Schiit Aegir 2 Power Amp Quick Impressions

If you like how the Aegir 1 sounds in your setup, I would probably keep it. The Aegir 2 is definitely cleaner and less organic sounding without the Aegir 1's tonal idiosyncrasies which I loved. Aegir 2 seems arguably a bit more detailed, plankton, better microdynamics, with deeper stage. In fact, these aspects of the Aegir 2 betters the both the HH Scott and Fischer vintage PP tube receivers I've got. However, despite slightly lesser technicalities, the vintage receivers stay because they got that tube bloom and better grunt. Aegir 2 is still a low powered amp though, so the lows can still be a bit soft at louder volumes, even on moderate-high efficiency 93db speakers.

I think the bottom line is that if I decided to go Aegir 2, I'd change up the front end preamp to something that adds grunt with dose of full bodied tonal signature (something like Kara comes to mind) or a more organic sounding DAC. The above comparison was with the Burl B2 as the DAC and Frugalhorns with the 6" Fostex Sigma drivers.

I think I can get the Aegir2 to get really good, build a system around it, but it's more that I have established references and a lack of time. I'm geared out and really prefer listening to music than gear these days. I can get this out on loaner if any interest.

P.S. Another consideration would be the Vidar 2 which is da bomb for its price. Sure Aegir 2 has better technicalities, but Vidar 2 basically takes that muscular grunt and control of the Vidar 1, cleans up the tendency toward too of that (no murk), and does a bit more.

 

It's a slightly better option. 30W isn't that much more than 20W. It translates to maybe +2db more headroom, keep in mind that x2 the power results in only +3db. You will be fine if you are that close, unless you want to blast 100db.

Vidar 2 could actually run cooler - it's way more efficient. Aegir 2 is more resolving.

 

Tyr.

Granted Tyr is laid back tonally, but I'd rather take x2 Tyr and choose the components to make it work. Tyr just has way more grip and grunt too - areas where Aegir is not strong.

There is a reason why @zerodeefex is running SR1A with x2 Tyr instead of Aegir.

 

Yeah, cleaned up and less murky. OG Vidar could be excessively warm to the point of murky. Vidar 2 still has that warmth, but it's not overblown, and is clearer as a result. Grip still there and slightly more resolving of fine detail.

 

exactly this. I’d work around the Tyr given how fantastic the setup is. I can change a lot to get my desired tonality (I’m not afraid of EQ either) but I can’t replace how f'ing good the Tyr is in general

 

Hard to say without a direct comparison. I got Vidar 2 into the iFi ESL thing, and running ESP950 and ZMF Caldera Closed (from the non ESL 4-pin out). This setup makes the Magni Unity sound grainy in comparison (and the Unity is hardly grainy sound and quite smooth in the highs already).