[morethansense]

Is there actually any reason to buy an Asgard 2 over the Jotunheim?

 

[GearMe]

Was wondering the same thing...A/B vs A? But doesn't A/B typically run in A until it has to switch?

TBH...just the balanced aspect is enough for me to consider at this price point to replace my Magni.

 

[Vigrith]

  Is there actually any reason to buy an Asgard 2 over the Jotunheim?

 
Well it's practically two times cheaper, actually two times cheaper if you consider the Jotunheim with the phono/DAC section. I personally have never had use for the Asgard, it's always seemed like the only potentially "lacklustre" product Schiit offer and the only one I've never considered buying - that might most be because I'm a tube fanatic though, I always figured if I want a fairly cheap SS amp the Magni was even cheaper and much more transportable and if I wanted more powerful device I'd just jump straight to the Lyr (or Valhalla if I wanted an OTL).
 
One thing I'm very curious to see if how the Jotunheim will handle itself - even though its DAC module will be D/S, how much of an impact will the fact it's straight up balanced have compared to running an SE multibit into it.

 

[MrSlim]

Is there actually any reason to buy an Asgard 2 over the Jotunheim?

Probably not, unless it's a cost issue, since Asgard is $150 less.

 

[ZoNtO]

Assuming the Jotunheim specs from Jude's video are correct, the products compare as follows:
 

	Asgard 2​	Jotunheim​
Frequency Response	20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db, 2Hz-400KHz, -3dB	20Hz-20Khz, -0.1dB, 2Hz-700Khz, -3dB
Maximum Power, 32 ohms (single-ended)	1.0W (1,000mW) RMS per channel	1,500mW
Maximum Power, 32 ohms (balanced)	N/A	5,000mW
Maximum Power, 300 ohms (single-ended)	380mW RMS per channel	350mW
Maximum Power, 300 ohms (balanced)	N/A	900mW
THD	<0.008%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 1V RMS, high gain mode (worst case)	<0.001%, 20Hz-20Khz, at 1V RMS
IMD	<0.010%, CCIF at 1V RMS, high gain mode (worst case)	<0.0015%, CCIR
SNR	>102dB, unweighted, referenced to 1V RMS, in low gain mode	>109dB, A-wtd, ref to 1V RMS
Crosstalk	Less than -72dB, 20Hz-20Khz	>-70dB, 20Hz-20KHz
Output Impedance	Less than 2 ohms	Less than 0.1 ohms
Gain	High = 6 (15.6db) or Low = 1.5 (3.5db), via rear switch	2 (6dB) or 8 (14dB)
Topology	Fully discrete, single-ended Class A with single voltage gain stage, no overall feedback in high gain mode, 12dB feedback in low gain mode	[ Schiit PivotPoint topology: ​ fully balanced, differential current feedback, fully discrete, no summers, no opamps (except DC servo), no IC outputs; completely DC-coupled]
Power Supply	Internal power transformer with 4 separate power supply rails and over 20,000uf of filter capacitance	??
Power Consumption	30W	25W typical
Size	9" x 6" x 2.25"	9" x 6" x 2"
Weight	5 lbs	6 lbs
Price (USD)	$250	$400

 
Notable differences are lack of balanced output on the Asgard 2, single-ended vs. fully balanced topology, use of feedback in the Jotunheim's topology, and better measurements on the Jotunheim.

 

[StanD]

The distortion levels of the Asgard 2 are already far lower that what a human being can perceive, so the rest is for the benefit of test equipment. Many people prefer less feedback and a Class A amp designed to be linear without relying on feedback.

 

[sludgeogre]

I love the design and the extremely high power, makes me want to replace my Asgard 2 with it, but man I really wish that the Bifrost was balanced now so I can get the full capacity of power in that thing with my Bifrost Multibit.

 

[jfoxvol]

Note that this is current feedback, not voltage feedback. Different. Plus it would seem Jason and crew have modified with their pivot point what have you so it will not likely be typical current feedback either.

http://m.electronicdesign.com/analog/what-s-difference-between-voltage-feedback-and-current-feedback-op-amps

 

[pctazhp]

  I love the design and the extremely high power, makes me want to replace my Asgard 2 with it, but man I really wish that the Bifrost was balanced now so I can get the full capacity of power in that thing with my Bifrost Multibit.

Of course this is really just an evil Schiit plot to lure us Bimby owners into one of their balanced DACs 

 

[Vigrith]

How long till the Schiit Show starts exactly? I'm in Europe and I can't remember what time zone Schiit is in.

 

[KoshNaranek]

10 am PST

 

[pctazhp]

I don't know why but I'm going to get some sick laughs about how disappointed the Schiit fanboys will be if the Jotunheim is the only thing announced at the show. The devil made me say that !!! 

 

[Vigrith]

10 am PST

 
Thank you! So an hour and a half to go then, exciting.

 

[AudioBear]

Aren't we still on daylight time? I think that makes it 8 hrs behind or -8 GMT.

 

[AudioBear]

Sirry my bad it's -7 GMT or 7 hrs