Schiit AMP choices for my Q701's/HD 650's
Oct 20, 2014 at 7:42 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 9

elucidate

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Hello guys,
 
Long time lurker here. I'd like to upgrade from my fiio e9 because I've become bored of its warm sound signature. I'm currently debating between the valhalla 2 and the asgard 2. I'm looking for a neutral reference quality sound signature with emphasis on soundstage for classical music and vocal trance. My question is, which of the following amps would suite me best? My budget $450-500 CAD.
 
I look forward to hearing your opinions.
 
Cheers!
 
Oct 20, 2014 at 9:46 PM Post #3 of 9
I can tell you the Asgard 2 is clean,transparent,well balanced and just a bit on the warm side(no pun intended)sounding for a SS amp. It should power most any set of cans with ease.
 
Oct 20, 2014 at 10:12 PM Post #5 of 9
  I'm currently using an HT Omega Claro Plus+ sound card that has an AK4396VF chip. I plan to upgrade to the Bifrost Uber soon though.

 
So I guess you'll just plug the Bifrost into the Claro's S/PDIF optical port :)
 
Did you remember to disable your motherboard's on-board audio, in the BIOS, when you installed the Clara.
 
Have you tried the Unified Xonar Drivers?
http://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/
 
Oct 21, 2014 at 12:08 AM Post #6 of 9
   
So I guess you'll just plug the Bifrost into the Claro's S/PDIF optical port :)
 
Did you remember to disable your motherboard's on-board audio, in the BIOS, when you installed the Clara.
 
Have you tried the Unified Xonar Drivers?
http://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/

 
Indeed I will =P. There's no point in spending an extra $100 for the usb connection. I haven't disabled anything in the bios, only through windows. Will this lead to any problems in the future? Regarding unified xonar drivers, I haven't heard of them. Are they better than the standard drivers?
 
Thanks again!
 
Oct 21, 2014 at 10:25 AM Post #7 of 9
   
Indeed I will =P. There's no point in spending an extra $100 for the USB connection. I haven't disabled anything in the bios, only through windows. Will this lead to any problems in the future? Regarding Unified Xonar Drivers, I haven't heard of them. Are they better than the standard drivers?
 
Thanks again!

 
Sometimes active on-board audio will cause issues with add-on sound cards.
 
I'm guessing the guy who does the UXD (Unified Xonar Drivers) is a little more free to do tweaks to the software, then the guys at Asus.
 
Oct 21, 2014 at 10:59 AM Post #8 of 9
The Asgard 2 is a great match with the Q701. I use the set to master and mix. Great choice, though Valhalla 2 is a great Amp for certain Situations, I prefer the Asgard for Classical,my main listening for pleasure. The Valhalla comes in handy for slightly less analytical listening sessions, and to give my ears a break sometimes. It drive my Grado PS500 mostly. I own both, fed by a UberBifrost and Macbook Pro. Never regretted a single Dollar spent on Shiit.
 
Oct 21, 2014 at 7:23 PM Post #9 of 9
  The Asgard 2 is a great match with the Q701. I use the set to master and mix. Great choice, though Valhalla 2 is a great Amp for certain Situations, I prefer the Asgard for Classical,my main listening for pleasure. The Valhalla comes in handy for slightly less analytical listening sessions, and to give my ears a break sometimes. It drive my Grado PS500 mostly. I own both, fed by a UberBifrost and Macbook Pro. Never regretted a single Dollar spent on Shiit.

 
Asgard2 it is then. Thank you, sir!
 

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