Asgard 3 - possible future discussion

First off, go read this : https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sch...bable-start-up.701900/page-2026#post-14116733

I thought I'd copy this over so we can have a discussion on it and avoid the heAD-fi noise.

Thoughts?

 

Two things went through my head.

1. Jotunheim is fantastic, balanced, and super functional for what it is.
2. How could an Asgard 3 compete internally against the Jotunheim?
   • It would be SE, not balanced. (Or would it?)
   • It would obviously use the same chassis and,
   • the same internal DACs.

In short, I think it would have to find a way to differentiate itself from the Jotunheim. The only way it could is if it sounded different or better, or if it was cheaper. This way the user's preference on sound and/or wallet would determine which product they purchased. You could do a near-Class-A fully dual-mono type thingy. Maybe make it warmer sounding.

Honestly... All of that just sounds like a re-imagining of the Jot, and not a true alternative to it. As such, unless you can come up with alternate features that would let the Asgard 3 fulfill niches in the market the Jotunheim doesn't, I don't see how it would make sense.

Edit - At $249, it just seems like it could only be a Lite version of the Jot. It might sell well and gobble up Jotunheim sales while it's at it. I think the Jot is cheap enough though, considering it's a desktop unit that gets you everything for 5 to 6 Benjamins.

Edit 2 - I'd rather see the Asgard 3 take a step up in chassis size, and provide a full pivot point implementation / alternative to the Mj. More like a Super-Jotunheim. Besides, Asgard sits above Jotunheim in the 9 realms in Norse Mythology, so keeping it that way in the product line makes sense too.

 

I've only heard an Asgard 2 briefly, but I think an Asgard 3 would have a really tough time competing with the Magni 3 and Jotunheim (potentially Lyr 3 with LISST too if that combo sounds good). I'd much rather see something crazy like a Class A Ragnarok 2, where there wouldn't be as many compromises with chassis space/heatsinking and you could drive efficient speakers with it.

 

How about speaker taps that can do 8 watts to power high efficiency speakers on top of being able to fit the schiit modules.

The only other integrated amp is the 4 figure ragnarok. And the vidar is still pretty pricey especially when you realize you still need a preamp.

A do all speaker/headphone amp/dac would make it an absolute bargain and shouldn't effect other schiit product sales because 1. It won't have as much power as ragnarok 2. Or vidar 3. It won't have as much power as the supposed upcoming schiit class A power amp 4. It will however, have enough power for sensitive desktop passive speakers and headphones as well.

Edit: it will also cover the niche of people that don't have crazy innefficient speakers that need the power ragnarok and vidar bring.

 

I am ambivalent about Asgard 3 having not heard any other Asgard. However, if it pulls any attention away from the development of Ragnarok 2 and other two-channel products, then I am against it.

 

Even though the baby Schiit stuff is small and cute, once you add cables, power cords, etc., they aren't as compact or neat as I would like for my desk. I think an Asgard 3 with multibit at $449 ($350 for DS) would be quite appealing. The Jot + multibit or the Lyr3 + multibit are more than I would like to spend for the desktop. I had a Nuforce HDP that I loved for its compactness, good sound (for the time), and great features. This could finally get me back to that time of blissful ergonomics at near the same price with much improved sonics.

 

If there is no Valhalla 3 coming along with Lyr 3, why there should be Asgard 3 next to Jotunheim?

 

According to Jason's most recent chapters, the lack of a Valhalla 3 is more due to the size constraints of the chassis, especially because they want to continue with the cards. Asgard 3 wouldn't have that problem. He even asked for feedback from the populace on whether or not an Asgard 3 should happen.

 

My point is that they should just focus on Jotunheim (SS) and Lyr (tubes). Simple, efficient and easily understandable approach.

 

But with a gap of $400-500 between Fulla 2 and Jotunheim w/DAC, there is space for another all-in-one for those who don't want separates, even at the size of the baby Schiits. Since they are really embracing the cards and single chassis, I don't see why hitting a lower price point for the budget crowd wouldn't be a good idea.

 

That's a good point, but wouldn't it eat into the sales of Modi Magni stacks? (Just looking at it from the business side of things, I guess.)

I'd rather see a compact single device that completely consolidated the Eitr -> Modi MB -> Loki -> Magni stack. Now that would be a device worthy of the Aesir!

 

I think whether the Asgard 3 makes sense or not relies on how much of a difference the Continuity output stage makes. Asgard 3 MB will be $100 more expensive than Modi Multibit + Magni 3, so it should sound accordingly better and/or offer some features. Maybe having Modi Multibit + Magni 3 in a single chassis is enough of a feature for most people. *shrug*

Unrelated, I would really like to see output toggles in Schiit devices to switch between amp/pre-amp outputs without having to unplug headphones.

 

Possibly. Depends on how many people want an all in one in that range like I do. Also depends on if someone has avoided buying from Schiit thus far because they would prefer an all in one. Could be a lot of potential new customers out there who were buying other brands because Schiit didn't have an all-in-one in that range.

 

A simple switch to disable the pre-out?

I like it.

 

Just my 0.02

If functionality comes first, a modi (and Modi Multibit) magni all in one might be more attractive.
And if the Asgard 3 sounds similar to Jot SE/Magni 3, then it doesn't make much sense to spend the R&D and develop something already exists.

In short, identity crisis. I think Asgard 2 has a certain followers. The target audience will probably be different if Asgard 3 is no longer class A. So what would new customers want at the $250 price point?

 

I honestly don't know what Asgard 3 has to sound like to justify life at $250. Would a Magni 3 with better power supply and output stage that the chassis allows for get too close to Jot? It wouldn't be completely new or completely duplicative either way, so could probably be justified. It is easier for me to justify it as an all-in-one more readily than as a standalone, and that may be a significant factor for or against it. I just can't tell which way at the moment.

 

I think the A2 is outclassed by Magni 3 and Jot, both very transparent-sounding amps. They should just leave it as is for the buyers who are class-A evangelicals

 

Agreed. Once there are too many options, it becomes dizzying to keep up and decide. From a customer perspective, it introduces a lot of second-guessing which ultimately leads to no purchase in the fear of making the wrong choice. I'm sure @schiit is aware of this but is worth mentioning again.

Sometimes less is more.

 

My wish is Asgard 2 would just stay the way it is. It's the product that Schiit launched with and a pure Class A amp for $249 is just really cool, even if it isn't a best seller.

 

Well ,it would slot in with the mcth , have 3.5 w /channel , have the Continuity output stage plus multibit option in one box. I would sure like to hear it. These are the good old days right now.