-Fi place in Sydney to have a listen, but the Heresy sounds like what I'll end up with.

[@Zekestah]

I'm assuming A2A? Great place!

[@VredesbyrdNoir]

@@Zekestah yes, good guess!

[@nostro1001]

@@Zekestah Hmmmm....I think they've gone downhill (still good though). They tried to diversify took much and stock too much...leaving Bose and sonos taking up space that can be bought (if you like that sh!te) anywhere

[@nostro1001]

@Nostro....oops didn't mean to hit send.... Lost distributorships such as Mr Speakers and now refuse to stock the brand. They got big, arguably too big, and now just not the same as they once were!

[@mauricewalshe8339]

Hopefully the don't go OOS as quick as they do in the UK - as well as the modi DAC

[@abramtreadwell722]

Really informative video! Just bought the heresy for my sennheiser HD650s for mixing music. Thanks!

[@Mr3Dmutt]

hah, I just ordered that stack, and the sundara's, so it was funny to see you pull those cans out when I came to see you review the stack

[@dopydude]

@sheepnerfer When you say stack, you mean the heresy or the magni 3+? Im looking at both and bit confused which pairs better. I'd like a little warmth and scale to the sundaras. Some ppl reported too clinical or bright sound signature in pairing with Heresy. Would you good to know your impressions -depending which you have? Il pair it with the modi multibit dac and streamer as source. Tx

[@toitd5258]

Instant sub. Finally a reviewer who actually knows his stuff.

[@ErnestoDelAguilaIII]

I am returning the Magni 3+, but should have had gotten the Heresy. After thinking about it, you talked me into the SMSL. Thanks for your reviews!

[@lastcall9998]

Why are you returning it? Thanks.

[@ErnestoDelAguilaIII]

@@lastcall9998 I liked the sound signature of my JDS Atom better. I just need a second amp for office use

[@selbi182]

Can you, in layman's terms, describe the sound differences between the Magni and the Atom? I'm currently deciding between these two myself.

[@lastcall9998]

@@ErnestoDelAguilaIII Sweet. I ordered the Heresy anyway, should be here soon :P

[@ErnestoDelAguilaIII]

Rafa Dominguez I should have gotten that one from the beginning. After reading other’s experiences seems like it’s more dynamic

[@bitterseeds]

Excellent channel. So glad I found this. Great review.

[@Currawong]

Much appreciated!

[@noth606]

Saw this a while back and it was partly why I ended up buying the Heresy I still have and use daily. Aside from looking cool, it has no problems driving a bit heavier headphones, sound and detail is very good to my ears driving DT880 250ohm 'phones, it's also very neutral, I often use it to watch movies etc where I don't want the sound to be anything but sharp, accurate and detailed.

[@pmartel11]

Loved the review. So here's what I have in my setup, I use a Macbook pro laptop with my cd's ripped. Output of mac is using the optical out at 192Khz to an SMSL Sasnkrit 10 dac to either a Magni 3 or my vintage Marantz 2230 receiver using OneOdio headphones. I did a blow out with Deoxit and Fader lube on both Marantz and Magni and was a huge difference. I'm tempted to go with an Asgard 3 or one of the THX amps as want some thing of modern vintage that compares to the Marantz. I should add, the Marantz ins not mine originally but got through a friend. to my ears at 62 years old, nothing beats the sound of this so I'm wondering how the new Magni's will stack up. The original Magni is good, but just kinda there in comparison to the Marantz . Loved the review and thanks

[@johnnygeorgopoulos4072]

SMSL SP200 THX AAA 888, it's the cheapest of the 3 options available (Drop, SMSL, Monoprice) and it's got very nice power 6W per channel at 16ohm. Zeos has a good video comparing the Drop and SMSL. Personally and currently, I have the Schiit Magni Hersey, and planing on buying a set of planar cans (Argon's) so I'm kinda torn on buying the above mentioned SMSL or going for full recommend power needs and foregoing pure cleanliness for 9w per channel at 50ohm with an A-100....I know planars like power, and it's highly recommended that you give them 6-9w.

[@pmartel11]

@@johnnygeorgopoulos4072 I'd really like the SMSL once my budget improves, sadly other priorities these days as I love the SMSL Sanskrit 10 as my first dac At least the SMSL is using the 888 output transistors as I think the 789 series is now old. My headphones are the OneOdio SP10 and sound amazing for the kind of money they cost . Also planar's once the budget improves. BTW, music tastes are all gemres of classical music, 80's pop and anything else inbetween

[@DogHonest]

I went with the Heresy for my Philips 9500 and because I have an Red/Black RGB scheme! Thanks for the great review.

[@m.morininvestor9920]

How you like it??

[@djhmax09]

Awesome video! Really appreciate you taking apart the stuff and explaining it thoroughly

[@nishadks2920]

Very nicely done review on new Magnis. In between the Zen Dac can take an external low noise power supply which seems to help them driving more power demanded HPs. I'm using iFi 5v iPower adapter and able to drive 6xx ease which seems better than the specs on paper.

[@Currawong]

I'll definitely give a better 5V PSU a go with it. Thanks!

[@doomworship4995]

Thank you for the great review. Much appreciated. My music headphones of choice are the HD650(modded) and I was looking for a small Amp / DAC set up for desktop use, that would be able to travel if needed. I also use Shure In ears monitors for mixing audio (they are super flat) so glad you said they did good with your in ears in low gain. I ordered the Magni 3 Heresy, the Modi DAC, and the Mani phono preamp, all In matching black finish. Thanks again for the review.

[@thebatmanwholaughs219]

I have the Schiit Magni Heresy, Modi DAC and Loki EQ. You ever considered an EQ? What's the benefit of having the Mani?

[@doomworship4995]

The Bat Guy hey I have the Loki as well. It really solved a problem for me. Because I never ever EQ in software, just not worth it. And the analog eq I have is as old as I am (old) so not in good shape (like me). And it is great. I do have to say that as a follow up to my original post. After spending almost $2,000 in different amps over the years for my HD650M, I ended with what every “expert” told me from day one. Tubes! I got the Schiit Valhalla (1st Gen) and later replaced with a DarkVoice 336se. With the right tubes it sings! Right now my signal path is both Modi3 and Mani feeding into a SYS > Loki > SYS > DarkVoice 336se (HD650 (Open), BayerDynamic 770 PRO 250 Ohm(closed)), or Schiit Magni 3 Heresy (Argon Mk3) I will probably replace the Magni Heresy with the Emotiva Bas-X 100, since I need a new speaker amp and the Bas-X can put 40 Watts to the headphone port. BTW, the Mani is a Phono Pre-Amp for my record player.

[@ClosDeLaRoche87]

I bought a magni heresy and modi 3 stack for use with MrSpeakers Ether CX and Aeon Open. After listening for a week I sold my other more expensive DACs and Amps and doubled up on these. To me, very little reason to spend more. I put the money I saved towards a KEF LS50 and Cambridge CXA61 stereo.

[@scubaman2546]

FINALLY, I have a clear comparison of the inner workings. Bravo, eh.

[@scutumillu19]

you convinced me to get the heresy :)

[@justsomeguy8385]

I'm looking at these for studio mixing, and it sounds like the 3+ is the safer bet for that. Thanks!

[@hixyhicks]

Thank you for explaining in simple terms for a dummy like me.

[@MrWkendwarrior]

Excellent review! Enjoyed describing board contents of both Magnis! I have the Magni 3, i bought Reman'd by Schitt for $69....decent amp...i used my FiiO M11 dac to the Magni 3....can power nearly ebery headphone or IEMs....but u perfectly described it....it is a wall of sound w little depth....For $69, it is a fine amp. Interest w these two new Magnis both i prove depth. U r correct at $99 tuff to compare them, they bth imo offer great Schitt value. Remarkable company that continues to innovate and improve gear of value and cost effective! This is a stellar, complete video, covered everything we r interested in. Keep up the great content!

[@Assimilator702]

David Greenwood I purchased an Asgard 2 / Bifrost combo in Black for $350 during the same sale. Killer deal. The Magni 3 is still worth every penny of the $100 they sold for before the new amps were released.

[@MrWkendwarrior]

Joe Rico great choice w the Bifrost! Kind of intrigued by THX AAA tech...as a better type of amp than my Magni 3.....seems reviewed quite favorably, seems like clarity, bass depth, soundstage all get better w THX....gotta read more about it....still a big Schitt fan, unless Schitt comes out w THX amp....could be they did a d i am not aware of it yet?

[@Assimilator702]

David Greenwood I believe the continuity amps are the closest things Schiit has to the THX tech. I doubt Schiit would ever pay for the rights to use the actual THX designs. I wanted a THX but I refuse to Iraq’s game of overselling and under manufacturing. The hype they created with Massdrop really turned me off so I bought an Asgard 2 instead. I was ready to pull the trigger on a THX during the second drop but they sold out in less than 30 minutes. So now with the new black A2 I just bought I have 2. I have a Magni 3 for more power and Darkvoice SE 336 for a tube amp and also puts out some serious power. I am a Schiit fan though and I like to support American companies that manufacture in the US which is a rarity except for extremely high end and expensive gear like Krell and a few others.

[@MrWkendwarrior]

Joe Rico agreed! Drop i used to buy my TinHifi P1....it was new, great reviews and they had it for $20.....never again, they were backordered, only bought in batches? ...i had a few choice words for their supply chain....pleased w P1, but saving $20 was not worth waiting 4 weeks longer than other sellers. Schitt made in USA plus their innovative leading edge approach to improve their models cost effectively is the cost model other USA made audio gear should have. Frankly overpriced audiophile gear made in USA, England, Germany, France, Japan have me staying w CHIFI IEMs ....value, quality, sound , cost.....hard to consider established overpriced brands, even though i prefer to buy American. I am a retired MFG/PROCESS Engineer....we cut costs, made process more efficient using Kaizen and automation, lower overhead facilities....cut expenses....but like many other USA manufacturers, we were forced to outsource, which was the only way we could stay competitive....If the USA can get serious w labor unions, and non union workers, use cost effective means to sell products customers really want, w quality, great service not a nebulous black hole when customers need help...like Schitt and a few other USA companies...possibilities are endless.

[@sswpp8908]

I looked at the measurements Amir captured at AudioScienceReview for the Magni 3, 3+, and Heresy. The THD+N plots seem to match what you are hearing. The Magni 3 had a large rise in distortion at higher power levels even before clipping starts. This distortion is probably what smears the spectrum of the different instruments together, giving them less separation and making that "wall of sound" effect happen. Both the Magni 3+ and Heresy perform with low distortion until the point of clipping. Incidentally, both the 3+ and Heresy clip at pretty much the same power level despite the 3+ having discrete transistor output stage.

[@Currawong]

The problem with measurements are that they are a snapshot of a single tone (or sweep) that doesn't represent the complexity of music, which consists of a very rapidly changing series of tones over time. For the most part, the measurements you see don't capture the output of fluctuations over time, and where they do, such as with an FR sweep, it's only with something like a rising tone. Those measurement tones are not like music. The usual limitations of an amp is the power supply, which is more complex as the size (and consequent expense) of amps increase. That, and more complex, more linear-performing circuits, is why more expensive amps blur the music less.

[@sswpp8908]

@@Currawong I agree and disagree. A suite of measurements can provide a good indication of whether or not an amp is going to sound transparent. An amp with a flat frequency response and a THD+N measurement with distortion products and noise level below audible levels is going to sound transparent, as long as it operates well below clipping levels. When power supply limitations occur the output signal can no longer track the input signal and thus the input to output relationship is non-linear. That event is captured on a THD measurement as a sudden rise in harmonics of the fundamental tone. In the case of the Magni 3 THD+N on ASR, it was apparent from looking at the plot that the output was increasingly non-linear with increasing output level. That suggested that the Magni 3 would have a somewhat muddled sound. By contrast the 3+ and Heresy showed little distortion with increasing level until clipping occurred which is why I'm not surprised that both of them sound clear to you.

[@Currawong]

If that were the case, then why is the amp capable of resolving the most detail that I have here the worst measurements? Harmonic distortion doesn't necessarily mask detail. I'm still strongly of the belief that the standard suite of measurements is no different to putting a car on a dyno. It only shows very limited aspects of the performance, and it most certainly ends up confusing people into believing that they can evaluate the quality of a product by a set of numbers.

[@sswpp8908]

@@Currawong To which amp you are referring? Unfortunately analogies between audio equipment and other product categories doesn't work because people do seek out specs and real world measurements when making purchasing decisions for pretty much any other product category besides audio. Let's take your example of a performance car (admittedly I'm much of a car guy): sure a dyno won't provide every piece of information about a car's performance, but factoring in the measured 0-60 time, the engine's horsepower, the car's weight, and other figures people seek out when buying a car creates a decent picture of how the car will perform for the potential buyer's needs. Of course people do also factor in subjective reviews and usually the final decision comes down to a test drive. Measurements and figures don't necessarily tell the whole story, but they do commonly factor into the decision making process for other consumer products.

[@club5baks469]

@@sswpp8908 i have magni3+ and heresy. There is no audible difference between the two . Measurements works?

[@multipurposepaperbox]

Don't disregards the impressions and sound quality just because they're cheap. $99 might be all that someone has to play with, and the lower the price goes the more people want the most out of every dollar.

[@Eric_DiRisio]

very educational and informative. thumbs up my friend

[@parptarf]

Only Schiit would put "Non Heretical Edition" on the inside of an amp.

[@minasboubouras8487]

Cool video, thank you

[@2009morovis]

The Magni3+ has a bit warmer sound, while the heresy produced a more analytical.

[@danboy77]

How would the Magni + compare to Mojo 2 regarding headphone amp quality? Amazing in depth review!

[@Currawong]

A Mojo 2 will beat the basic Schiit amps very easily.

[@bruhddah]

You HAVE to look at the iFi ZEN DAC/AMP! With the firmware updates and the external power supply you can have a monster combo for around 140 dollars!

[@Currawong]

Not just looking at it, but listening with it.

[@kevinoleary6941]

@Currawong. Your comments in the Magni’s review were running the Zen without an external power supply, yes? If so, I would appreciate hearing your impressions vs the Magni 3+/H in the upcoming Zen review.

[@Smaug1]

I noticed these seem to have the older layout, with the headphone jack right next to the volume knob and smooth finish. The ones on Schitt’s site now have a rougher finish and the headphone amp on the other side. Have they upgraded these again since your review.

[@Currawong]

Yes, they recently released new models.

[@musicxxa6678]

Nice channel and reviews. JDS Atom and Beyerdynamic headphones are missing though.

[@claudiorossi1482]

Great man....pro review, finally...in your opinion, which one is gonna drive better an old 600ohm AKG K141 Monitor headphone in terms of volume, power? Thanks a lot

[@Currawong]

I haven't tried 600 Ohm headphones with them, but they would end up being about the same I reckon.

[@claudiorossi1482]

@@Currawong Thanks...but do you think they have enough power to drive 600ohm?

[@mattpobursky850]

@@claudiorossi1482 The Heresy drives my old AKG K240DF 600 Ohm headphones just fine.

[@johnmckay428]

u could have told me about loud volume ear damage before I went a Swans concert about 3 years ago in Melbourne - I now have permanent tinnitus.

[@Currawong]

That's really awful. I'm still surprised to find how many people don't know about these things.

[@johnmckay428]

@@Currawong ehhh...I knew...but being 52, and spending most of my teens and twenty's listening to very loud music didn't help. The Swans were just the nail in the ear drum so to speak...:)

[@selbi182]

Did you omit plugs or was it even too loud for those to protect your ears?

[@tsangdanny]

I would be interested in a comparison between these and the JDS Atom

[@ClosDeLaRoche87]

I owned an Atom for about a two days before I sold it. Mine had an awful channel imbalance and the build quality is terrible, the whole thing is made of plastic and the volume knob would pop right off if you pulled on it. I remember it having a dull, boring sound. I never understood the Atom hype. The Magni Heresy is better in every way.

[@tsangdanny]

@@ClosDeLaRoche87 how long have you had the heresy?

[@ClosDeLaRoche87]

@@tsangdanny I bought it right when it came out so about a couple months now.

[@manolopresas4799]

Many thanks!

[@shindigira]

I have a Modi3/Magni3 and a DT 1990 Pro. Is it worthwhile to change the Magni3 to one of these? It's for my gaming setup.

[@scottlowell493]

Planars definitely have a higher power sensitivity, in that borderline or inadequate power is obvious and unforgiving. The power output of the Magne 3 is 410mw/300 ohms. That's quite powerful, especially for $100. The drop amp is only 185mw single ended.

[@Currawong]

300 Ohm headphones only need a very small amount of power -- the main thing that is required for them is adequate voltage swing. Nowadays, just about everything can do that adequately.

[@loreto1815]

I very much enjoy your videos and am learning a lot. Low budget, however. Would you consider reviewing the iFi Zen Dac?

[@Currawong]

Yes. I'm due to shoot the review of it after I've tried it with a better power supply than USB.

[@serweilee4064]

Hi! I don't understand the context of "competent" of the 3+ vs the Heresy, did you mean something like more reserved and more forward respectively?

[@Currawong]

Competent was probably not the best word for it. This is the result of my shooting videos unscripted. The sound with the 3+ was more consistent from bass through mids and treble in how it presented the music. It was only subtly different from the Heresy though, hence my speculation that it was the difference between matched components (the transistors in the 3+) versus the unmatched opamps (in the Heresy).

[@michaelshurkin613]

While the Heresy/M3 are fine for HD650s, are they still ok if we move up to LCD2s or Focal Elacs? Is that when we'll want to reach for the Asgard? I'm sold on the Asgard but really find the footprint of the Magni/Modi appealing given the limited space on my desk.

[@smaganas]

Have you made a video about how all these schitt products work together? I'm on their website and it looks like there is a lot of redundancy in product offerings.

[@TechEtrix]

I‘m running the Beyer DT 1990 Pro‘s, currently with the old Magni 3. So I‘m now thinking about either upgrading to one of the new Magnis (which I don‘t feel like is worth it) or to the Asgard or the THX 789. Which one would you advice to go for? Do the THX 789 make a very noticable difference with my unbalanced pair of headphones? And is my Schiit Modi DAC even good enough for the THX?

[@TechEtrix]

Went for the SMSL SU-8, SMSL THX-AAA 888 and the Sony MDR-Z1R, so a complete and insane audio setup makeover. I love my new equipment

[@Johnxyeo]

@@TechEtrix As a DT1990 owner too, I'm curious how does your new THX setup sound compared to your Schiit Magni and Modi stack?

[@bicabone]

Would you recommend an asgard w/ the multibit chip for $400 over the Magni 3+ paired with a Modi multibit for $350?

[@Smaug1]

Between the two, I wonder if the 3+ runs cooler due to having discrete components. One question: what would I gain by using one of these as opposed to just the headphone output of my Onkyo A-9050 integrated amp?

[@Currawong]

If the HP amp of your Onkyo is decent (and has a low output impedance) then probably nothing.

[@RAYTHYuen]

I notice your Heresy (red and black) amp has a little indicator (red) light in the front....but currently on the Schiit website they no longer show that indicator light :)

[@Currawong]

That's interesting. I guess it only shows through the top grill now.

[@selbi182]

Is these a considerable step up from the Fulla 2? I'm not sure if the upgrade (where the Fulla would serve as a DAC via line-out) is worth it or if I should directly jump to the Asgard.

[@romank1099]

holly schiit i have the exact same question! i have hd650 with fulla 2 and have considered magni/modi stack or asgard with ak4490. Fulla 2 is loud enough but im sure im missing out

[@z1zuc]

Thanks, that solved one of my big dilemmas.

[@minimatranscribe8788]

Love the review! Will these pair well with the new E30 topping dac? Planning to get these ...

[@Assimilator702]

I use my Magni 3 almost exclusively with iems. Much of the criticisms of headphones and iems are due to the garbage that people are plugging into.

[@superflyboi1]

Thank you for your review! How do these compare to other budget amps such as the JDS atom. Do you have any recommendations for a budget starter amp? Maybe that could be an idea for video :)

[@Currawong]

That's something I haven't investigated much until recently. I'll try and do more budget starter stuff this year.

[@sc0or]

I don't understand why do we need matched transistors in emitter follower with a deep general negative feedback. I think the idea was different. May be this is cheaper to solder one IC instead of two transistors.

[@Currawong]

That'd be something to ask Jason in his next live stream.

[@bipadyhow]

Love the video. I just had one question - I have the dragonfly cobalt for portability and also the chord mojo as my desktop amp/dac. How does the schiit stack compare to either the cobalt or mojo? Thanks.

[@Currawong]

The Mojo is definitely a step up from the Schiit stack, at least in resolution. I haven't compared the amplification directly though.

[@huzaifavawda8383]

Good Day, I know this vid is a bit older but in my area I have a choice of the Schiit stack, the iFi Zen Dac V2 and the Topping L30 E30 stack. I cant demo unfortunately and this will be my first dac amp for my computer for gaming and movies. What would be a good recommendation considering Ill probably want this to last a while and I will experiment with different headsets

[@Currawong]

www.hear.audio/faq

[@Daduu]

I’m planning on getting the dt1990 pro headset and only have a Scarlett 2i2 audio interface. You think I need an amp? In specific you think I need this amo in order to enjoy the power of the headset, plan on using it for mixing and mastering music

[@TheDodgefan9]

I had the Heresy, but I didn't like it with my Tin P1s. I found it a bit harsh. I much prefer the Asgard 3 with them. I more enjoyed the Heresy with my 6XXs, but I have a CTH that I still prefer with them.

[@club5baks469]

Cth is better than heresy or asgard?

[@TheDodgefan9]

@@club5baks469 I do not think I would say that. The Sennheisers are known for responding well to tubes.

[@Lpxable]

Thank you for an outstanding review on these two bastards! I have an HD58X, which one do you think is the ideal one? I have the focusrite scarlet 1 gen only now..i know that sucks but need an upgrade.

[@Currawong]

Either would do fine. I reckon whichever one appeals to you more.

[@briank3754]

Thank you for the review. I am looking to get a decent set of headphones ( $200-$350) for some quality listening at home. The Beyerdynamic DT 880s or Drop Sennheiser 6XX are the two headphones I am leaning towards in the $200 range. I am considering the Sundaras at the top end. Do you think a Magni 3+ with an input from my MacBook Pro would do a decent job? Would it benefit me more to go with the $200 headphone and get the Magni 3+ and Modi? For reference I currently have AirPods Pro and a set of Bose QC35. I certainly understand what I currently have isn’t ideal for quality audio. However my QC35s and AirPods Pro are perfect pairing for me as I travel a lot and the AirPods are extremely convenient while offering decent audio quality considering the form factor.

[@TomBabula]

Sundara worth getting. If you are looking to save money on dac and amps, you might want to look into hip-dac (not clean in measurement but drives them good with hint of warm tonality) for $150, though did notice they sound better when using balanced 4.4mm than 3.5mm output with it which will cost you about $50. So if you want to roam with sundaras a bit, consider hip-dac, if from desktop setup, consider both modi3+ and magni (any variant). You could order just amp and drive with output using 3.5 to rca but most headphone are limited to 1v-1.4V output and these amp need 2V input on RCA for most optimum performance. So you could get something like Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, but really recommend to step up to Modi3+ or topping e30.

[@cillyede]

Sehr interessant und hilfreich, danke

[@ImHavingaCoronary]

All I can say about Schiit is, I used the brand for years. I switched headphones about 3 times and never was happy. Then I got an S.M.S.L Dac and Drop THX 789, and all my headphones sounded alive. My personal opinion regarding Schiit can be summed up in its name.

[@Currawong]

Personally I wasn't impressed by the original Asgard or Magni. I think it is only recently that they've been able to make really good products at $200 and below. I agree though, that the THX amps are a significant step up.

[@vipernecklampy8773]

@@Currawong Could you tell us if Thx aaa 789 is a step up to Schiit Heresy SQ?

[@farmageddon2978]

i only wish the magni3+ had audio in put, thats why im considering the hel dac/amp combo, i mean i could use a mod mic 5 with modi3 and magni3+ combo

[@Currawong]

Do you mean USB input?

[@farmageddon2978]

so i ended up ordering the hd6xx magni3+ modi3 and a mod mic usb this is my very first leap into audio. Can't wait to see the difference from using turtle beaches 450 stealth that i have had for many years : / But i was wondering where the best place to put the usb from mod mic usb to have really good sound output with the least kind of interference. great in depth video!

[@nights2walk]

Can you suggest Zen Dac + Magni Heresy or Modi 3 + Magni Heresy Combo. Looking for a Budget setup to connect to my Denon AV receiver.

[@marzbitenhaussen]

Great review! I have the Heresy and love it, would be nice to have yur impression on the HI/LO gain if any chance, thanks again!

[@Currawong]

Usually high and low gain will make no more difference than changing where the volume control will be when you're listening. However, if you're using IEMs, you'll want the low gain setting, as you may get hiss with high gain.

[@mtnmankeith9069]

Did you find that high gain sounded better on the heresy then low gain. Some reviewers have said to always use high as it sounds better on the heresy. Unless using iems.

[@Cloudy_Canadian]

The hardware options are extremely limited in Canada, all I could find was the iFi Zen DAC.

[@rjdtwo]

Just go to Schitt's website

[@Cloudy_Canadian]

@@rjdtwo Have to pay huge shipping, import, and conversion fees... but that's still what I ended up doing

[@rjdtwo]

@@Cloudy_Canadian I'm looking at it right now, how much did you end up paying? Says about $35 for shipping and I'm pretty sure you don't need to pay duty on most products made in USA

[@Cloudy_Canadian]

@@rjdtwo For a Magni Heresy, Modi 3, and PYST cables I paid $336CA ($264US) after shipping, but than was nailed an extra $40CA ($31US) for an import fee.

[@rjdtwo]

@@Cloudy_Canadian Was it worth it?

[@relakbro1]

Hi, thanks for your video. I've a question to the point you raised. I'm driving my Audio Technica with the Magni 3+. From around 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock on the volume knob, the volume seems to hardly increase, or increase slower than from the starting point (around 7 o'clock) to the 11 o'clock position. Is this the continuity issue you are referring to?

[@Currawong]

It probably has a linear pot, rather than an exponential one, which is needed for an even increase in volume level.

[@relakbro1]

@@Currawong Thank you for that clarification.

[@bluearcherx]

hmm... why did they remove the power on LED on the 3+? My 3 and the Heresy has it?

[@Currawong]

They didn't. It's inside the case now, and can be seen through the holes at the top.

[@cd-shani23]

Hi sir can you please guide me which DAC should I buy for JBL earbuds?

[@califmike2003]

Thinking of buying the Zen DAC and using it as a DAC only and using the magni 3 plus heresy as the amp and I want to run it with the hifiman sundara what do you think of this combination?

[@avatarraq2]

I owned the original magni 3 and the scratchy pot was a deal breaker for me. Another con is the humming noise in the background when connected to less than ideal AC supply. I do not think they solved these issues with the 3+ and 3H, especially the horrible scratchy pot, which no review mentioned.

[@Currawong]

Thanks for the feedback, it's very useful. If you have a scratchy pot, try turning it from min to max a few times. That usually fixes it. If not, then it's DC on the output. Bad AC causing issues is the consequence of the price being right down there. That's why amps like the Master 9 on my rack are 80% power supply.

[@Lionspel]

magni+modi combo vs magni+ifi zen dac combo, which one is better in terms of soundstage and instrument separation?

[@shaolin95]

Do you think the magni 3 is enough for the Hifiman Edition XS or dt 1990 pro. I don't listen loud but I don't want to lose bass or anything else. Or is there other amp you recommend that doesn't break the bank? Thanks

[@Currawong]

If you're not listening loud, the amplification demands are definitely much lower. You'll just have a slightly less refined sound than you would with a better amp. Still definitely enough to enjoy listening with though.

[@ga12f12o]

Good review

[@Netherspark0_0]

With two new versions of the Magni appearing, can we expect a new Modi in the near future?

[@Currawong]

I have no idea. But if the existing Modi is fine, unless there was some useful reason, I don't see why there would be one.

[@NWGR]

Not likely, the modi 3 came out about a year later than the magni 3. There's not much that can be done with a successor really, since the modi 3 is already one of the best $100 dacs available. Maybe usb c?

[@Netherspark0_0]

@@NWGR Well they have their new "Unison USB" input tech that I have to imagine they want to get into all their products.

[@NWGR]

@@Netherspark0_0 Very true. Maybe sometime this year?

[@mtnmankeith9069]

They should add a remote to the Modi like the bifrost. That would be a great selling point.

[@red9350]

What about the Schiit Hel? Have you tried it? How does it stack up against the Heresy?

[@vipernecklampy8773]

Ok, not that detailed comparison because these are 100€ deviced, no need to that, just a very coincisive review like you always do, great job. But what about those thx amp? You reviewed the 789 in a very good way, we see the sp200 by some, can we expect a review and comparison to 789, please? I would really, really appreciate it :)

[@Currawong]

The SP200 will come pretty soon. I have a queue of stuff to review which I cycle through listening to music with.

[@vipernecklampy8773]

@@Currawong That's awesome :) Hope in a week because that would be my max return window of Sp200, and i'm receiving AAA 789 by more than a months back, but in general i remember 789 sounded better, almost another league sounding, so i need to do pretty fast to decide or sell You're reviews are really great, even more for newbies like me, to have an expert talk like you in a practically and very comprehensive view, so i would like more SQ comparison in respect of those 99$ decice (Don't know how much here in EU, maybe 130€+ shipping), and maybe something like power supply performance/degradation as is not my competence, better feeding with XLR or RCA input if it have same power (Talking even for 789, i don't know if with, RCA in and balanced out it would have full 6W and - 120 crosstalk), etc.. Awesome! Continue like this!