Schiit Jotunheim 2

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by PacoTaco, Dec 22, 2020.

  1. señorhifi

    señorhifi Friend

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    Silly question, if I were to connect a SE source to the Jot2, would I still be able to use it through its BAL output? The only way to use that extra power it has through the balanced output, is by connecting a balanced source to it?
     
  2. HotRatSalad

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    https://www.schiit.com/products/jotunheim-3

    Wow that’s a lot of words. What do they mean?
    Fair enough. Let’s break it down:

    • Unique: as far as we know, nobody else is using a topology like Nexus. It isn’t a circlotron, it isn’t supersymmetry, it offers two high-impedance input terminals, is inherently differential, offers single-ended output…but hell, that’s a lot of words too. Sorry about that.
    • Current-feedback: as in, the feedback is taken to an inherently low-impedance node, which means the circuit is insanely fast and has very low noise.
    • Inherently differential: feed it a balanced signal, it stays balanced. Feed it single-ended, and it emerges balanced, because it is a differential amplifier. There’s no conversion before or after the stage.
    • Input/output agnostic: connect it to anything, and take anything out. Connect to balanced and use the single-ended outputs…that’s perfectly fine. SE to balanced…also fine. SE to SE and balanced to balanced…fine again.
    • Matched parts throughout: Nexus requires obsessive parts matching. So instead of using any parts off the reel (which may vary up to 50-80%) the parts are either matched by the manufacturer to 10% in paired devices, or hand-matched by us to 1% for the input JFETs—literally the tightest matching on any audio device, at any price.
     
  3. limesoft

    limesoft Friend

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    I like your take on the j2 sound and something that’s been holding me off from purchasing it - I’m sensitive to anything artificial/dsp sounding, even when slight. I’d rather settle for something less powerful and punchy but more relaxed and effortless presentation. I regret selling my Arcam rHead amp as it was one of the most down to earth SS amps I’ve tried - it had a sense of calmness that I miss.
    I agree about the nano idsd bl - its an honest sounding little gadget without any funny audio fx.

    I am currently leaning towards getting the singxer sa-1 for HD800s, based on my readings it seems to sound bit more relaxed and natural without a sense of artificial fx even if it’s not as punchy.
     
  4. bboris77

    bboris77 Friend

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    I have two questions for resident experts about the Jot 2:

    1. Does anyone know how much of Class A bias it is running in mW?
    2. Does it have any form of protection circuit like the IEMagni/ Lyr 3?
     
  5. Beefy

    Beefy Friend

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    Not an expert by any means, but the Jotunheim uses what Schiit markets as 'Continuity S'. Whether it dynamically biases or uses tricks to reduce crossover distortion, I'm not sure this let's you state a traditional class A bias.
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2021
  6. bboris77

    bboris77 Friend

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    I’m just intrigued because Jason has had stated that Continuity S lets them run a lower Class A bias compared to the Asgard 3 (500mW) while still keeping most of the sonic benefits. Someone anecdotally mentioned that the Jot 2 runs 1/4 of the Asgard 3’s Class A bias, but it has never been officially confirmed.

    As for my second question, there has not been much discussion about whether the Jot 2 has any advanced headphone protection circuits other than the muting relay.
     
  7. Beefy

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    Point of clarification, do they use actually use mW as the figure? I just ask, because class A bias is usually expressed as quiescent current through the output stage.

    In any case, I wouldn't worry too much about it. 500 mW if accurate is enough to deafen you with just about any headphone. And even at 1/4 of that, still an enormous amount of power before you might drop into class AB.
     
  8. cameng318

    cameng318 Friend

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    My Jot 2 draws around 12 W from the wall if I remember correctly (not 25W from their website, which was probably for Jot 1). Then the output stage of each channel should draw around 5 W. Since it's a balanced amp, each single ended half of one output stage consumes around 2.5 W.

    The voltages in Jot 2 is kinda complicated, and nobody's really talking about the tricks applied here. I probed a few joints on the input stage when I got my Jot 2, so I guess the output stage might use +- 24 V rails. If so, each of the single ended half of the output stage should use around 50 mA. 50 mA peak is 80 mW peak into 32 ohms, 750 mW peak into 300 ohms, and 1500 mW into 600 ohms. 600 ohm load could be voltage limited at this much mA though. The numbers could be a lot different if it's not +- 24 V rials.

    Asgard 3 is a single ended amp, so it naturally has twice class A current of a balanced amp with the same power consumption.

    I'm pretty sure Jot 2 has a lot of protection circuits. There are many relays switching on and off the inputs and outputs, so safety shouldn't be a concern relative to IEMagni/Lyr 3.
     
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  9. bboris77

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    This post is for people who find a slightly increased resistance of the Alps RK27114 annoying. For me it was not a huge problem, but I wanted to try a slightly longer knob (ha-ha) to make sure my fingertips would not catch the preamp switch. This Audio Note brushed chrome knob fits the bill perfectly even though it is expensive.

    Its dimensions are: 30mm D x 25mm H; fits 6mm shaft. It is heavy as hell (140 grams), and this helps overcome any pot resistance. It feels super smooth to turn.

    My Jotunheim 2 came with a slotted 6mm shaft with a hex screw on the pot instead of a D-shaped flat shaft. The extra 3mm of depth compared to the original pot are not an issue at all because the hex screw is positioned closer to the base of the potentiometer compared to the original knob.

    Finally, I like the fact that it has a volume indicator engraved on the side of the knob which is super easy to see in my setup.

    I got mine at Parts Connexion in Canada. I did not post a link because I'm not sure if that's ok, but it's easy to find.
     

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  10. bboris77

    bboris77 Friend

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    Further update on the Audio Note knob. It is not as great as it first seemed. Firstly, the brushed chrome is not actually either brushed or chrome. It is simply flat matte painted brass. I checked directly with the manufacturer after I could not see any brush marks on the surface.

    The problem with that is that the knob has absolutely no texture on its sides, nor is it slightly sticky like the original glossy knob is. The flat matte paint on the Audio note knob ends up having almost no grip as it is very slippery. That kind of negates all the benefits of its higher weight. I realized that after my Jot 2 warmed up to its normal running temperature, as the pot becomes slightly harder to turn then. At least now I know that Schiit put some thought in selecting the original knob.

    The polished chrome version or the glossy black version of Audio Note knob may actually be ergonomically superior to the flat paint "simulated chrome" version.
     
  11. Yethal

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    On one hand, nice knob man! On the other hand though, sorry about your slippery knob.
     
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  12. bboris77

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    A little bit of friction is essential ;)
     
  13. gamerstudent

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    I would like to simplify my setup, would a jot 2 with the true multibit DAC add-on be an upgrade from a eitr to modi multibit to jot 1 to balanced out HD650?

    Thanks!
     
  14. loadexfa

    loadexfa MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    The Jot 1 and 2 have a different sound, I found the 1 too shouty and in my face but that can be good for making the 650 more lively and interesting. If possible I'd recommend listening to the Jot 2 before making this decision. Also the USB input isn't as well-liked as the coax from the eitr but I personally did not notice much of a difference when I had that setup so YMMV. The Pi2AES on the other hand is a noticeably better transport but that goes counter to the goal of simplifying your setup.
     
  15. gamerstudent

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    Thanks for that, unfortunately where I live in Australia has no local dealers/shops for me to go and listen.

    Any other USB DAC/balanced amp recommendations? Thanks
     
  16. loadexfa

    loadexfa MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Yeah, that makes it challenging. At this point I think it's hard to make a recommendation until you have tried more gear so you know what you like/dislike. Worst case scenario, you can sell the Jot2 if you don't like it and then experiment with something else. Welcome to the "what is my taste?" rabbit hole. ;)
     
  17. Cooper32

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    I guess we can always ask the opposite question: What don't you (@gamerstudent) like about your current setup (I assume Eitr + Modi MB + Jot 1 + 650)?

    Might help in figuring out what's the next likely upgrade.
     
  18. gamerstudent

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    Sound wise, I'm pretty happy with them, I mean something with faster attack that can hit the low notes would be nice but not necessary, I'd eventually like to go back to some planer headphones like the hifiman HE-6 but I'm happy with what I have now, but I want less cables.
     
  19. JellyRhino

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    I look forward to more reviews of the ES9028 card. I think Marv preferred the AKM4490 card to the MB. AFAIK the Modi MB can't resolve as much details as a well implemented modern DS DAC. I have learned that I can't stand the velvet sound of AKM 4490/4493 in the long run. I used to have a Modius and now have a Bifrost 2, which I recommend if you want to upgrade, get rid of the Eitr, and stay MB. I'm still curious about the sound of the ES9028 card for another setup involving Asgard 3. For either Jot 1 or 2, the ES9028 is balanced. It also comes with Unison USB compared to the MB or 4490 card. On paper, the ES9028 card looks like a no brainer for a compact balanced setup. I would still wait for more reviews.
     
  20. Cooper32

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    I haven't heard that many pieces of gear but I can second @JellyRhino's comment on the Bifrost 2. To me, it was a distinct step up going from Eitr + Modi MB to Bifrost 2. Less warmth tonally but surprisingly better bass slam and texture.

    I'd think "faster attack" would likely entail a headphone change/upgrade. Maybe a mod to the 650 (KISS or JAR???) would work too.
     

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