The Schiitius Stack Ever | Magnius + Modius Balanced Amp DAC Stack!

This has gotta be the absolute Schiitius stack I have ever reviewed. Shame.
Everything we talked about down below.
Schiit Modius Here - amzn.to/3eJG2p3
Schiit Magnius Here - amzn.to/2Ilcout
Monoprice Dac Amp - amzn.to/38taByu
Headphones used to test this system -
Diana V2 Headphones - amzn.to/3pgxfQG
Susvara - amzn.to/3kdYo2W
HD6XX - massdrop.7eer.net/ryRBG
OPEN BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Arya - amzn.to/3cDZ0vT
🥈 DIANA V2 - abyss-headphones.com/products...
🥉 DT1990Pro - amzn.to/38BN3DM
CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3cF6EWX
🥈 M1060C - amzn.to/39vDkQU
🥉 1More Triple Driver - amzn.to/2wGC2ni
BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD58X - massdrop.7eer.net/mmKDX
🥈 SHP 9500 - amzn.to/32ZQJ0S
🥉 Porta Pro - amzn.to/2Is8dtu
AMPLIFIERS & DACS
🥇 THX AAA Dual 788 DACAMP - amzn.to/3cHHTJC
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/2TwsvZg / massdrop.7eer.net/DmW0n
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/2wJGp0X
IEMS
🥇 Fir M5 - www.firaudio.com/store/m5
🥈 ZUES - massdrop.7eer.net/rN9Ny
🥉 Tin T2 - amzn.to/2xeGvxT
SPEAKERS
🥇 SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/2v2Fto1
🥈 Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/2TKEmSl
🥉 Micca RB42 - amzn.to/2wCCO53
ACCESSORIES
🥇 Soundrise Pro Stands - amzn.to/3aCpb4i
🥈 IEM TIP Storage - amzn.to/331xuUN
🥉 Headphone Case - amzn.to/39xOlkF
My Filming Equipment
Camera - amzn.to/38tuIc1
Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 - amzn.to/2wI119R
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/2wBRe5q
Sigma 30mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/39ym2m8
Ronin SC - amzn.to/39zDLcG
GVM Slider - amzn.to/2PWZDam
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this youtube channel at no additional cost to you.
SOCIAL MEDIA
📘 / joshua-valouryt
📷 / joshua.valour
🔔 / joshvalour
💸PATREON💸
/ joshuavalour
📫SENDING FOR REVIEW??📫
Email Me - [e-mail]
#Schiit #Magnius #Modius
*As an Amazon & Drop Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@martinshoosterman]

I have a modius, so i just tried it out with my note 8, and I can confirm it does work. And it works without requiring additional power.

[@JoshuaValour]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@mnomadvfx]

Presumably you are powering the Modius with the separate µUSB power port, rather than through the µUSB audio input which is connected to the Note 8 smartphone?

[@martinshoosterman]

@@mnomadvfx no, the phone powers it

[@bassandtrebleclef]

The visual presentation on this video is fantastic. Loved the red glow shots and the unit on top of the sideways Emotiva monitor. Really enjoyed this one!

[@HiFiGOAudio]

Oh god that looks so beautiful, I have previously tried their beginner stack(Modi3+Magni3+) loved that stack too, it was so clean :)

[@markj4066]

Another solid informative review. Enjoy your honesty and laid back style and the length of the review is great. Keep em coming.

[@larsenth]

Josh, thanks for another excellent review! I was decided on this stack until Schiit launched the new Jotunheim 2 in December. Now I can't decide which amp to go with, Magnius or J2. Hope you'll get the J2 in for a review soon!!

[@nasty__nate_]

Would love to see the same type of review for the Lyr 3 / Bifrost 2 stack!

[@EndureTyrant]

I've only ever used their phono preamp for my turntable, but I plan on buying this stack pretty soon. I had a cheap portable DAC + amp combo that died on me recently, and I no longer need the portability, so these are by far the best option I've seen.

[@beanzb_d]

they work really well together. i plan on doing this too but i cant figure out what cables come with each device and if i need to buy any.

[@zippymagee]

Looks so cool in the vertical side by side arrangement be really neat if they made a foot/base thingy to hold them like that.

[@mnomadvfx]

They did for the Modi/Magni combo, I wouldn't be surprised to see them eventually put one out for Modius/Magnius size - especially as both Bifrost 2 and Asgard 3 also fit this width/depth size if somewhat thicker. What I really want is a Modius colour option with a black anodised switch on the front - the basic brushed steel look spoils the black colour scheme with the Modius/Magnius together, same can be said of many black product colour options from Schiit.

[@bigjt37]

Josh, they need to do this more often tho. Just for convenience factor, being, that many of us use our phones and tablets as our go to device a lot of times these days. PC/laptop great. But making more of these dacs phone and tablet friendly, I hope will continue to be the way they go in a majority of products, into 2021. Again, just for convenience, when we don't want to go to PC or laptop..

[@randomfrankp]

my man, been looking to up my audio game at my desktop from my M9XX. Still recommend this duo a year later?

[@rohilx9771]

yes!

[@carbonatedsalad4677]

For the price, it’s still one of the best options out there

[@abnormallynormal8823]

Audio gear never really stops being good

[@doorknob3167]

Idk it’s kinda schiit

[@DistroUser]

@@williamlibke2118Schiit sells them under Accessories, PYST cables, been doing that for years!

[@giovandyfernando6459]

Those 3 looking slick yet probably sound great 💯

[@halbrakt3457]

I would love to see you review the ifi zen dac v2 and aac combo, I've heard a lot of good things about it and the stack is similarly priced to this schit stack.

[@Matlus]

Thank you for all of your videos Josh. I especially liked this one, the one on the Magnius as the one for the Shiit Hel since I've been looking to upgrade my desktop audio experience. I think the Shiit Hel is a really cool device indeed. Since then I've upgraded to the pair you talk about in this video. One issue I have is that the monitors (connected via the balanced out) don't cut off when the headphones are plugged in (into the unbalanced 1/4 inch socket). Am I missing something? With the Shiit Hel, it works this way.

[@Ilikemovingpictures]

How would you compare this stack to newer releases like the Zen stack from ifi? Thanks! And, good video review with great cinematography.

[@MTater_]

Hey Josh, amazing video! I’m considering either getting this Magnius/Modius stack to run a full balanced setup with my HD 660S and my HD 800S as endgame, but based on your opinion since you have experience with both headphones and tons of dacs/amps would this be a better endgame or the THX AAA 789/Grace SDAC balanced?

[@takeshi7]

The way you have them standing vertically in the thumbnail makes it look like a Sharp X68000.

[@Farazao]

Hey Josh, nice review. I'm using a similar combo, Bifrost 2 and a Smsl sp200. Smooth dac/sharp amp is such a nice combination. I could also experience it at cheaper price with a khadas tone board and a jds atom. What I'm saying is that I share your impressions. Do you consider the Magnius better than the Sp200 or even the thx 789?

[@maybepatrick369]

ur intros are dope

[@danpearson1]

I plug my Modi into my phone all the time! Really handy if you want to quickly listen to some music without turning a computer on.

[@ozunkeskin6919]

Joshua we want some iem reviews such as u12t, solaris, lcd i4 and more :)

[@goofyskulls]

Awsome video. would this stack work good with focal clear ? or what would you recomend for that head set.

[@Merkava76]

I'd really like to see how you set these up with cables, power and headphones to running.

[@ashahrokhi]

Would love to hear how the Schiitius Stack compares to a comparably priced integrated DAC/AMP like the SMSL M500 or Xduoo XA-10.

[@liarandahorsethief5203]

Still pretty new to the hobby, considering upgrading my magni heresy and modi to this and I'm wondering if it will be a notable change in sound. I recently bought my second pair of headphones, the Hifiman Sundara from the Hifiman HE4XX, so that's the hardware I'd be working with

[@mikecoshan3752]

I run a topping D50s dac though my iPad & iPhone using the Apple lighting to usb adaptor, it’s worked though my mates topping D90 dac & his JDS Labs Atom dac.

[@northdakotabeast1547]

Just got this as an intro into the audiophile scene, been running the SHP9500 with a shitty usb dongle-dac for like 4 years. Still waiting on my 6xxs... and balanced cables.

[@CockatooDude]

One question: how smooth is the volume knob? Because I know that on most schiit amps the volume knob feels absolutely terrible, but this uses a different potentiometer so I am curious if the feel is improved.

[@josefernandez2722]

Hi, thanks for your input Joshua. Which one do you think is warmer sounding between the thx and the schiit stacks? If you had to choose one, which would you choose and why?

[@vladimirk9333]

Joshua, thanks for you video.Consider this stack for Audeze Lcd-2 closeback. Please advice optimal stack Dac±Amp or Combo fotlr my headphons.$500 budger? Thanks a lot

[@stephenhammond3656]

Thanks Josh for another great video clip, really helpful!! Wondering if I can plug my 2020 MacBook Pro in to the DAC via USB C to USB Mini, run Apple Music Hi Res Lossless and NOT have the Mac downsample the file?? Will the the Schitt DAC take take the music file via the Mac at the original sample and bit rate? Thanks if you, or anyone, can help me out - Cheers.

[@DannerL]

Dang they sent those to you for review, but I have to wait 2+ months to get my stack..

[@black_n5492]

Would it be a good idea to pair this combo up with the Focal Elex? Or would the THX 789 + Grace SDAC combo from Drop be better? The two DAC?Amp combos are evenly priced

[@rakshitnasikkar6711]

Best review ever👍👍👍

[@iu1191]

Great Video. OK, you have successfully sown confusion 😉 This setup vs Jotunheim (with DAC rather than phono pre-amp). What do you think? I can only buy one setup. My music is on my PC and on my sony walkman and phone. I need several inputs but that is not the biggest issue - I can always find ways around that. I like to play music from my PC. Much of the music I play is ripped from CDs although I am belatedly a Spotify listener who is looking at Tidal but wondering about the cost and the benefit. I have HD650s which I love soooooo deeply. Which is the deal to get in your opinion - and anyone else' for that matter.

[@DDastrup1234]

Josh!!!! Love your videos! Thanks I’m looking for a best gaming headphones both cost no object and under $1000. Your recommendation?

[@JoshuaValour]

Pc38x or used hd800/s.

[@a.a1001]

@0:00 Fear Being Unfelt - Instrumental Version. To whoever was wondering. Quality song!

[@crhulsey56]

thx

[@bliiblaablue]

As much as I love the sound from AKM dac chips, I think it would be nice to see reviews with other dacs like the Sabre Dac or Burr-Brown as well as some well known headphone + amp combinations like Sennheiser HD600/650 with a tube amp. There are also some really good cheap budget versions out there like HifimeDiy stuff that can get you started if you're tight on the budget.

[@TomRussell-cy6ll]

HELLO.......really enjoy your channel. was thinking of pairing this stack with Focal OG $890. would this be a good match ?

[@simianinc]

Curious to know what you think of the Schiit Vali 2. The tube gives it a colour that the Magnius doesn’t have - but then are you after personality or something more analytical?

[@MrAhuraMazda]

If you can use an external power brick, especially something with low noise, it does help a ton. If you're already spending $400, a good power supply isnt that much. Ifi makes a great one for $50 but im not sure if it compatible

[@bradd5961]

Hi Josh, what would you suggest for a good pairing with the LCD2 Fazor for under $1000. I'm looking at a dac amp combo as either a single or two-part set up. I lean towards getting the most out of the base side of the LCD2.

[@TheSatch10]

So I'm new to the audiophile scene, the best headphones I have are the ATH-M50x's. I know what a DAC and an Amp are, but not necessarily what makes one better than another, or why I would need them for my headphones vs using the jack on any given device. Is there a video to help explain this? Thanks in advance.

[@jaynayy]

Merry Xmas and Happy holidays! What are your thoughts of pairing the JOT 2 / Modius with LCD 2 C's?

[@sonixwellness1536]

Josh, have been a follower and admirer overall, but need to call you out here. Failed to explain the importance of choosing balanced vs. SE headphones here. Magnius was built with the intent to be used with XLR balanced headphone output. SE output which you show here exclusively, compromises the Magnius potential greatly. If using SE headphones, then get the Asgard3 paired with Modius. It will not disappoint!

[@Homeaudionl]

the earmen tr amp/dac also plays from an Ipad/computer/iphone

[@PascalDoron]

Any chance you may elaborate why tabletop DACs (for the reference like the modius) are better than portable DACs like fiio's and ifi's?

[@kimiko3811]

Can you do a tutorial of how to use a DAC & AMP? Like how to connect them to your pc or other devices Most of the guides only says what is dac and amp but not guide tells me how to use them I DO NOT have a DAC, nor do I have an AMP, I just need some more knowledge so that i know exactly what i will be purchasing

[@tonydillinger2553]

I have some balanced xlr cables coming in for my zeus, what would benefit with this set up better, Fidelio x2 or he400i, both older model.

[@StarvingDragon]

I wonder how these compare to the Jotunheim with the DAC chip in there as well... ie. who needs two boxes on their desk vs one!?

[@kajetan9550]

Would it be a good idea to connect Modius DAC to some tube amp? I’m buying the darkvoice 336se and don’t know what DAC to choose for it (I’m not an expert...yet;) ) Would really appreciate an answer

[@mostafaabdelnaser7572]

I wanna steal this setup..I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

[@varunu4176]

I listen to music connecting phones to iFi Zen DAC using a type c or micro USB to USB female adapter. Works just fine!

[@haosheng12]

How does this compare to like a Grace SDAC and 789 combo?

[@WorldView22]

Can you use the signal/power micro USB port only for signal anf the power micro USB port for power (connected to a usb power adapter, not a computer) in order to get cleaner power?

[@CosmicPotato]

The Schiit stack is $100 cheaper than the Monolith THX DAC/amp but most people buying this system don't have 2 XLR cables to connect the DAC and amp, so that adds to the cost

[@myxsys]

How does the schiit stack compare to Topping L30/D30 stack? Is there a significant difference in sound quality?

[@DarkFire9889]

Just got this stack this week to pair with my HD800's. Absolutely love it.

[@Recolation]

Are you me?

[@DarkFire9889]

@@Recolation Yes

[@benson1608]

I have a pair of HD800's, too but I don't have very much experience in this top tier high end class. So I'm wondering if this dac amp combo is the best solution if I don't want to spend 1000$+ for an amp, but get a very similar listening experience with only very little difference that would cost me at least 500$ more or so.

[@DarkFire9889]

​@@benson1608 It's definitely a solid buy. But remember you need XLR cables to between the dac / amp and a XLR cable to the headphones. (If you want balanced output)

[@TheyRiseBand]

@@DarkFire9889 You can use a Pentacon (TRRRS) to balanced XLR adapter, so you don't have to drop $300 on the Sennheiser cable: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JPGZLTZ/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=AKLBZV1QTRBAN&psc=1

[@sergeyrozenblat7849]

Joshua, which one would you recommend Sennheiser 800S or Sony MDR-Z1R for this stack? I have the stack, but headphones selection on sale here is limited

[@WildfireX]

My question is, why are they still using outdated micro USB, when they could easily just use USB-C and have modern I/O devices

[@siguz6070]

My guess would be cost. I heared the USB-C port is really quite expensive, which is also the reason you won't find it on many budget PC cases. I think Schiit is running pretty low margins on these, so saving a dollar here and there will add up. Personaly I don't mind this, as I plug my dac in maybe once a year. But obviously your use case could be different.

[@jkhmonkey_kfp_pentium_ii_cpu]

@@siguz6070 You would be correct as to why no USB-C. From Schiit Happened when they announced the Modius: "And yeah, we hear you. It’s getting close to the point where we’ll start introducing products with USB-C, but for right now, they’re still a bit dear for a product at the Modius’ price point. We’re really, really, really trying to deliver huge value here."

[@WildfireX]

@@siguz6070 I guess. But I mean are the people that are looking for these types of products, seriously worried about cost? These aren't essential items, they're luxury items, and I just don't think an extra $10 or whatever to put a USB-C dock in there, is going to make me not want to buy it, ya know?

[@jasonalec6573]

@@WildfireX"Luxury" lol I think you mean non-essential but yeah I feel ya

[@WildfireX]

@@jasonalec6573 well I'd say luxury tbh, seen as it's not a basic item you need to live, or even an item you'd get for basic non-essential living like a TV. It's the step after that when you start refining what you have even further. I don't mean luxury in the sense of "oh it's got to cost 5 grand or more" But anyone that's buying these items clearly isn't worrying about money any time soon, and if they are then they're making some poor life decisions. This is an item for a luxury lifestyle.

[@RealityUntold]

I'm looking for something of this quality that would also work well for movies. Is this setup worth using for movies in an apartments?

[@maverick2678]

If the iPad work with it, i think a normal 2018-20 smartphone with also work with it, I can use bot the 3.5 jack or USB c Port to listen to music on my android phone

[@dark7000]

Marantz HD DAC1 does work with an iPad/iPhone too and has a great headphone amplifier. It's 799 though

[@Toschh]

I have it as well! It's really good:)

[@MrAhuraMazda]

Zen Dac/Zen Can stack (not the Drop version, the $120/$170 one)?? Ive heard mixed reviews on the Zen Can, but I've also heard amazing reviews and I know the Can has great power

[@LoiteringReaper]

What is the music that is playing in the background? The ambience of the music is very soothing.

[@liamsi75]

Hi, the schiit magnius schiit modius are unavailable on their website, and no date announced for disponiblity. So what would be the next duo alternative on the same price tag ?

[@m4nc1n1]

Separates are ALWAYS better. I just bought the Modius and the Asgard 2. Might pick up the Magnius at some point depending on how the Asgard performs. Got the Modius used for $175 and the Asgard 2 on clearance from Schiit for $119

[@sylasoce6376]

wondering what preamp to go with this combo? i was looking at the saga + but im new to all this

[@RonnyC98]

The light grey button matches if you have a black Asgard 3 as it has a grey knob....

[@patrickboisson3022]

Awesome review! Any thoughts on this stack vs the JDS El stack?

[@stiljohny]

hey Joshua, Bein in UK Schit is not available or it comes with a crazy Import tax attached to it :) Would you have any alternative recommendations for a DAC - AMP stack ? TIA

[@gameon9167]

would you choose this stack over the thx 2 in 1 for dt1990s? Some ppl said the thx with the beyers would sound very dry...

[@alivm8088]

iam waiting for susvara review and more so for 5xx vs hifiman deva compersion😁 do you have plan to do this josh??

[@nathan518]

It looks like the 5xx and the Deva are basically the same headphone: forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-he5xx-official-thread/9075

[@seangrajo1930]

Hi Josh!!! How does the Arya perform on the stack? deciding between this or saving up a year for the A90 D90 stack

[@killerra]

I would buy a Modius + Jotunheim 2 stack for an Arya.

[@geraldbrown7775]

The Modius seems like the dedicated DAC I've been waiting for given its inputs and balanced output. Any opinions out there on a Modius + THX-789 stack before I pull the trigger?

[@princekittipon6510]

can we input mic too ?

[@jakealexander6046]

Hi I am on a modi 3 and magni stack paired with hd650. Is it worth it to try and use the hd650 with the modius and magnius stack?

[@Sergeantcruz1216]

My head is spinning. I looked at your other videos for amps and now watching this video and cannot decide which amp to buy. I just bought a Focal Stellia at a discount. What's the best amp for this type of headphones please? I also have a THX onyx portable DAC.

[@very7962]

Your options: - a Schiit Magnius - A Massdrop THX 789 - a CMA 400i (nearly impossible to find) And lots of more expensive amps

[@BenBayle]

Review Request: A bake off between A90+D90 vs SH-9+SU-9 vs Magnius+Modius

[@rossgoosen7269]

I don’t think that they’re comparable - a Topping 90 Stack is ≈$1200, and an SMSL 9 Stack is ≈$750, whereas the Schiit Stack is ≈$400.

[@BenBayle]

@@rossgoosen7269 Totally get it but without being able to have all of these great options on hand to listen too what are you getting for the money? Are the diminishing returns substantial after the SMSL stack or the Schiit Stack? I'm not a fan of buying from a retailer just to return it.

[@blowintoblitz]

Can you run the magni 3 hearesy through a iPad with 770 pro 250 ohms and get awesome sound.

[@DerdOn0ner]

"Schiit has been kicking some ass" that doesn't sound weird at all 😀

[@hanfpeter4190]

As a beginner im wondering, do you hear a somewhat significant diefference between 200€ and 400€ stacks or is it just a small difference

[@kunfu]

Hey, I’m new to amps/dacs, and thinking of purchasing the amp for now, and then the Dac in the future, does anyone think that’s a good idea? Also, when I do buy the dac later on, do I need those two small xlr cables to connect them? And what do they do? I am using a dt 990 pro btw, thanks!!

[@audioaficionado9494]

I have the Modius and love it. Feeding it into a balanced Freya S preamp. HiFiMan Sandara comes with single ended cable. Not sure balanced cables are worth it for the price catagory. The Magnius is only great running balanced.

[@killerra]

You can buy a 4-pin balanced XLR cable for the Sundara for like $40 on Amazon.

[@CHUCKACIOUS]

I might have missed it. Are you able upload your own EQ presets?

[@TheIpadfanatic]

Mike Moffat & Jason Stoddard clearly have created an extraordinary audio company, right down to the name. Moffat has talked about his unconventional approach to DAC/Amps. The industry prefers to add Sabre or the once venerable AKM. Moffat tried some industrial chips for applications like medical imaging equipment. Chips never designed for audio, but he liked their precision and he made it work. And it contributes to Schiit's house sound. Fellow audiophiles and enthusiasts. Measurements are not the whole game. Listen first before you judge.

[@whitehammer5939]

can you use a magnius with a modi and get decent results welts saving a few macaronis?

[@David-kx3xf]

How does this contrast to a jotunheim 2 with a balanced AK4490 DAC module?

[@framo_official]

show more of the music u listen to! i discovered some nice songs bc of you!

[@cemarabdg]

Will this stack power ATH-R70x without external power source? How about HD 6XX without gain? Thanks.

[@terrancestanton2939]

I just want to take a moment to admire your taste in music, sir #austra

[@PartyCole]

Would you suggest paring the Modius with the Drop + THX AAA 789 or do you think that there's a better DAC and amp paring or combo for the up to 600ish$ price range?

[@mattrismatt]

Although I haven't heard either unit, I think that would be a superb pairing. Use XLR cables to connect them. Though, if you don't already have the 789, I would just get the Magnius.

[@tonydillinger2553]

so i cant run the magnius with my ps4? am I going to have to get a new laptop or vinyl player to use this amp? I have no idea what im doing. Been using mayflower arc for gaming and listing to music with ps4.

[@paintclown2973]

I have the Modi and magni. Would this be a worthy upgrade?

[@ultiwiz7491]

How about Modius & Valhalla on HD6xx & HE5XX?

[@STaKKsss]

okay wait im overthinking this schiit. Will i be able to use beyerdynamic dt 770 pro (250ohm) headphones with this stack since it is balanced??

[@chrisnyc3641]

My Samsung phone doesn't recognize the Bifrost 2, so it seems likely the same would be true of the Modius

[@alessandrocicalese2733]

What do you think about using a Valhalla 2 as Amp (instead of the Magnius?) + the Modius DAC

[@StephenCaudillPhoto]

I've got the Valhalla 2 and am looking hard at the Modius. If I get one in the next few months I'll report back :-)

[@lev_anni]

Can you please tell how Midgard is compared to Jotunheim regarding headphone amplification? I like headphone/balance out switch on the front Jotunheim has. Is it worth extra $200? Thinking to get Midgard/Modius combo but this holds me because I don't know if Jotunheim is better (ignoring the fact that it's modular). Thanks!

[@pipe_dev_null]

I’m wondering how this stack compares to the topping 50s stack (d50s, a50s, p50).

[@Kaijiro____93]

Is there a difference with DAC and Audio Interface like Motu M2/M4?

[@clickbaitpro]

I can run audio interface, DACs and pretty my anything directly through my android phones type c port without any issues