Schiit Jotunheim impressions

This is probably getting into the realm of audio nervousa and uncertainties here, but I think I'm hearing some improvements with the tripplite isobar in my system (for both the Jotun and Yggdrasil). Like Bill said, there seems to be a blacker background and cleaner sound. I also seem notice sounds popping out more than they used to. Keep in mind, this is probably like a 1-2% improvement and I'm not sure if it's placebo from what I read or actually real.

 

Sometimes sarcasm isn't good enough; sometimes people deserve more.

 

Does anyone know how the Jot compares to Lyr 2? My Lyr with LISSTs might be in the same SS-ballpark sound-wise, but who knows. Lyr seems to have even more power on tap, but with different design. Would the real differences be in going balanced? Cheers.

 

That slam is quite important for me, thanks for the impressions. The sensible thing seems to be to stick with the Lyr for now. I'm quite happy with it and I still haven't started rolling the tubes.

Btw, one of my lissts died a slow death (lost connection). Waiting for a reply from the company.

 

Its a good value product. Cayin has good quality actually. Its very clear, controlled, resolving, and powerful, kind of bright but the treble is smooth. Whats missing is width and depth and it could use better microdynamics compared to my tube amp. Very transparent and clean. Itd be tough competition for the Joti.

 

The only thing I didn't like when my Jot first arrived is the volume knob, it looks plasticky and doesn't suit the metal look.

Do you think the knob from an old Asgard 2 will fit?

 

Same knob I believe.

 

Okay, so this is what I love about Jodie:

*single ended performance is excellent and almost on par with balanced out (this is not the case with my mjo2)

*energy efficient and can't fry eggs on it (I just leave it on 24/7)

*clean and neutral and revealing of source (put a great dac behind it and be amazed)

*impressive bottom end extension and slam

*the price, are you kidding me?

Don't like:

*hmmm...I'm thinking

*okay, I wish that it was in the same sized chassis as Gungnir Multibit. That's all I can come up with.

 

I am appreciative of your impressions. The Joti is a no brainer choice for me based on the unanimous appraisal of it. I am just enthused for what ever Schiit releases next with the same topology if this is so good then what the freak is next!!! Im down to wait and see and have this in the interim. I just hope the wait isn't too long.

@Maxx134 told me I need to get the Joti and Audeze pads to make the Code-X shine. I think it is shining right now on my current set up but I am excited to try it with the Joti.

I am still waiting for a head to head vs your mjilnor 2 though. I appreciated @Hands impressions of it as well. Very insightful when he included the Mj2 in his impressions.

There is a lot of substance on this piece of gear. Good stuff

 

I read those cheap ass computer UPS make fake 60htz AC signal with a lot of high frequency hash.
I believe this is another area which can be an easy money pit .

Cayin will be Zero competition for the Jotunheim if, as you just said, it could have better microdynamics.

The Jotunheim may be cheating being fed balanced from a Yggdrasil, but I would say it is in TOTL league as such.
A touch shy of tube level depth, is probably at the top in terms of solid state soundstage.

With the HEK, which has enough depth of soundstage, it is a perfect combination.

Also, the Jotunheim makes the HD650 sound " monster" and " killer competition" over many other TOTL cans .
It was the first time I preferred member "thegunner100" modded 650 over my own HD800.
I don't think I am exaggerating when I say this amp totally kicks ass other amps in 1-2k range.

 

So anyway, Jodie vs mjo2. Of course there will always be an inherent problem comparing SS and tube amps. Vastly different topology and all.

Mjo 2 (using a super nice set of valvo e188cc)

*dynamic, explosive from kick drum to the pluck of a bass guitar (some will love this and some won't, I'm in the love it camp)

*mids have an nice natural quality, rich and textured

*treble is a little tame but smooth and extended...some will want better clarity and sparkle

*speed is very good for a tube/hybrid, sometimes startling good

Jodie:

*easily more speed and better decay than mjo 2, lightening fast

*more revealing of source, the better the dac the better this amp will sound

*both are very versatile and value oriented products

Ultimately, if I could choose only one I'd go with Jodie. I don't worry about power consumption as much and I can just leave it on. It's ready for me whenever. It takes it very little space on my desk and cost less than half of the mjo 2. The only real concession, for me, is that you give up the ability to tune the signature with tubes. Jodie is a homerun without question in my estimation.

 

You have to love the way they just partially cannibalised their own market, let alone disrupted that of the competition. I'm very happy with how mine sounds for the money.

It's a big, clean, clear sound at a very competitive price. The SE is nearly as good as the balanced, too. It's a bit of a game-changer for a low-priced SS amp. There are a lot of manufacturers who have been charging a lot more for mediocre products, who may be a little concerned right now. It won't scare the TOTL guys, but it's not intended to.

 

I know the number of ear balls are limited, but has anyone listened to the Jotunheim/Elear combo yet? I haven't seen (or missed) any commentary here. I'm going back and forth weather this will be a killer pairing or 7th level hell stuff. Would the Jotunheim lift the mildly sucked out mids of the Elear? Would this combo turn into a psychedelic hallucination inducing mid bass fest?

I'm scratching my head on this. And I'll be looking square at you @Hands if nobody else has any input. I'll still be looking at you if people do....

edit - And I'm aware there was an Elear at the Schiit Show, but people my shy away from commentary due to show environments...