Schiit Happened: The Story of the World's Most Improbable Start-Up

[valiant66]

And phase switching!!

From my perspective it makes more sense to have phase on the preamp remote than the DAC, since that way you can switch the phase on every source, not just the DAC.

I would further argue there's no point in a phase switch on any device without a remote, since you can best hear the difference from the listening position with quick switching.

(With the possible exception of desktop gear used within arms reach... ; )
.

 

[Jason Stoddard]

Damn you, @Jason Stoddard!!! Why must you toy with us???!!!

OK. I've calmed down now. Congrats on an awesome 2019 and so looking forward to seeing what cool things you are cooking up for 2020. (CD Spinner, please. CD Spinner, please ...)

I'd also love to hear what about Bifrost 2 almost killed it until a blind test saved it. I am sure loving my 2 units.

I really can't say more, because most of the list is pretty provisional. Hell, I'm waiting for prototype boards to come in on two of them, so I may be crazy, and it may not go anywhere.

There's not much story to the Bifrost 2 blind test. I think that some of us just had some sources mixed up. Once we did a proper blind test, the outcome was clear.

 

[exdmd]

Jason it would be AMAZING if the new Yggy has a remote for input switching. Please and thank you

What new Yggdrasil? Jason has already said he does not want to hurt resale value of Yggdrasil for present owners by coming out with a Yggdrasil 2. Unison USB board in January yes.

Depending on how Autonomy is received, it may or may not find its way up the line. However, it almost certainly won’t result in an Yggdrasil 2. Yggdrasil is a significant investment. We want to protect your investment. So, while we will be working to ensure that as many Yggdrasil upgrades as possible don’t require a factory visit, we’re not a fan of burning the current architecture to the ground and starting over. So, I’d expect that if you’d like an Yggdrasil with remote control, you won’t have to sell your current DAC in order to get it. Eventually.

 

[dieslemat]

2019 is a great year for Schiit.
2020 is the year for the Loki Maxi!

 

[tincanear]

What new Yggdrasil? Jason has already said he does not want to hurt resale value of Yggdrasil for present owners by coming out with a Yggdrasil 2. Unison USB board in January yes.

IR remote feature for Yggdrasil will probably require the unit to be sent in for service (new or modified inset front panel with tapered hole for IR sensor, new front panel PCBA, new firmware).

@Jason Stoddard could a micro-usb slot (for firmware upgrades) be added INTERNALLY to the new IR front panel PCBA? firmware updates would still require chassis disassembly for micro-usb slot access, but eliminate the $$$ round trip shipping to/from the factory

 

[Ripper2860]

Or maybe a new front panel with tapered hole will not be required...



https://www.amazon.com/Inteset-Infr...=ir+receiver+extension&qid=1577745376&sr=8-18


(Just Kidding -- I hope.)

 

[hearditontheX]

I love that Schiit is always innovating, but at the same time admit when they could have done things better. I would be sad if Sol did not continue, but would have more respect for Schiit if that happened because it did not meet their standards.

 

[PioBeer]

I have a feeling trying to mass produce a precision device to the nth degree like a great turn table should be would be the ultimate exercise in frustration and gnashing of teeth. I wouldn't blame them one bit if they decided to ditch it. Would be a sad day, though...

 

[tincanear]

Or maybe a new front panel with tapered hole will not be required...



https://www.amazon.com/Inteset-Infr...=ir+receiver+extension&qid=1577745376&sr=8-18


(Just Kidding -- I hope.)

yes, there are IrDA and similar adapters to RS-232, USB, i2s, but you still have to get the electrical signals to a micro-processor or DSP chip somewhere inside the box.

 

[Ripper2860]

Sure, of course there would have to be electronics and firmware, but the actual sensor does not have to be in the case front panel, as I mentioned. I'm sure Schiit will come up with something more elegant as an IR sensor than what I posted, however.

 

[dajokr]

Hoping a Schiit CD transport makes its way into the world in 2020. I am moving in the Fall of 2020 into a bigger place, and would love to add one to my planned order of a Yggy/Ragnarok combo in around Sept. Loving my Bifrost 2 / Jotunheim combo in the meantime. Congrats on a great year!!

 

[bcowen]

Excellent chapter, and excellent year!

• What’s a truly modern, totally insane (but still analog) phono preamp look like?

I'm sure that's a statement dressed up like a question, but just in case:

1. Must have full gain capabilities. No fair stopping with gain for high output cartridges only -- gotta have enough to make a .25 mv moving coil sing
2. Must have tubes (duh). I'm OK with step-up trannies to get into low output cartridge territory, although if you want to do it all with tubes I'll buy the first one.
3. A high quality rotary switch with at least 6 loading values. DIP switches would be secondarily OK, but they have to be easily accessible. Add user-changeable values and I'll grovel at your feet.
4. A front-mounted mute switch, or alternatively a remote with mute capability. A must have, IMO.
5. A front mounted mono switch, please and pretty please?
6. A switchable 20 Hz brick-wall rumble filter. Maybe make a 15 Hz option for @johnjen
   
7. An absolute phase switch would be cool, but not a show stopper if absent.
8. Make it sound like Schiit. I mean that in the nice way -- I've heard too many phono stages that attempt to make an LP sound like a CD. No thanks. (not maligning CD's, but if I want to listen to one I have plenty).

 

[Ripper2860]

@bcowen -- I was gonna answer that it would look like a dodecahedron, but I like your answer better.

 

[RCBinTN]

A great year-end chapter, Jason, and a super year for Schiit Audio. You folks are on the cutting edge.
Congrats on your up-coming 10-year celebration. It's been fun watching your company grow and advance your technology ...

I am very interested in further digital developments.
Not surprised there's no path to a Gungnir 2. If I were to buy a new DAC now, it would be the Bifrost2. The product is a win-win.

All the best for a happy, healthy, prosperous and fun New Year!
Kind regards,
RCBinTN

 

[Derrick Swart]

As one of those who was hoping for linear extrapolation to a Gungnir 2, I guess it won't be as simple as I hoped.

+1