Schiit Asgard: Unboxing and First Impressions

[MrQ]

Schitt Ragnarök

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

I only had a few minutes with the Asgard, so no detailed opinions are forthcoming, especially numerical ratings.  I do think the numerical rating being among other gear in it's price range and class would make more sense than an absolute rating out of everything out there.
 
If I was pinned down and asked, all I can say is that it would fit well among my other amps in the $180 - $400 price range, but where it sits exactly I cannot say.  If I had a use for another budget amp then I'd consider buying it and comparing to my other similar priced amps (Quinpu A-3, EF2, Travagans Red, Nuforce Icon, Meier Headfive, Micro Amp, EF5, HDP). 

 

[vitzijak]

Guys, perhaps Im being gauche, but I love double euphemisms, as in the genius behind name it Schiit As*guard
 
That's why I love "Frigg" as in "Frick", substitute for "..." , surely there must be better ones?
 
In regard to ratings, of course in subjective things there can be no true absolute 10, but I think a reasonable perfect 10 could be rendering a live concert in an excellent acoustic setting.  Obviously this would hold truer to an acoustic concert...
 
1/10 could be poor AM radio underneath a bridge on your car stereo.
 
I'd love to see at least a range of numbers for amps.  I don't like the idea of rating within a category of amps because the categories are far too blurry.  As a Noob, I get quite confused, especially when trying to ascertain performance vs value in the Headgear ranking system.

 

[logwed]

Quote:

Guys, perhaps Im being gauche, but I love double euphemisms, as in the genius behind name it Schiit As*guard
 
 

I don't think that they intended that...

 

[MrProggie]

Quote:

Guys, perhaps Im being gauche, but I love double euphemisms, as in the genius behind name it Schiit As*guard
 

Can you please explain the double euphemism behind Schiit Valhalla?

 

[vitzijak]

 
Quote:

Can you please explain the double euphemism behind Schiit Valhalla?

That's my disapointment - I can't think of one.  "Asgard" is pure genius in its stupid simplicity. Even if it was unintentional, it's still wonderful, and should be continued!!!
 

 

[sampson_smith]

I think that it is pronounced 'azgard', if I am not mistaken. Still... gotta love the company name and the overall 'vibe' so far. Getting closer and closer to pulling the trigger on one of these solid state beaut's.
 
I wonder when the next batch of B-stock Asgards will be available. Anyone out there know how much shipping to Canada has been? (Fingers crossed that they ship via USPS, as FedEx and UPS tend to be pretty bad regarding duty and brokerage fees.)

 

[Yoga Flame]

Actually, nice thing about the Schiit is it's made in the USA. So if I understand correctly, the North American Free Trade Agreement means no duties or brokerage fees for Canadians!
 
I'm totally with you the insane UPS brokerage fees though. I ordered some supplies from the US once, and some of them happened to be made in Japan. Boom! Automatic $50 brokerage fee from UPS on top of the actual duties and taxes. And they don't tell you until they're at the door, holding the package hostage.

 

[charliex]

Quote:

I wonder when the next batch of B-stock Asgards will be available. Anyone out there know how much shipping to Canada has been? (Fingers crossed that they ship via USPS, as FedEx and UPS tend to be pretty bad regarding duty and brokerage fees.)

$34.00 for postage via USPS Priority    (I just pulled the trigger and ordered ; )

 

[charliex]

Quote:

Actually, nice thing about the Schiit is it's made in the USA. So if I understand correctly, the North American Free Trade Agreement means no duties or brokerage fees for Canadians!
 
I'm totally with you the insane UPS brokerage fees though. I ordered some supplies from the US once, and some of them happened to be made in Japan. Boom! Automatic $50 brokerage fee from UPS on top of the actual duties and taxes. And they don't tell you until they're at the door, holding the package hostage.

Sorry to tell you but NAFTA does not block fees to individual Canadians - it relates to the complex economics of tariffs between countries.   You WILL still be hit with duties and brokerage fees. USA made products ARE most definitely subject to customs duties and brokerage fees without exception.

 

[kite7]

Quote:

I think that it is pronounced 'azgard', if I am not mistaken. Still... gotta love the company name and the overall 'vibe' so far. Getting closer and closer to pulling the trigger on one of these solid state beaut's.
 
I wonder when the next batch of B-stock Asgards will be available. Anyone out there know how much shipping to Canada has been? (Fingers crossed that they ship via USPS, as FedEx and UPS tend to be pretty bad regarding duty and brokerage fees.)

Shipping was $33.45 for me to the west coast. It came in 7 days including weekend and the day it was ordered. I ordered it in the afternoon and it was shipped out in the same afternoon. It was shipping using USPS and I had to pay customs.

 

[sampson_smith]

Thanks very much for the shipping and customs info, guys. Much appreciated! If it is USPS that they are shipping with, I will be in great shape. So very eager to pull the trigger!

 

[doctorandrew]

Hey Jason.  What's the update on the Valhalla =D.  I'm slowly dying here waiting with bated breath.  

 

[Jason Stoddard]

Hey guys--quick Valhalla update: we're still on track for the end of the month. No other roadblocks, no changes. I'm very happy with the solution the chassis guys came up with.

 

[TheWuss]

are you refering to the additional venting holes?
i sure would love to see some current pics...