Schiit Asgard: Unboxing and First Impressions

[Ruffle]

Where are the interior pictures?

 

[Roscoeiii]

If the pics aren't in this thread, try the general Schiit Audio thread. IIRC, there aren't great internal pics posted yet, but some pics have been taken.

 

[Jason Stoddard]

Yes, sorry about the lack of good internal pix--we've been working through a small change on the Valhalla production metalwork, and that's been all-consuming. I should have some good pix up shortly (as in, this evening or tomorrow.)

 

[Steve Eddy]

Quote:

I should have some good pix up shortly (as in, this evening or tomorrow.)

 
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[chesebert]

This thread sounds more FOTM-like by the day.
 
To pull-back from some of the unrealistic expectations:
 
I expect the amp to sound (1) congested on the top with a lack of extension (2) loose on the bottom with a lack of definition (3) not very dynamic (4) compressed/busy during tough symphonic passages (Mahler 5); (5) warm through the midrange, but is not very transparent and (6) run out of power more easily than other amps.
 

I already know this amp runs extremely hot - I guess as hot if not hotter than Dynahi - and cannot be safely left on 24/7

 

[Beagle]

I'm puzzled. Why are some people buying a $249 amp when they already own multi megabux amplification?

 

[reiserFS]

Quote:

I'm puzzled. Why are some people buying a $249 amp when they already own multi megabux amplification?

 Because I like to try out new products in different price leagues and how they sound, especially when they're made in the USA.

 

[chesebert]

Quote:

I'm puzzled. Why are some people buying a $249 amp when they already own multi megabux amplification?

1. more headphones than amps
2. need a 2nd/3rd/4th/5th/office/backup system
3. 15-day money back guarantee
 
 
 

 

[Beagle]

Quote:

1. more headphones than amps
 
 

I have a few amps and quite a few headphones, because none of them can 'do it all'. If I could afford that top of the line amp which would let me 'have it all', I would not keep anything subpar.

 

[Br777]

 
Quote:

I expect the amp to sound (1) congested on the top with a lack of extension (2) loose on the bottom with a lack of definition (3) not very dynamic (4) compressed/busy during tough symphonic passages (Mahler 5); (5) warm through the midrange, but is not very transparent and (6) run out of power more easily than other amps.
 

well... does it?

 

[achristilaw]

 
Quote:

This thread sounds more FOTM-like by the day.
 
To pull-back from some of the unrealistic expectations:
 
I expect the amp to sound (1) congested on the top with a lack of extension (2) loose on the bottom with a lack of definition (3) not very dynamic (4) compressed/busy during tough symphonic passages (Mahler 5); (5) warm through the midrange, but is not very transparent and (6) run out of power more easily than other amps.
 

I already know this amp runs extremely hot - I guess as hot if not hotter than Dynahi - and cannot be safely left on 24/7

Sounds like a typical MOSFET amp you mean? That's unkind from my part I suppose as most FET amps have left me flat. But the price is NICE and the amp is available and shipping! Warm is how most of the folks at Head-Fi like their Music, it covers a lot of mistakes elsewhere in the chain and that is the Crux!! Most people will pair it with entry levels source types, and be quite happy in doing so I imagine.
 
It's a tiny price for an amp in the scheme of things..and the bright side, with such low expectations, you will be delighted by any on that list that when/if the performance surpasses one or two of those items. 

 

[Clayton SF]

x2
hear, hear. Y'hear?
Tiny price, in this Schiit case = wonderful sonic rewards.

 

[kwkarth]

Quote:

This thread sounds more FOTM-like by the day.
 
To pull-back from some of the unrealistic expectations:
 
I expect the amp to sound (1) congested on the top with a lack of extension (2) loose on the bottom with a lack of definition (3) not very dynamic (4) compressed/busy during tough symphonic passages (Mahler 5); (5) warm through the midrange, but is not very transparent and (6) run out of power more easily than other amps.

I already know this amp runs extremely hot - I guess as hot if not hotter than Dynahi - and cannot be safely left on 24/7

So, you've never heard the Asgard, right?
 

 

[kite7]

I guess he hasn't heard it but I'm more curious about which MOSFET amp(s) chesebert has heard that fits the above description for him to assume the Asgard is no different.
 
Does anyone know if the Asgard could be left on for 7-8 hours straight?
 
 
Quote:

Where are the interior pictures?

 
I too would like to see the interior pictures without having to pry open one myself.

 

[kwkarth]

Quote:

I guess he hasn't heard it but I'm more curious about which MOSFET amp(s) chesebert has heard that fits the above description for him to assume the Asgard is no different.
 
Does anyone know if the Asgard could be left on for 7-8 hours straight?
 
 
 
I too would like to see the interior pictures without having to pry open one myself.

Yes, no problem, I've regularly left mine on from 6am to 10pm.  Just make sure the air can circulate around it properly.