Schiit Aegir Power Amp Impressions

Discussion in 'Power Amps' started by rlow, Oct 16, 2018.

  1. Brian67

    Brian67 New

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    Can ANYONE tell me what kind of power/volume gains that I could expect to achieve adding a second Aegir running monoblock into 12 ohm speakers? I've asked Schiit directly, but no reply. I've changed rooms, need more power, and want to know if I'm wasting $800 or $900 ordering a second Aegir that could just go towards an amp that I know will get the job done. My own guess is not that much, but perhaps someone thinks/knows differently. THANKS!
     
  2. dBel84

    dBel84 Friend

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    In theory you should double up as you are going to a monoblock configuration - so double the voltage swing ( instead of using signals for either channel, you are using the same signal for the + and - signal ) - this will need a balanced input - Gain itself will not change as this is a function of the amp.
     
  3. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    What preamp are you using? Are you at the top of the volume knob? You need something that will give you more gain. Adding another amp should let you play louder with less strain on the amp, but won’t add more overall gain as @dBel84 says, except from the balanced connection, which will add +6dB (which is a decent amount, but may not be enough). Also what speakers are they? Are you sure they can get as loud as you’re thinking they should be able to in your bigger room?
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2021
  4. luckybaer

    luckybaer Friend

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    I'm looking for a dedicated amp to use with my secondary gear.

    My speakers are Polk Audio RT25i, 8 ohm, 89dB efficiency (1M, 1 Watt). Overall freq range is 50Hz to 26kHz. I wouldn't always be using a sub. I'd use SYS as the pre-amp, with a phonostage and DAC connected to the SYS. One day, I could upgrade to Saga+, but no need for that now.

    Which would be the better choice - Vidar or Aegir? I do not plan on any fancy stuff (bi-amping, etc.). I've got open racks and I can adjust shelves to ensure adequate ventilation.
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2021
  5. Brian67

    Brian67 New

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    I'm running a Freya+ preamp (in tube mode) and also have an iFi iTube in the chain for more gain/coloration. My speakers are Zu Omen Dirty Weekends. The volume knob is not at 100%, but at a point where there is no clean headroom left. The iTube would need to come out if I go to a balanced setup, at least between the preamp and amp, that is. My own guess is that with the iTube removed there would only be only a minimal, if any, volume increase by adding the second Aegir in balanced mode. However, I thought that I would solicit another opinion. A new power amp may not even be the solution is what I'm hearing...
     
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2021
  6. EmDub

    EmDub New

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    I'm hoping someone can provide more information on how the Aegir sounds/performs in stereo with medium / medium-low sensitivity speakers. I have a fairly small space (office) where I'm using a pair of KEF Q150 speakers, which have a sensitivity of 86dB, and I sit about 7-8 feet away from the speakers. I'm also using a Modius and would get either a Saga+ or Sys to pair with the Aegir. I don't listen at very high volumes, but the room does have a somewhat larger overall size due to the cathedral ceiling. Can someone please comment on how suitable the Aegir might be in stereo (not mono) for a setup like this? Thanks in advance for sharing your impressions.
     
  7. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    Those speakers are supposed to be really efficient and should be able to get super loud. I’m surprised you can’t get them up to the level you want.

    Can you try taking the iTube out of the chain now and see when you crank it up what it sounds like? I’m wondering if you’re overloading the iTube. Otherwise, yeah maybe the Aegir is running out of steam.
     
  8. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    There is definitely something wrong. Freya+ has 12db of gain. Aegir gain is only slightly lower than most SS amp gain at 22db. That's 34db of gain total. With a 2V source, your Zu Omen should have exploded. 2Vrms with 34db gain = 100Vrms.

    Diagnose with the iTube out of the circuit. Where in the chain are you running the iTube?

    x2 gain assuming you have a source with XLR outputs which are x2 as the SE outputs. Running monoblocks will give you a bit more oomph, tighter and less rich bass. In theory x4 more power. For a 12-ohm speakers, you will likely get the full x4 more power because the current demands are much less.
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2021
  9. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    It’s really going to depend on the volume you listen to and what kind of dynamics you expect from it (along with the music you like and what you value from sound). In general, in most situations for a room of this size, I would say this is not a great pairing. Vidar is the way to go here and I expect would kick the crap out of Aegir in most of the more obvious respects (bass, dynamics, articulation, headroom, etc), but perhaps lacking in some of the beauty and sweetness that Aegir can deliver with the right speakers/setup. Unless you listen to very low volumes and/or don’t listen to a lot of very dynamic or punchy music, a single Aegir wouldn’t be my recco.
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2021
  10. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    On the other hand, in a similar room at the Schittr, and similar types of speakers, at moderate sound levels, I thought Aegir kicked Vidar's ass in blind test. Decisions decisions.
     
  11. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    I thought you were of the mind that a single Aegir with med/low sensitivity speakers was not recommended? What were they, LS50s?
     
  12. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Oh yeah. This was with their other speaker with the 7" woofer, metal cone, and ribbon. I have heard the LS50s with their other amps too, so while not blind, still preferred the Aegir in that small room. It depends upon what people are looking for, room size, how loud, and expectations, especially in the bass.
     
  13. Nbees

    Nbees Acquaintance

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    I have one of each. I think both have their strong points and that both give very good sound, build quality and value. I find the gain of both Vidar and especially Aegir to be lower (Running SE input) than other power amps I've used. Stereophile measured Aegir gain at 19.5 DB. This coupled with a somewhat low input impedence makes them less than ideal candidates for a passive or low gain preamp. I've found they work best, particularly Aegir, with a preamp than can bring some voltage drive.
    A lower power system in some ways always sounds like a lower power system to me. There really is'nt any substitute for power. One thing the Aegir has in its favor is unlike some lower power amps, it doubles its power into lower imepdance speakers, so you get more power with a 4 or 6 ohm speaker. Currently I'm I using the Aegir with Bryston BP6 preamp and Dynaudio Emit M 10 and the Aegir is capable of producing moderately loud levels in a 13 X 15 foot room.
     
  14. Davids

    Davids New

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    I'm using the Aegir in stereo with medium efficiency Thiel CS1.2 speakers. My room isn't large, but it's got a high, sloped ceiling (3rd floor under the roof.) I use a Rogue RP1 preamp. I also don't listen too loudly, peaks under 100dB. I rarely turn the volume above the 40th step on a 60 step scale. Usually more like high 20s.

    It sounds freaking awesome.
     
  15. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    This is exactly it. I was running the super high power Crown CDi1000 for a while and was quite enamored with the dynamics and crisp transients. After a month, I went back to Aegir. It depends upon what you want.

    Of course what I would like is this: Aegir with x10 more power and a Nexus gain stage for slam and some richness, this so I can run a passive pre. These of course would be space heaters.
     
  16. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    So... a high power Jot2?
     
  17. androxylo

    androxylo Acquaintance

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    Question: but you've tried monoblocks Aegir with balanced passive pre, was it still not enough power? I'm actually thinking about upgrading to monoblocks and use balanced outputs from Modius with passive pre. Modius is 4V balanced vs 2V RCA, I hope for more authority in sound.
     
  18. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    You need to use a balanced/XLR preamp of course for this. If you do you will add 6dB of gain, plus the potential changes in presentation from the mono vs stereo, if the preamp is transparent enough.
     
  19. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Power was never an issue. I ran single stereo Aegir into my JBLs and they hit 100db with me 6ft away with ease. It was more a matter of presentation. Think the discussions I've had with @ChaChaRealSmooth and @tommytakis between UItralinear and SET presentations. It's personal preference and maybe even mood.

    I would be pretty sure that the best of both worlds, with respect to Aegir and Schiit, is when Schiit makes their 200WPC high class A' version of Aegir. Even then, x2 Aegir in monoblock already gets us more grunt (but also slightly different sound).

    I can see Modius XLR out being a fantastic match with x2 mono Aegir. Modius has a ton of bass heft and kick. Make sure you get the right passive pre.
     
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2021
  20. moriya

    moriya Acquaintance

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    Sooo...anyone try vertically amping 2 aegirs yet? I’m thinking about adding a second aegir since I rearranged my room and my stereo aegir is having to work harder. It’s borderline (around -20db on my pre at my normal listening levels), and I’m not entirely sure what “running out of steam” sounds like but it definitely sounds a bit flat/lifeless when you push it through lively passages. I’m assuming (ignoring the fact that the preamp has like 12db of gain past 0) I still have some headroom if I’m listening to music with peaks 10db above average, but I’m still an idiot when it comes to this stuff.

    I think it might be time to get the little guy a bit more help, but I love the sound so much, especially since the sweetness really mellows out my speakers. I remember a few members saying they wanted to try this the last time I brought it up but I don’t think anyone has. If I buy a second I’m definitely giving it a go but wanted to check first.
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2021

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