Schiit Happened: The Story of the World's Most Improbable Start-Up
- Thread starter Jason Stoddard
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- schiit audio schiit-audio
TheTechQ
Head-Fier
You are correct, but I am using a Modius, so both balanced and unbalanced sources are available.
Balthazar B
500+ Head-Fier
@Rensek – You’ve got a lot going on but have a great attitude! Good to hear you are enjoying the LRS pair. We’ve sure been enjoying ours also, driven by the Vidar/Freya set. My wife and I just recently completed a 3-month project of our music lounge and my office over the garage. The room is 30 years old and it’s the first time it has been repainted and recarpeted. We painted all of the doors, installed new window and baseboard trim. New outlets, and LED can-lights. I ripped out the window seat and installed a built-in cabinet for LPs and CDs. It takes a long time when each finish coat of paint takes 16 hours to dry! The project helped us ignore aspects of these trying times while listening to music and podcasts throughout. Went through a bit of Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve during the process…
Shown here is some of the fruits of our efforts. Have a great weekend!
Is that a little REL sub on the right?
NM, I see that it's a Sumiko.
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StevePNW
100+ Head-Fier
No @Balthazar B but related to REL! It is a Sumiko S.5. It blends nicely with the LRSs. If I ever changed it out I would likely go REL as a first choice.
golfbravobravo
Headphoneus Supremus
They have had a couple of shutdowns. Fortunately, mine (and a.n.other.person here went to BG last year
)
Ripper2860
Headphoneus Supremus
Very Nice. I'm seriously considering LRS - awaiting an email with final pricing from Magnepan. If you don't mind me asking, what are your room dimensions? I'm a bit concerned with my 10'x12' room. Gear and LRS would be on the 12' with LRS 3 feet from rear wall and 3 feet from side walls. I would be approx 6.5' from each LRS forming an equalateral triangle. Is this a recipe for success or failure?@Rensek – You’ve got a lot going on but have a great attitude! Good to hear you are enjoying the LRS pair. We’ve sure been enjoying ours also, driven by the Vidar/Freya set. My wife and I just recently completed a 3-month project of our music lounge and my office over the garage. The room is 30 years old and it’s the first time it has been repainted and recarpeted. We painted all of the doors, installed new window and baseboard trim. New outlets, and LED can-lights. I ripped out the window seat and installed a built-in cabinet for LPs and CDs. It takes a long time when each finish coat of paint takes 16 hours to dry! The project helped us ignore aspects of these trying times while listening to music and podcasts throughout. Went through a bit of Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve during the process…
Shown here is some of the fruits of our efforts. Have a great weekend!
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StevePNW
100+ Head-Fier
@Ripper2860 - I have a weird shaped room due to the storage closed to the left and a walk-in clothes closet to the back left separated by a short hallway to the master BR. The main part of my room is 12x13 plus the 2 foot bump-out where the LP/CD cabinet is. My office nook is a 6x7-1/2 foot space aft of the right listening chair. I suspect that, depending on what doors I leave open or cracked, that this odd shape is fairly resistant to serious standing waves. I will say that the LRSs do very well in near-field situations too. They are very easy to move around to experiment. I have them approximately 8 feet apart and my listening chairs are about 8 feet back at the ears when reclined a bit. The other thing I like about these speakers is that while the sound in the sweet spot to me has great soundstage/imaging, they are also very enjoyable at my desk or off-axis for all-around listening at different volume levels..even behind the speakers which are about 3 feet off the far wall. Cheers
Derrick Swart
Headphoneus Supremus
Oh°. I can't speak to football either. Currently, my football team doesn't even have an official name.
Varejao17
100+ Head-Fier
Apropos of nothing in particular, I just finished cataloging my collection of CDs, LPs, and FLACs for which I don't have physical media. 1211 total entries. Some of which I really cringed at when entering (talk about taste changing.) I'm a packrat so I'm not likely to be selling any of these.
Jason Stoddard
Sponsor: Schiit Audio
Saturday update, or things still crazy (but getting better) and stuff does blow up.
Yeah, I know, I know, when are we going to be out of the current backorders/delays/etc? The short answer is that I don't know. Nor does Alex. Nor does Tyler. At least not with 100% clarity. The reality is that we have managed most of the short-term parts scarcity problems, and we're now ramping up production immensely. As in, I just placed an order for 9x more boards (for a single product) than we would normally have ordered 2 years ago, and 4.5x what we would have ordered last year.
That's...completely nuts.
(For those of you wondering why 9x and not 10x or 8x, think in terms of PCB panels. Most of our smaller products are done 3-up, so you get a lot of 3x multipliers.)
But it will take some time to ramp. And I'm sure there will be bumps in the road, stuff we can never predict. Chevrolet didn't want to shut down the Corvette plant because of an electronic part that's not even in their core business...but electronics are our core business, so expect some truly wacky stuff before the year is out.
I mean, part of the craziness is that we had 5 new product developments dumped in our laps unexpectedly at the end of last year due to the AKM disaster. Five products literally out of nowhere. Products we never expected to have to design and bring to production. This is on top of other new products that were already in development.
Let me repeat that: not ONE new product, not TWO new products, but FIVE. That is a metric ****ton of products. Because even if they use the same chassis, even if they use the same packaging, it's not like "throw a PCB together and call it done," it's literally the whole enchilada, from experimenting with different alternate parts to learning how to make them work their best to multiple layouts and prototypes to measurements and tweaks to FCC certification to new test routines to product ramp to manuals to PR to product copy to specs...experienced engineers and product managers are shivering right now.
And now, I hear from AKM that the AK4490 and AK4113 are done. Over. Poof. Dirt-napped. We still don't have schedules on any of their other parts. So yeah, I'm very very happy we took the problem seriously and spent a ton of time working on those 5 new products "just in case." But still, they are new products, and they are a lot of work. (As to when the AKM replacements will show up, or what they will be, sorry, I don't know yet. I know we will be shipping AKM for quite some time in the future, perhaps till the end of the year.)
However, there is good news. Like I said, we've managed most of the short-term scarcity, meaning we actually have things like tubes to ship Freyas (but not enough PCB assembly capacity yet). Yes, tubes. As in, we have bought three suppliers completely dry. Now it looks like things are scheduled OK for the future, but we'll see.
And more good news: we will finally be in a position to fulfill distributor orders this month. It's not for all products, and quantities may still be limited, but it does include Bifrost 2 and Jotunheim 2. But it is, at least, something.
And more good news: Corpus Christi is proceeding ahead of schedule. When that's up and running next month, and stuff like the 9x larger board order is flowing through there, then things can suddenly get a lot better, because California will finally have the capability to make many more large products, since they won't be testing a myriad of small products.
Which brings me to a bit more news: I'll be heading out to Corpus for a while on Wednesday, so I've been working on getting a lot of stuff finalized. Including one product I'd really, really, really like to finish up, because I've probably blown it up more than any other during development. I thought I finally had it thermally stable and stable stable (except for one truly bizarre 100kHz ramp oscillation that triggered only when the output relays engaged, and was resistant to any kind of Zobel--yes 100 kilohertz, yes, I know it makes no sense), when it blew up on power testing.
I think I know why: I was overreaching. I was trying to get wayyyy toooo much out of a tiny, tiny enclosure, and everything just gave up. The power transformer was very, very hot--almost 30% over the real output voltage target--and I was hoping to surprise myself with very high output power. In the end, physics handed me my ass. So, the way forward is to scale it back to what it should have been, and double up on the output devices, and be happy with the result. The early flea-power prototype sounded very good; I was just trying to scale it up too much.
And a final bit of news: because I'll be traveling on Wednesday, you get Mike for the Virtual Schiitrmeet this week again. More details forthcoming, but if you figure on it being at 4PM PST on our YouTube and Facebook presences, that's a good bet. If you can't wait to send questions until the announcement on Monday, please send them to denise@schiit.com
Thanks again for reading...more chapters are forthcoming, I promise.
Yeah, I know, I know, when are we going to be out of the current backorders/delays/etc? The short answer is that I don't know. Nor does Alex. Nor does Tyler. At least not with 100% clarity. The reality is that we have managed most of the short-term parts scarcity problems, and we're now ramping up production immensely. As in, I just placed an order for 9x more boards (for a single product) than we would normally have ordered 2 years ago, and 4.5x what we would have ordered last year.
That's...completely nuts.
(For those of you wondering why 9x and not 10x or 8x, think in terms of PCB panels. Most of our smaller products are done 3-up, so you get a lot of 3x multipliers.)
But it will take some time to ramp. And I'm sure there will be bumps in the road, stuff we can never predict. Chevrolet didn't want to shut down the Corvette plant because of an electronic part that's not even in their core business...but electronics are our core business, so expect some truly wacky stuff before the year is out.
I mean, part of the craziness is that we had 5 new product developments dumped in our laps unexpectedly at the end of last year due to the AKM disaster. Five products literally out of nowhere. Products we never expected to have to design and bring to production. This is on top of other new products that were already in development.
Let me repeat that: not ONE new product, not TWO new products, but FIVE. That is a metric ****ton of products. Because even if they use the same chassis, even if they use the same packaging, it's not like "throw a PCB together and call it done," it's literally the whole enchilada, from experimenting with different alternate parts to learning how to make them work their best to multiple layouts and prototypes to measurements and tweaks to FCC certification to new test routines to product ramp to manuals to PR to product copy to specs...experienced engineers and product managers are shivering right now.
And now, I hear from AKM that the AK4490 and AK4113 are done. Over. Poof. Dirt-napped. We still don't have schedules on any of their other parts. So yeah, I'm very very happy we took the problem seriously and spent a ton of time working on those 5 new products "just in case." But still, they are new products, and they are a lot of work. (As to when the AKM replacements will show up, or what they will be, sorry, I don't know yet. I know we will be shipping AKM for quite some time in the future, perhaps till the end of the year.)
However, there is good news. Like I said, we've managed most of the short-term scarcity, meaning we actually have things like tubes to ship Freyas (but not enough PCB assembly capacity yet). Yes, tubes. As in, we have bought three suppliers completely dry. Now it looks like things are scheduled OK for the future, but we'll see.
And more good news: we will finally be in a position to fulfill distributor orders this month. It's not for all products, and quantities may still be limited, but it does include Bifrost 2 and Jotunheim 2. But it is, at least, something.
And more good news: Corpus Christi is proceeding ahead of schedule. When that's up and running next month, and stuff like the 9x larger board order is flowing through there, then things can suddenly get a lot better, because California will finally have the capability to make many more large products, since they won't be testing a myriad of small products.
Which brings me to a bit more news: I'll be heading out to Corpus for a while on Wednesday, so I've been working on getting a lot of stuff finalized. Including one product I'd really, really, really like to finish up, because I've probably blown it up more than any other during development. I thought I finally had it thermally stable and stable stable (except for one truly bizarre 100kHz ramp oscillation that triggered only when the output relays engaged, and was resistant to any kind of Zobel--yes 100 kilohertz, yes, I know it makes no sense), when it blew up on power testing.
I think I know why: I was overreaching. I was trying to get wayyyy toooo much out of a tiny, tiny enclosure, and everything just gave up. The power transformer was very, very hot--almost 30% over the real output voltage target--and I was hoping to surprise myself with very high output power. In the end, physics handed me my ass. So, the way forward is to scale it back to what it should have been, and double up on the output devices, and be happy with the result. The early flea-power prototype sounded very good; I was just trying to scale it up too much.
And a final bit of news: because I'll be traveling on Wednesday, you get Mike for the Virtual Schiitrmeet this week again. More details forthcoming, but if you figure on it being at 4PM PST on our YouTube and Facebook presences, that's a good bet. If you can't wait to send questions until the announcement on Monday, please send them to denise@schiit.com
Thanks again for reading...more chapters are forthcoming, I promise.
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A Jedi
500+ Head-Fier
Is that the new 200W mono Aegir? It's ok to lie to me by just saying "yes". Because I'll be happy.
r2muchstuff
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2014
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Schiit N Music
Story / Saturday Night continued; seven (7) weeks later.
More of the same except:
My very cute granddaughter’s (more and more cute) other grandparents appear to be recovered however, my sister and brother in law continue to have leftover issues.
Today we received the second dose of Pfizer vaccine. We feel lucky.
Not much will change with us; except we may be sanguine about it all.
Now nine (9) hours on and doing well.
Three (3), new to me, CDs arrived today.
Feeling OK (and sanguine) we cooked a nice dinner, listened to the new CDs whole house and enjoyed ourselves.
Note: whole house is MacBook Pro (Apple Lossless) -> Gungnir MB Unison -> Pioneer Spec 1 & 4 stack and (tonight) bar Bifrost MB-> Pioneer SX 1280 and den Bifrost MB -> Pioneer Spec 3 -> Exclusive M3.
I have settled at the headphone station: Same MacBook Pro (Apple Lossless) -> Gungnir MB Unison feeding single ended -> Pioneer Series 20 U24 Program Selector (think major SYS) -> Asgard 2 -> Grado Prestige SR325e. I have posted before, that with proper music choice, this setup sounds just wonderful.
I also have the choice of a Cambridge CXc connected to the Gungnir MB. Played two of the new CDs which worked exceptionally with the Grado kit. Toe tapping / foot moving feel good.
The new CDs I am enjoying are:
Dedicated - Steve Cropper
2011 album from the veteran guitar slinger. As the original guitarist of Stax Records house band Booker T. & The M.G.'s., Steve Cropper has had a storied career. Voted #36 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time, Cropper has worked with Blues legends such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and the Blues Brothers Band. Dedicated is a tribute to R&B and Doo Wop act, The 5 Royales. The collection features reworked versions of the groups most enduring songs, and includes duets with Steve Winwood, Lucinda Williams, Bettye LaVette, John Popper, Sharon Jones, and others.
The Last Shade of Blue Before Black - Original Blues Brothers Band
Severn Records is proud to release the new album by The Original Blues Brothers Band 'The Last Shade of Blue Before Black.' In addition to original band members Steve Cropper and Blue Lou Marini, The Last Shade features guests Dr John (Qualified.) Matt 'Guitar' Murphy( Don't Go No Further,) Bluesman Joe Louis Walker (Don't Go No Further,) Paul Shaffer (Sex Machine) and the legendary Eddie Floyd (Don't Forget About James Brown and On a Saturday Night.) Packaged in 8 Panel Digipak The Last Shade of Blue Before Black is a must for all Blues lovers.
The third CD did not make the headphone cut. Live album and would sound like ass on the Grado kit.
Sounded fine whole house and a fun listen.
Blues Guitar Night: Live On Air 1992 / Various Artists
Recorded live in Sevilla, Spain in 1992
Magical and Historic night of the Blues with BB King, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Bo Didley, Dave Edmunds, Steve Cropper and more. Its a rare history of perfect night of Blues music.
Other stuff keeps getting the way of ordering more Schiit.
Thinking a Vali 2+ and a late production Modi MB may come this way soonish.
Lyr 3 and new Bifrost later?
Enough, back to a CD before bed.
Flash; by the time I finished this Jason has posted. Great updates and news. Sounds like my shopping list could grow.
Be careful,
&
Enjoy the Schiit N Music
Story / Saturday Night continued; seven (7) weeks later.
More of the same except:
My very cute granddaughter’s (more and more cute) other grandparents appear to be recovered however, my sister and brother in law continue to have leftover issues.
Today we received the second dose of Pfizer vaccine. We feel lucky.
Not much will change with us; except we may be sanguine about it all.
Now nine (9) hours on and doing well.
Three (3), new to me, CDs arrived today.
Feeling OK (and sanguine) we cooked a nice dinner, listened to the new CDs whole house and enjoyed ourselves.
Note: whole house is MacBook Pro (Apple Lossless) -> Gungnir MB Unison -> Pioneer Spec 1 & 4 stack and (tonight) bar Bifrost MB-> Pioneer SX 1280 and den Bifrost MB -> Pioneer Spec 3 -> Exclusive M3.
I have settled at the headphone station: Same MacBook Pro (Apple Lossless) -> Gungnir MB Unison feeding single ended -> Pioneer Series 20 U24 Program Selector (think major SYS) -> Asgard 2 -> Grado Prestige SR325e. I have posted before, that with proper music choice, this setup sounds just wonderful.
I also have the choice of a Cambridge CXc connected to the Gungnir MB. Played two of the new CDs which worked exceptionally with the Grado kit. Toe tapping / foot moving feel good.
The new CDs I am enjoying are:
Dedicated - Steve Cropper
2011 album from the veteran guitar slinger. As the original guitarist of Stax Records house band Booker T. & The M.G.'s., Steve Cropper has had a storied career. Voted #36 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time, Cropper has worked with Blues legends such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and the Blues Brothers Band. Dedicated is a tribute to R&B and Doo Wop act, The 5 Royales. The collection features reworked versions of the groups most enduring songs, and includes duets with Steve Winwood, Lucinda Williams, Bettye LaVette, John Popper, Sharon Jones, and others.
The Last Shade of Blue Before Black - Original Blues Brothers Band
Severn Records is proud to release the new album by The Original Blues Brothers Band 'The Last Shade of Blue Before Black.' In addition to original band members Steve Cropper and Blue Lou Marini, The Last Shade features guests Dr John (Qualified.) Matt 'Guitar' Murphy( Don't Go No Further,) Bluesman Joe Louis Walker (Don't Go No Further,) Paul Shaffer (Sex Machine) and the legendary Eddie Floyd (Don't Forget About James Brown and On a Saturday Night.) Packaged in 8 Panel Digipak The Last Shade of Blue Before Black is a must for all Blues lovers.
The third CD did not make the headphone cut. Live album and would sound like ass on the Grado kit.
Sounded fine whole house and a fun listen.
Blues Guitar Night: Live On Air 1992 / Various Artists
Recorded live in Sevilla, Spain in 1992
Magical and Historic night of the Blues with BB King, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Bo Didley, Dave Edmunds, Steve Cropper and more. Its a rare history of perfect night of Blues music.
Other stuff keeps getting the way of ordering more Schiit.
Thinking a Vali 2+ and a late production Modi MB may come this way soonish.
Lyr 3 and new Bifrost later?
Enough, back to a CD before bed.
Flash; by the time I finished this Jason has posted. Great updates and news. Sounds like my shopping list could grow.
Be careful,
&
Enjoy the Schiit N Music
tincanear
Headphoneus Supremus
@Jason Stoddard glad to hear that Corpus Christy plant is ahead of schedule and ready to ramp up soon. many in EU will be happy to get (limited) stock of Jotunheim 2 and Bifrost 2. are you looking for beta testers for the new (amplifier, hopefully for desktop nearfield) product?
Also hope your team (including the tech with unknown prolonged illness) are doing well now, despite the extreme product demand / supply-chain issues.
Also hope your team (including the tech with unknown prolonged illness) are doing well now, despite the extreme product demand / supply-chain issues.
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