1. Overall, the Jot seems very neutral in presentation. Though, if you’re very picky (after all, you are on this forum), some might consider this a slight bit ‘forward’ in presentation. IMO, this is a benefit, not a detraction.
2. Switching the gain will produce VERY slight “pops” in the balanced pre-amp out and the SE headphone out. Absolutely no pops over balanced HP output.
3. Jeez, this has gobs of power!!! With the 800S, my limit is about 9 o’clock for pop/rock; 11 with (very high dynamic range) classic music. If nothing else, the HP amy does NOT suffer from lack of power!
4. This definitely “punches above it’s weight.” The overall value is better than most Schiit products (with the possible exception of the Mimby), which is very impressive — considering their track record!! 
5. The Jot has amazing flexibility! It bridges the chasm of Single Ended and Balance, both as a pre-amp and an hp amp. It is a most-welcomed addition to my home rig. 
6. At $499 (USD), this is an great entry point for someone getting in to a computer DAC/amp. While the internal DAC is not up to par with a multi-bit, it is absolutely no slouch. Later on, it is very easy to add an external DAC, either SE or balanced. For example, I have a Gumby in my HT system. When I replace it (eventually…), I can just move the Gumby over to my computer. 
7. When using the Angies at low gain, there is a VERY slight lean to the right side (audio-wise) when I first bring up the volume. But that quickly evens out. This is insignificant IMO (esp. considering the price of the Jot).
8. When placed on top of a Bimby, it does get a bit warm. It is not hot to the touch. Definitely not as hot as an Asgard, but warmer than the Bimby.

maconi said:

  It's a shame that the Jotunheim supports balanced in/out but the DAC isn't multibit. The only balanced multibit DACs in Schiit's lineup are the Gunginir and Yggdrasil. I have the Yggy beside of me, but if I could have paired up a multibit DAC with the Jotunheim for under $1k I would have instantly bought it (for traveling/work/etc.). The only way I could see them hitting that pricepoint thought is if it's possible to convert the Modi Multibit to balanced in/out (that or somehow make a multibit expansion card for the Jotunheim). I guess I'll hold out and see what Schiit does in the coming months. 

 

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drheadphone said:

Got my Jot today and love it. I bought it as a secondary amp to my Rag and paired it balanced with my Oppo BDP-105D. For now I'm mainly using it for movie watching and bedside listening - the task of my former Vali2. I liked the Vali2. Super neutral, clear and pairs well with all of my headphones (HE560, HD650, TH-X00 and LCD3F). The Jot takes that sound and irons it out with better linearity, greater extension and improved detail and soundstage. It retains some of the smoothness of the Vali2 and I even detect a slight midbass emphasis like the Vali2. Impressive for $400 and very likely worth 2-3 times that. Not quite on the same level as the Rag (which has cleaner bass, more extension and even better resolution) but close. Like a little brother pretending to be his big brother. But being little is okay too...


As for the DAC section, "pinch hitter" is a great description. It's not gonna win any awards. I even prefer the Oppo BDP-105D USB DAC (Sabre 9018) over the Jot. But it's nice to have in a pinch.

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maconi said:

  It's a shame that the Jotunheim supports balanced in/out but the DAC isn't multibit. The only balanced multibit DACs in Schiit's lineup are the Gunginir and Yggdrasil. I have the Yggy beside of me, but if I could have paired up a multibit DAC with the Jotunheim for under $1k I would have instantly bought it (for traveling/work/etc.). The only way I could see them hitting that pricepoint thought is if it's possible to convert the Modi Multibit to balanced in/out (that or somehow make a multibit expansion card for the Jotunheim). I guess I'll hold out and see what Schiit does in the coming months. 

 

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baldr said:

 
... (much less a Jodie) ..

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alex martin said:

 
There is no DSD functionality on the Jotunheim DAC board.  There will be no DSD functionality added to any Schiit product for the foreseeable future.  Jason and Mike have said more times than I can count that we won't be pursuing DSD.  Why would we pursue a dying standard when Mike, Jason, and Dave can utilize their time building better DACs and amps that take advantage of their years of collective experience.  If Sony truly supported DSD, they would have spent the millions to open their vaults and convert a massive music catalog.  Why would we support this standard when the company that created the standard won't even support it?

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yethal said:

There is a conspiracy theory circling around the Internet that Sony will never release the DSD records out of fear that the combined scream of all diehard DSD fans will put Earth out of its orbit.

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vigrith said:

Damn, all 15 of them?






(Sorry, I'll show myself out)

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limu shirin said:

HEy everyone, any background hiss with IEMs or sensetive cans with jotunheim?

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limu shirin said:

  HEy everyone, any background hiss with IEMs or sensetive cans with jotunheim?

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jude said:

   
With my FitEar MH334 custom-fit, using its DAC module as source (which would the same as using the balanced input), plugging into the Jotunheim reveals a barely detectable self-noise from the amp--I mean barely there, and low enough to be lost in recorded room noise.

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