A review that is, although always subjective, honest and not pushy. I am all for this style of reviewing; keep up the good work 👍
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mark!
@b00m3rh4nd_sol4 жыл бұрын
Love the company and love the products. The Jotunheim was my first and still has a place on my desk. XD
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Nice! I have a Heresy on the way so I can give Schiit some more current exposure on the channel soon
@Jalpow4 жыл бұрын
Just picked one up used for a great price to replace my little fiio e10! Love it with my hd6xx.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
That's where it still has great value, I'd say - as an upgrade from something like the e10 and where you can get a good secondhand price. Nice one!!
@redrich20004 жыл бұрын
Really nice review. This is my Jot, no qualms about whatsoever about the negative slant, this is what our hobby is about! Just to add some perspective though, I have a slightly higher opinion of the Jot than Lachlan. I prefer it to my SMSL SP200 and to the Asgard3. But I think that's primarily because it suits my tastes and system a bit better. I actually think they are all pretty equivalent quality level or at least very close. My main headphones are the Aeon Flow Open and Sennheiser HD6XX and for me they both really benefit from the dynamics and authority the Jot delivers, especially in the treble. The Jot does KILL the SP200 in build quality and aethetics. On the DAC, I was able to very closely A/B the MB module with the Modi 3 (which I preferred to the Topping D30) and preferred the module, it's more 3D, more spacious and clear. I ended up upgrading to the Mimby but it's great having the DAC module because it makes it a very transportable option, I can easily take it anywhere in the house and just plug in the power and plug my phone or laptop into the Jot. Having said all of that, IMO there is a huge whole in the SS amp market in the range between the Jot/789 etc and much more expensive SS amps. I would love to see a Jotunheim 2 for that reason.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Great points, Richard. Thanks for sharing the perspective!! I'd also rate the Jot higher than the SP200 because even though it's slightly uptight, it has dynamics and drive (PRaT) that the SP200 lacks. I'd love to see a new Jot version too - it's a great product concept that's just a bit overdue for a technology refresh. Thanks again for the loan. I'll be posting it back to you in the coming days.
@memesenpintura99882 жыл бұрын
Hey redrich! Im actually having a similar situation, but 3 years later. I have the Hifiman edition XS, and I first bought the smsl sp200 for them. I like the match, but I have an unbalanced channels problem, so I'm planning to return it. I just bought the jot 1 on the second hand market here in my country. I'll make the tests to know if I finally prefer the jot instead of the thx tech. I know you said you rather the jot with the senns, but what's your opinion of the combo edition XS + modi 3 + jot1? Do you keep your jot nowadays? Has changed your opinion about it? Thanks so much ❤️
@redrich20002 жыл бұрын
@@memesenpintura9988 No, I upgraded to a Auralic Taurus a while back. It is amazing and can be had for amazing prices used if you're lucky I paid $750AUD. I haven't hard the Edition XS but have heard the Ananda. I would definitely go for a warmer amp with those. I haven't the new Jot 2 from what others say, it would be perfect for you. I'd save and upgrade to a Jot 2 and then to a Modius if you can. The modius is incredible value.
@pdxcitizen12603 жыл бұрын
There is a jotunhiem 2 now ! Your review motivated me to take another look. I just ordered it without a DAC card and a modius Dac
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Hi Donald, nice choice! I'm looking forward to hearing the new Jotunheim and expecting good things. Great choice!
@CaveyMoth Жыл бұрын
Your thoughts about the sound of the Jotunheim really got me curious. Ever since I got the Bifrost 2 and Jotunheim stack many years ago, I did notice that there was something dull about the sound. It's transparent and accurate for sure. But there's some kind of laid-back quality about it. So I brought out my old Magni 2 Uber and hooked it into the Bifrost 2. And wow! There really is a difference! Right off the bat, the M2U seems to have more emphasis the lower treble and bass. There's a metallic, "shouty," and "thunky" of presentation to the sound, for lack of better words. The bass has more rumble; Almost sounding kind of boomy. This is less of a smooth, laid-back sound than I'm used to, that's for sure. And now I'm bringing out my Philips X2HR to embrace the energy. Dangit, I didn't know that amplifiers could sound so different. This has me fascinated. But I don't want to be one of those people who has a bunch of amps and DACs laying around. I have enough cans as it is!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Glad you got to hear the difference for yourself. It definitely makes things interesting when you start to realise how different some devices can sound. 🙂
@metalman07083 жыл бұрын
What about the Shiit JOTUNHEIM and Bifrost 2 combination?
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Either way, the original Jot isn't worth it IMO. The new Jot 2 might be a very different story though. Review hopefully coming soon...
@snowrang3r6574 жыл бұрын
Hopefully you get a chance to check out the Schiit Modius. Really great DAC imo for $199. Same AK4493 as the Topping E30 but has balanced outputs. Balanced and SE are amplified via different OPAMPs so in some sense you get 2 DACs in one as the sound of each output is different. Topping E30 still has a screen and a remote going for it but great to see options at a decent price range!
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Yes. I definitely want to check out the Modius at some stage, particularly because I want to balance the negative in this review with something more up-to-date and positive for Schiit.
@seditious16273 жыл бұрын
I just purchased an Asgard 3, which is my first Schiit product. I’m super excited to get it, as I love the simple, clean metal build, and nice specs.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Hi Nate, I've got the Asgard 3 here right now for review. It's down the queue a little bit, but I've spent some time with it and it's really nice!
@annamark34223 жыл бұрын
How is it? Do you have the optional DAC?
@seditious16273 жыл бұрын
@@annamark3422 love it. Works great for headphones, IEMs, and preamp function. I have the cheaper DAC card in it, and I think it’s such a good all in one solution. The silver looks and feels nice quality. I have a hard time imagining it struggling to power any headphones
@annamark34223 жыл бұрын
@@seditious1627 Awesome! I've got one on the way and will ultimately choose between that (with Multibit DAC) and JDS Labs Element 2 which i'm using now with 1990 pros
@memesenpintura99882 жыл бұрын
Hello friend! What would be your thoughts on the modi 3+ jot 1+ Hifiman edition xs? Which would you rather between jot 1 and smsl sp200 for the mentioned combo? Thanks so much :')
@PassionforSound2 жыл бұрын
I would choose the original Jotunheim over the SP200 - I really didn't like the SP200. The Jot 1 with Edition XS should be a dynamic and punchy listen
@memesenpintura99882 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound thanks so much for such a nice answer in a comment of a video this old:3 It seems that I'll get the chance to get an Asgard 3, which I know that performs quite better than the jot 1. And hopefully it'll be a good match with the XS
@PassionforSound2 жыл бұрын
I think you'll be very happy with the Asgard 🙂🙂
@rajendrabiswas2 жыл бұрын
does it have optical input
@PassionforSound2 жыл бұрын
USB only IIRC
@jeeeeeeeefro3 жыл бұрын
What were you describing just after the 12:00 mark? Sorry but your accent got in the way of understanding what you were saying about Topping/Burson products.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Hi Jeffro, I was explaining that there are other products you can buy separately (like the Topping E50 and Burson Fun) that would outperform the original Jotunheim. The Fun is no longer available I think and the Jotunheim has been replaced since then with the Jotunheim 2 (I've reviewed that as well and it's much better!)
@jeeeeeeeefro3 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Ah ok. My American ears kept hearing the Burson “Phone”… I was having a helluva time trying to research that product. Ha ha. Thank you.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Haha. Sorry about that!
@Leon-nr1mu Жыл бұрын
Thank you for speaking the truth. I can’t understand why every review is scared to speak the truth about Shiit products.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Lots of the current Schiit products are brilliant. This is the older Jotunheim and was definitely a bit disappointing. Don't get it confused with the newer Jotunheim 2 though which is great
@Leon-nr1mu Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Of course. I meant in general. There have been many issues with Shiit over the years that everyone knows about but very few are willing to discuss. We all know heard about horrible customer service, often subpar product quality, disappointing devices, etc. Some Shiit products are great and some are not that good. I purchased a couple based on reviews and was not happy at all. I was just surprised that someone actually had it in them to say that the original Jotunheim was really bad. Everyone else claimed it was great. I realize that this is not a current review and is about the previous revision, but still... Thank you for your reviews. I really enjoy them!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Ah, I understand. Thanks for clarifying! Yes, I think some reviewers are either worried about losing future review opportunities or are more about hyping each new thing. Thankfully, I don't think I'm the only one being completely honest about these things these days, but either way, I'm glad you liked my approach to reviews 🙂
@juanedudr71663 жыл бұрын
Hi Passion for Sound!!! Schiit already release the Jotunheim 2 amp with some improvements, may you check those specs and give your impressions? It will be very useful. Thanks!
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Yes, I'm expecting a review unit soon once they can take care of all the demand coming through
@rajendrabiswas2 жыл бұрын
can this be worth buying over bifrost 2? if Jotunheim be mix of multibitdac and headphone amp
@PassionforSound2 жыл бұрын
The internal DAC cards are generally not as good as a standalone DAC, particularly one as good as the Bifrost 2
@rajendrabiswas2 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound have you tried comparing ? This to biforst 2
@PassionforSound2 жыл бұрын
I haven't, but I've had multiple channel patrons discuss their experiences so I have no doubt of the benefits of the Bifrost 2 as a full size, standalone DAC. Things like power supplies are very important in a DAC so having the internal card sharing power (and noise) with the amp circuit will never match using a Bifrost 2 with its own dedicated power supply
@rajendrabiswas2 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound okay I understand would you say multibit is more better Modi 3 ... is the multibit in Modi different from true Multibit?
@PassionforSound2 жыл бұрын
Multibit is a term Schiit use to describe their particular DAC processing. Most DACs these days are technically multibit, but I can't recall what "true multibit" refers to. As for which I prefer, I'd always choose Schiit Multibit versions over the standard delta sigma options like Modi 3 or Modius.
@sakabatou4 жыл бұрын
Sadly the price in Australia is now over $900. And over $600 for the multibit dac module. The inability to mute the pre-outs was a deal-breaker for me at $600, as was the grainy treble. but it’s a complete non-starter now at local prices. I moved on to the Questyle CMA 600i which was a far superior product imho (although more money at that time)
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Yeah. The Questyle is no doubt miles better. I love their products based on my limited personal experience and lots of reading.
@dmarcus12604 жыл бұрын
As your channel grows I hope you will have the opportunity to review the Topping D90 MQA DAC and the Topping A90 Headphone Amp. Perhaps some day I will upgrade to a Matrix Element X or the ifi iDSD but for now I am quite pleased with the Topping A90/D90 stack. As an aside I really dig your taste in music.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mark! I actually emailed Topping a little while ago specifically asking about reviewing the A90/D90 stack, but haven't heard back. Hopefully they're just a little slow to respond.
@spartancaptain56913 жыл бұрын
I have a Schiit Modius and I am looking for a balanced amp to match it. How does the first Jotunheim and the second Jotunheim compare to the Magnius?
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Hi Greg, I'd probably choose Magnius over the original Jot, but Jot 2 is clearly better than both.
@addisonhenikoff60034 жыл бұрын
great review love the perspective without the hype
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Hi Addison, glad you liked it. Thank you!
@ruusta80424 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this review. Perfectly timed for me, as I've just been looking around for affordable high-power headphone amps, and the Jotunheim was one on my list!
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Good timing! What else is on your list?
@ruusta80424 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound I haven't done much research actually, so I don't know of many options yet. Other than Schiit's Jotunheim, Lyr, and Ragnarok, the only thing that I've had in mind so far is Flux Lab Acoustics FA-10.
@gramblor14 жыл бұрын
Great review, as usual! I just received my Grace SDAC Balanced to pair with my THX 789. The sound is fuller and richer than my Topping D30/A30 stack (modified with Burson op amps). That's not to say it's a night and day difference. In fact, I'm not sure if I prefer the leaner sound of the Topping stack.... Oh well, my opinions on this stuff change weekly if not daily. I'm sure I've said this before, but I hope you get your hands on the D30 (and A30), because I'd like to know what you think.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Thanks gramblor, I've got some diversity coming in terms of brands, pricepoints, etc. but will likely come back around to some more Topping gear in the future because they're such great value and so ubiquitous.
@666PANDEMONIUM4 жыл бұрын
Considering that the Monoprice Monolith THX Dac is Truly balanced, Native Dsd, and $500 the Jotunheim has a lot more competition now than when it first came out.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Totally. That's a really good example
@saviolajh4 жыл бұрын
I'm curious about how modular units such as the Jotunheim manage electrical interference between components. Surely a purpose built integrated DAC/amp combo would have superior shielding design compared to something like the Jotunheim which uses an expansion slot?
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Interesting question. I imagine there would be done degree of protection built in, but you're likely right that it's not as complete when it's being built for variable functions
@engolivecomau4 жыл бұрын
Good to learn this amp makes things detailed, dynamic, forward, and clean but not laid back so with already detailed Mr Speakers Ethers, wanting a bit warmer sound to relax, this does not sound like the right product for me. Thanks for the tip.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Glad it's helpful. The Magni 3+ or Geshelli Erish could both be good options.
@ounni52203 жыл бұрын
Which Amp and dac AIO you recommanded ? Under 600$
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Hi Punisher, I'd personally go for something like the Modi Multibit and Asgard 3. Geshelli also make some great products, but I haven't tried enough of there gear to recommend a specific pairing.
@ounni52203 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound thank you for giving me your time i appreciate it
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
No problems! 🙂
@justlookingaround98343 жыл бұрын
Nice review and you were on the money with a possible upgraded product, subscribed.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Thanks JLA! Yeah, it seemed too far behind the competition to last much longer 🙂
@2010johnking3 жыл бұрын
Jotunheim 2 just came out yesterday. Should be an incredible amp.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Review unit is incoming 😃
@EnriqSandoval3 жыл бұрын
Another excellent review. Thank you. Outstanding.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Enrique! You're welcome! 😃
@Phearzmeh14 жыл бұрын
It really is interesting to listen to reviews of a product I have owned for two years. I haven't been listening around for a while. It might soon be time to upgrade!
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
I imagine you could find some new sounds in the music that you've never heard before. That's always fun! 🙂
@darthdurkelthewise3203 жыл бұрын
Eager to hear your thoughts on v2 of this amp. I’ve read and seen some positive things on the new one.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Me too - I'm hanging out for it!
@pdxcitizen12603 жыл бұрын
I am a week into the jot 2 no cards, and I had jot 1 w 4490 card on a 6 month loan. Jot 2 is. I am working on picking a dac. I never heard a shit MB dac. A modius Will be here 2 days. I am thinking I should have ordered the bifrost 2 ver. B.? I am a big chicken
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
LoL. The Jot 2 is fantastic, Donald. You're going to get great results with the Modius. The Bifrost 2 would be even better, but don't stress too much - you've made a great start!
@jamesj54693 жыл бұрын
I'm late but I wonder how it compares to the 789
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
I'd probably choose the 789 over the original Jotunheim, but the new Jotunheim 2 is way better than the 789
@jamesj54693 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound in which ways Is it better
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Better sense of space, better dynamics, punchy and engaging sound. The only way the 789 bests the Jot 2 is in being a more neutral amp, but it comes at the cost of too many other important attributes (listed above)
@redhankyteddy4 жыл бұрын
own the Lyr and i'm hoping to add the bifrost for a cool stack..
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
That'll be a great setup I expect! Bifrost standard or multibit?
@gregoire83764 жыл бұрын
Thanks for an honest review. I agree that the Jotenheim is likely going to be a refreshed product given Schiit recent upgrades
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
@georgemuniz92173 жыл бұрын
Sounds like the review of the Jotunheim 2 with Multibit was only tested on the unbalanced side. Where this product shines is the balanced end, something the Topping A30 can not do. I agree that the unbalanced output is a bit lacking, However it beats a lot of the products out there.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Hi George, this was a review of the original Jotunheim. I have recently reviewed the Jot 2 as well.
@kristoffer87404 жыл бұрын
The new Magnius looks really promising.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
I have one on the way for review - stay tuned! :-D
@petergrealy96954 жыл бұрын
Nice review, love to impartiality on this review, classy!
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Hi Peter, glad you like it. I always try to share the good and the bad without trying to get too definitive with anything.
@andrewchadban85544 жыл бұрын
Nice review. I was interested in the Jot to go with my new Modius but will probably wait to see what comes out in the future.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Andrew, stay tuned! I have the Heresy on the way (from a patron) for review.
@andrewchadban85544 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Just ordered a Magnius to go with the Modius. Just need a good set of balanced Planar cans now :)
@kacperdlugosz31144 жыл бұрын
I'd love to know how the older Schitt multibit dacs compare to the new gen2
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
It's a good question. One that I can't answer just now ☹️
@Firenmage4333 жыл бұрын
Modi multibit was a tier or two below the Bifrost b2. Bifrost 2 is much more detailed, it brings a more complete and coherent picture to your music. For the price, it feels as though there are no compromises
@crate718 Жыл бұрын
would the asgard 3 have a larger sound stage then the jotunheim? i wonder if the 2 is different
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I think Asgard 3 might beat the original Jot on soundstage, but the Jotunheim 2 is as good or better than Asgard 3 I think
@crate718 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound is the Asgard 3 good by it self or is it better to pair with a dac?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
If you're referring to the onboard DAC cards, I've heard that they don't perform as well as a dedicated DAC so that's probably the answer is to use a separate DAC
@crate718 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound I only heard people using the bifrost. Is there any other dac that people use with the Asgard? I am sure bidrost is amazing
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
It would be great with the smaller Modi options too, but won't look as good. Likewise you could go for non-Schiit DACs like the Geshelli Labs J2 or some of the options from Topping, SMSL, etc. too
@josefernandez27223 жыл бұрын
Hey Melboune. Have you listened to the Jot 2 that is already out? If you did, how does it compare to the old unit, and also how does it compare to the topping a90?
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Hi Jose, the review is coming out this week actually! It's a great amp - SO much better than the original. I don't have the A90 here anymore to compare directly, but I'd say it may fall a tiny bit short of the A90 on perceived detail retrieval / resolution, but will be way better in terms of dynamics and soundstage size/depth. The A90 was never particularly enjoyable to listen to. The Jot 2 is the exact opposite - completely addictive (while still technically strong)
@josefernandez27223 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Thanks so much mate. Really needed your input. I tend to be picky on what I like and I have bought things in the past that have gotten rave reviews only to be disappointed. Everyone gives these thx amps rave reviews based on measurements, and lack of distortion, but that doesn't paint the whole picture.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
100% true! The THX amps I've heard (i.e. not Benchmark HPA-4) have all sounded flat (2D) and not as engaging as others at similar prices.
@josefernandez27223 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound We really appreciate what you do, because quite often, we don't get a chance to listen to these products without buying first. It's uncomfortable to get a package and then have to return because you didn't like it. So we count on you guys for your in debth reviews with great detail. Sometimes a product or brand is not as popular, so there aren't many if any reviews on it. Thank you for that. Keep it coming.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
My pleasure, Jose! 🙂
@TheGrotee4 жыл бұрын
Another great video with some very interesting points.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Lee!
@gramblor14 жыл бұрын
Hey, do you remember when I told you I didn't like the Tin P1? Well, I've changed my mind. It really needs a good ear tip, and I was using Dekoni tips that somehow didn't seal well, leading to anemic bass. Paired with the Spinfit CP100's, they are now probably my favorite iem. I had a larger bore Spinfit, I think CP145, that was also no good for the P1 (or Tin T2). With the correct bore Spinfit they have good bass, and they make my other favorite Tin iem, the Tin T2, sound slow and congested in comparison. Just FYI :)
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
I nearly pulled the trigger on a pair of these recently, but they're just a touch too expensive for a curiosity buy when I have a good collection and some high end IEMs already. I'll have to get my hands on a pair someday though it seems. Thanks for sharing the update!
@gramblor14 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Yeah, they're not cheap. I'm just glad they actually seem to be working out, unlike my even more expensive Sennheiser IE 80 S. There's nothing I can do to make that iem sound remotely acceptable. I need to give the P1's, with the new Spinfit tips, some more time walking around town before I know for sure they're my new preferred iem. I was just really happy to solve the bass-loss problem yesterday and wanted to let you know. I feel like my opinions change constantly about this stuff, then I feel bad about laying down in writing on KZbin something I no longer agree with.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
That's just part of this hobby, my friend! 🙂
@gramblor14 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Oh, you have the same problem? ;) I wore them out today, and have no complaints. With my Radsone es100, they're fantastic.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Not too often thankfully, but it still happens for me with some IEMs. I'm pretty thorough with my tip rolling and getting just the right fit before I firm any opinions these days.
@benjaminriggs68813 жыл бұрын
Nice work, love the vid. Just picked this one up second hand.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ben. Enjoy your new amp! 🙂
@benjaminriggs68813 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Ended up being pretty damaged in shipping! Got a local guy to repair it though.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
Ouch! Glad you can get it fixed!
@Farazao4 жыл бұрын
Awesome content once again. I do own a Jot and a thx amp, and as I find the thx to be quite superior I do for other reasons, such as clearer sound and less colored. I wonder how the jot compares to the schiit asgard, have you heard it?
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Hi Victor, I don't think I've heard the Asgard - certainly not the current Asgard, but I do believe it's a superior amp from those I've spoken to.
@Farazao4 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound really? The Asgard is a cheapper one. Same fisical size as jot, but unbalanced, solid state.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
I'm only referring to the new model Asgard as probably being better (but remember I've never heard it so it's all speculation). Being single-ended could actually be a benefit because it's a much simpler signal path and therefore cheaper to make to a greater performance level.
@Farazao4 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound wow, that's a good input, thank's!
@davidnelson6964 жыл бұрын
Thank for an honest review.
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
No sweat, David. That's always the aim. Most products have pros and cons so I always try to highlight both and then who the product might suit. This was a rarity where it's hard to recommend due to the massive progress of other product a in recent times.
@darknesseclipse5384 жыл бұрын
Great review as usual :)
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
Thanks DE!
@alondite2153 жыл бұрын
Jotunheim is a fantastic amp (both v1.0 and v1.1, though they're slightly different flavors). Fully balanced without having gimped SE outputs for $400 with outstanding transients and clarity. Punchy, clear, nimble. It does lose out on ultimate resolution (it's somewhat lacking in microdynamics and fine resolve), particularly when compared to tubes, but it does so much well and is so versatile that it's easy to overlook. And apparently the new Jotunheim 2 is even better.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
I wasn't sold on the sound of the Jot 1 (as you no doubt know) - it was just too forced and 2-dimensional. I'm excited to try the Jot 2 though and I'm expecting some magic :)
@alondite2153 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound The stage is rather flat and it is lacking in resolution next to TOTL amps, but I don't care much about soundstage in headphones, because even the "best" staging headphones still pale in comparison to speakers. I do prefer the Valhalla 2 as far as similarly-priced Schiit amps go because, while it loses to Jot in clarity, speed, and frequency extension, it more than makes up for it in fine resolve and microdynamic shading/contrast, which are really the secret to the "grabs you by the balls and won't let you stop listening" type of presentation that really defines Hi-Fi reproduction. Jot 2, from what I've heard, has more tube-like engagement and sounds rather similar to Schiit's power amps, likely due to their shared Nexus topology and Continuity output stage.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
I think I value soundstage so much because headphones are already handicapped. Funny how we all look at it differently, isn't it? Can't wait to try the Jot 2!
@alondite2153 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound And I'm the opposite; I feel the gap between the best- and worst-staging headphones is so small compared to what you get with speakers that it doesn't even really matter. Sure, the HD800 headstage is nice, but for me it's barely even a factor when comparing them to something like the Focal Clear, which I feel best the HD800 overall. That being said, I do like the "holographic" imaging you tend to get from R2R DACs, and the more three-dimensional stage afforded by most tube amps.
@PassionforSound3 жыл бұрын
I think for me it's the ability to focus the image and create a sense of depth and layering that I go for. That said, I don't have any speakers at the moment so my whole listening world revolves around headphones and they're limitations and benefits.
@goldmember8884 жыл бұрын
Beautiful looking unit!
@PassionforSound4 жыл бұрын
It really is. All Schiit gear is wonderfully made and feels solid and high quality.
@goldmember8884 жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound yeah, my friend recently bought the bifrost 2 dac and we were comparing my Qutest in his system. Honestly the bifrost was not far behind. In many ways it was more suited to his quite bright sounding B & W 804D speakers.