Yggdrasil Refined - New Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 (Yggdrasil A2) Sound Impressions

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by drgumbybrain, Jan 16, 2018.

  1. johnjen

    johnjen Doesn’t want to be here but keeps posting anyways

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    I just 'found' this thread.

    My 2¢.

    In my experience on a generally good and well thought out system (as opposed to a mish mash of this and that), the bad recordings will still sound 'bad', but are at least tolerable to a greater degree.

    However, when you 'bust thru' several key layers of veils, I've found that even the worst tracks I can find can become compelling.
    All of the distortion, from any and all sources (overloaded mics, mic preamps, bad grounds, hum, static, drop outs, mis-tracking, you name it), can become another layer of the recording to hear into.

    Even the early rolling stones recordings (my current examples of excellence in making tracks as poorly as possible) are not only listenable in their own right but are compelling to the degree that I can get sucked into the music.

    IOW, it is possible to tweak your system to the point where even the worst examples of poorly recorded music can become desirable in their own right.

    JJ
     
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2018
  2. dmckean44

    dmckean44 In a Sherwood S6040CP relationship

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    I've found the same. I always take a couple poor sounding CDs with me when I audition speakers, which confuses the hell out the salesmen.
     
  3. drgumbybrain

    drgumbybrain Science Nut

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    Yep, just found his thread again, and it looks like we all forgot that the thread it’s about Yggdrasil analog 2.
     
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2018
  4. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    Ahhhhh it looks so damn good! Yggdrasil Analog 2 in the house. I should get my Utopia back from my friend tomorrow and this week I'll get acclimated to the new toy.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    @cskippy If I were you, might paint dsha-1 black for consistency!
     
  6. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    I'm seriously contemplating getting it powder coated black.
     
  7. Cellist88

    Cellist88 Friend

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    damn, I think schiit should make all their Yggdrasil's black. Just looks so classy.
     
  8. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    Schiit should offer black as an option for all their products, really. If memory serves, they just let B-stock pile up and apply the finish en masse? While I do get the point of doing so (they don't have to offer the B-stock discount), it does kinda bite for those who just happen to have no audio funds whenever the model they want gets a release in black. Heck, I'd be perfectly happy paying a premium just for the finish.

    ... The Jot and Val2 are currently being offered in black. I must stay strong and keep saving up for the amp I actually want. Plus there's that mystery release later this week.
     
  9. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    Schiit actually does offer color/finish options for vidar: http://www.schiit.com/products/vidar
    Why not for Yggdrasil, Gungnir Multibit, and other gears? (I am serious Schiit! :()

    EDIT: Just knew Jot had the same options. Hope it applies to entire products.
     
  10. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

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    They've said this a few times, but basically black doesn't sell as well/fast so the investment they would have to make to offer two colors standard wouldn't really pay off. Turns out most people want their Schiit to match.
     
  11. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    Isn't Jowls selling a black one right now?
     
  12. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    That's a DSHA-2. Not the same design, I even tried it.
     
  13. Magnetostatic_Tubephile

    Magnetostatic_Tubephile Friend

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    Any initial impressions, cskippy? Would you agree with the following phrase from Marv regarding Yggdrasil A2 that posted about two months ago?

    "Don't expect a Metrum sound. The Yggdrasil still has its bold incisiveness, so those wanting a more relaxed and easygoing sound should go elsewhere. This isn't a $1000 Rega table type of sound."

    I would like to upgrade from Modi Multibit to something more higher-end... but am kind of scarred since overly lively/revealing sound is probably not going to work with my favourite music or my preferences. I am sure I would enjoy more dynamic contrasts and "bigger sound" overall compared to Modi Multibit but a healthy compromise with "relaxed/easygoing" route would be appreciated. I do not have any big complaints against Modi Multibit after all, I still love the DAC after almost two years of ownership.

    Btw, I currently have on my shortlist Schiit Yggdrasil, Schiit Gungnir Multibit and Metrum Onyx. Pretty undecided overall among the three but would be willing to buy Yggdrasil / Gungnir Multibit new (due to their modularity) while Onyx would make more sense to chase second-hand (which may be pretty much impossible in EU).
     
  14. bengo

    bengo Friend

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    The Yggdrasil (mine was before the A2 upgrade) is less dark than Modi Multibit, I wouldn't call it bright overall though. Compared with the Pavane L2 it has 'sharper edges', I preferred the Pavane by a small margin in a few areas so I sold my Yggdrasil. The A2 upgrade has more slam so the gap will be even smaller or may put the Yggy2 ahead (this depends on personal preferences most likely). Both are great DACs, you should not lose sleep over small differences when you can adjust the overall sound with rolling tubes, different amps and transducers or even EQ much more easily. Also consider if spending so much on the DAC makes sense for you, rather than upgrade something else in your system first.

    The question I can't answer unfortunately is how good is the Onyx? I did not feel the Amethyst lived up to my expectations. For my preferences Amethyst < Modi Multibit < Yggdrasil A1 < Pavane L2. Maybe you can hear an Onyx at a Metrum dealer in Europe somewhere (exactly where are you in the EU?)
     
  15. Pocomo

    Pocomo Friend

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    I’ve had a new Yggdrasil A2 in my 2-channel home system for 3 weeks now. I’m not experienced with a wide range of gear, but I did have a Modi Multibit in my office 2-channel system for a year. Haven’t heard the Gungnir Multibit or a metrum or any NOS DACs.

    The dynamics and detail of the Yggdrasil A2 are pretty amazing. Piano strings, guitar & bass strings sound much more realistic now, with distinct attack and decay modes. Snare drums, toms and kicks also have an ‘envelope’ of sound, impact followed by decay. Micro-variations coming from a singers throat while they are holding a note are also evident when listening intently, which I had never really noticed before.

    I’ve had trouble in the past with listening fatigue, particularly in my current system when I was using a Ragnarok as an amp. No issues now, I can enjoy listening to Yggdrasil for hours.

    I was thinking about getting a used Gungnir Multibit instead for about 1/3 the money as a new Yggdrasil A2, but I know my habits and after a short while I’d be restless to see what the ‘big brother’ could do. So I cut out that stage and for now I’m quite happy and mostly nervosa-free.

    Good luck with your decision process.
     
  16. SnowPuppy

    SnowPuppy Facebook Friend

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    I had my Yggdrasil since last Tuesday. Hooked it up to my Ragnarok with a DH-Labs Air Matrix balanced cable. I have noticed much of the same things you notice. I played a Dave Brubeck Double Live Telarc CD and I was amazed at the new details I was hearing vs. my Bifrost Multibit. The piano on that CD is also less fatiguing. I have noticed that my Ragnarok seems to have more power now. Do not need to turn the volume up as much and the overall sound is fuller and more open with speakers. Very glad I got the Yggdrasil as it is a perfect match for the Ragnarok. Some of my poorer sounding recording are much more enjoyable now. Though flaws still present other strengths are revealed. I especially appreciate these things when I use my HD800S cans.
     
  17. allegro

    allegro Friend

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    I am jonesing for an Yggdrasil A2 have to wait to see what the tax bill is though. Will take a hit when selling my current DAC but did not appreciate the Yggdrasil until I joined SBAF or would have started with one when I got back into the hobby seriously.
     
  18. Magnetostatic_Tubephile

    Magnetostatic_Tubephile Friend

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    Thank you all for your comments, I enjoy considering all the various perspectives provided in this or other threads by SBAFers.

    I am ready financially to go big with Yggdrasil A2 - it is an investment but a good one in the long term, given the ultimate modularity of the DAC. Thats one of the advantages over Gungnir Multibit anyway - Gungnir Multibit is modular but not as much. The question really is if Gungnir Multibit sonically may not be the better choice for my needs. I listen to extreme metal most of the time during the last two or three years... and that probably wont change anytime soon. Well, I do not listen just to metal music... but lets say my music collection is very scarce on quality masters overall.

    I guess which of the following happens sooner will decide:
    • Schiit Europe stocks Yggdrasil A2 (I have requested an order already)
    • Schiit confirms Gungnir Multibit A2
    :cool:

    P.S.: If I dont like one, will return it and order the other.
    P.P.S: The continuous rumours about Gungnir Multibit A2 are a bit nerve-wracking. I know, sucks to be me.
     
  19. SnowPuppy

    SnowPuppy Facebook Friend

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    I really do not think you can make a bad decision here. Whichever you decide to get don't look back as it will deliver in spades. I think there is some heavy metal that can be well recorded. Some metal albums can have acoustic interludes. I used to just be into just hard rock and progressive rock but over the years I have come to appreciate lots of acoustic music. I personally think the Yggdrasil sounds great with anything I give it. If you can afford it and have the space for it then I would get the Yggdrasil. I have read that the Analog 2 Yggdrasil has a sweeter tonal balance than the original.
     
  20. Thenewerguy009

    Thenewerguy009 Friend

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    Does anyone hear a more intimate sound with the new Yggy2 vs the original?

    Someone on Head-fi said the A2 has a more a more intimate soundstage compare to his original & that the top end was smoothed by a little. That has been the only negative thing I've seen for the A2, depending if you actually consider that as a negative.

    Anyone want to argue against that impression? Most people here say the soundstage is wider rather than more intimate.
     

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