[mab1376]

I do not question the manufacturer’s design choices to enhance the headphone compatibility of the FV, but for me, I embrace the inherent limitations of an exquisite OTL amp like the FV, consider it fundamentally not a “generalist” h/p/a built for all occasions, pair it with high impedance dynamics and utterly ignore the presence of the multiplier.

likewise, I've mainly settled on my HD650 with it.

 

[DougD]

I do not question the manufacturer’s design choices to enhance the headphone compatibility of the FV, but for me, I embrace the inherent limitations of an exquisite OTL amp like the FV, consider it fundamentally not a “generalist” h/p/a built for all occasions, pair it with high impedance dynamics and utterly ignore the presence of the multiplier.

Same, I bought the Folkvangr because of its unfettered toobiness, for high impedance headphones. (Bought it without hearing it, of course.) That's the design use case, as a specialist niche product, and I'm A-okay using it exactly that way. With HD-650s for now, and some ZMF in the future.

At some point I'm sure I'll try the impedance-multiplier with some 'phones, and if I also like that sound, that will be more frosting on the cake.

 

[ScotchNeat]

I meant more on a technical level, for exactly how it operates WRT power and load. It really seems to behave like a S/S buffer, which entirely defeats the purpose of the Folkvangr to my mind.

As I understand it, it connects the headphone jack to two outputs, one of which happens to be an op-amp that's doesn't actually have an input driving it. But the fact that there are now two amps sharing the load, the impedance seen by each goes up.

 

[mab1376]

Same, I bought the Folkvangr because of its unfettered toobiness, for high impedance headphones. (Bought it without hearing it, of course.) That's the design use case, as a specialist niche product, and I'm A-okay using it exactly that way. With HD-650s for now, and some ZMF in the future.

At some point I'm sure I'll try the impedance-multiplier with some 'phones, and if I also like that sound, that will be more frosting on the cake.

I'm really intrigued by ZMF but can't spend that kind of money without a significant audition.

 

[JLoud]

I use the Folkvangr with impedance multiplier on with my Grado GS3000e. Sounds very good. As does the LCD4. I believe Jason has mentioned he uses Grado headphones with it as well. It is more flexible than many believe. I thought it sounded pretty good with my Focal as well.

 

[bokononista]

Folkvangr is stocked (ships in 1-3 days):
https://www.schiit.com/products/folkvangr

 

[DACattack]

I also see that the Loki Max is down from weeks to days as well.

 

[Kapazza]

Folkvangr is stocked (ships in 1-3 days):
https://www.schiit.com/products/folkvangr

Weird...didn't Jason say it was pretty much sold out over a month ago at the Texas Audio Roundup? Wonder if they double backed on limiting to just 250 units.

 

[bokononista]

Weird...didn't Jason say it was pretty much sold out over a month ago at the Texas Audio Roundup? Wonder if they double backed on limiting to just 250 units.

I ordered Aug 28th, should come tomorrow or Monday. I curious what S/N it is.

 

[DACattack]

Weird...didn't Jason say it was pretty much sold out over a month ago

I believe what Jason said is that Schiit had built one half of the 250 allotment and had sold out of those.

 

[433521]

I find the multiplier has a subtle effect and on Grado Hemp, a favorable one. Drop 8xx with no multiplier is nice too. Of course, I really loved this little am battery operated radio my dad gave me when I was a kid.

 

[mab1376]

Fuzz rock is so good with the FV!

the tubiness really takes it the extra mile!

 

[Barnstormer13]

I use the Folkvangr with impedance multiplier on with my Grado GS3000e. Sounds very good. As does the LCD4. I believe Jason has mentioned he uses Grado headphones with it as well. It is more flexible than many believe. I thought it sounded pretty good with my Focal as well.

I’m probably a minority opinion here but I think the multiplier is a great feature.

The whole reason I kept my Lyr 3 for so long even after I had a better sounding tube amp was because my AFC was too low impedance and too high current to sound good on my tube amp. That is not an issue on the FV when the multiplier is engaged.

It sounds so good that depending on the album, I prefer the combo to my VC closed with multiplier off.

Example of a song the FV-AFC rocks


Example where the FV-VC rocks. It really takes off around 2:30

 

[bokononista]

Yay!

 

[bokononista]

First impressions are very good. With HD800S I noticed very nice and big soundstage with an excelent separation and layering. But I also hear a lot of hum - the more tubes are heated, more hum i listen. Anybody else have such an experience?