Schiit Jotunheim impressions

Ultimately comes down to synergy and compatibility. Got an IEM or moderately inefficient ortho? Skip Valhalla 2. Got a bright or upper-mid emphasized headphone? Probably better to skip Jotunheim. I don't think I could handle an HD800 (modded or not) or Grado from the Jotunheim.

Jotunheim is technically better than Valhalla 2 in every way. The Valhalla 2 has a slight haze and a touch of bloom. Top end is notably more extended and bottom end more controlled on Jotunheim. Jotunheim plays it more straight up. Valhalla 2 has more flair. Surprisingly, the Jotunheim seems to be the equal of Valhalla 2 in terms of retrieval of low level information*, perhaps even better because the Jotunheim is cleaner sounding. However, where Valhalla 2 wins is with the more nuanced microdynamic shading, that spooky feeling of immediacy, and more expansive stage. The Jotunheim can get close, but not quite. Solid-state never can.

But really, both amps are more similar than not. The Valhalla 2 is not tubey sounding at all.** Their tonal balance doesn't differ much. Jotunheim can tend toward mid forward aggressiveness, the Valhalla 2 can tend toward mid-treble sandyness. Much of these tendencies can ameliorated through warm up (one hour) or using a proper source such as a R2R or 2R DAC (CD transport works best for me).

P.S.

Don't go overboard and roll expensive tubes on the Valhalla 2. I've got some swell Telefunken 6DJ8s, and while they do improve the Valhalla 2, the improvement is nothing near what I would get in a top-notch phonostage. Please don't spend $800 in tubes. Spend that $800 to get a better amp or source or headphone.

Leave the Jotunheim on at least 24 hours to get some of that magic, otherwise it's a bit sterile sounding.

I've been heating these up for a while...


*It should be noted that the Jotunheim has the advantage of running from the balanced inputs. The Valhalla 2 is running single-ended. I am using the Gungnir Multibit DAC straight from the USB of my gaming PC, which has good USB sounding ports.

**I recommend Vali 2 for something more laid back.

 

I just love the single ended headphone cable despite a balanced DAC sitting right underneath the Jotunheim.

 

Yup MA900. Tried HE-560 balanced too. I had a listen already with Darin's balanced Utopia at the meet. I got an HD650 incoming which I will reterminate balanced - this might be interesting with the Jotunheim. I don't think the damping or coin mods will be necessary in this case; but I still still apply Dynamat mods.

 

Fine gradations of volume levels. Put on some classical. Violins, cello, piano, etc. Valhalla 2 is a little bit better at it. The big boy tube amps with little or no feedback rule at this. Sort of this feeling of "digging" into the music.

 

1. HD800 hardness glare + Jotun upper mid / forwardness = unlistenable to me. Heck, I can't stand HD800 (even modded) from my personal custom 45 amp from my turntable source. Jotun's near 0 output Z is too dry for HD800.
2. Listening to David Bryne / Talking Heads singing This Must Be The Place and getting chills up my spine. A sense of realism resulting in emotional connection. Magic. Higher Gaurav Factor.
3. Rolling good inexpensive tubes is a good idea. However, do not roll so many that you suddenly realize that you have already spent $800. It's too easy to get carried away with such stupidity. The Valhalla 2 is supposed to be a cheap tube amp. You are better off buying an Elise, Mjolnir 2, Torpedo 3, WA6, used Super 7, etc.

 

I'd take TIII. I've heard TIII + Gungnir Multibit + HD650 / HD800 modded many times. Nothing beats well implemented tubes with high Z Senns.

HE-560 with the appropriate mods, Focus A pads, TP, etc. not bad with Jot. Orthos just love low Z and power. Jot grips those ortho drivers well.

I prefer Vali 2 to Leer Tew.