[Roy G. Biv]

Nice pictures. I hope they sound as good as they look.
I have two questions:
1. Is there a reason why you did not add a balanced HP-out? Probably a stupid question but I have no clue.
2. Did you test it as a pre-amp for any of your power amps and if so, how did it sound? Is it an improvement to put this amp as pre-amp in place of a Freya?
Thanks.

As to your first question, the answer is in the FAQ -
Edit - I'm also curious how this sounds as a pre-amp...

Why no balanced inputs or outputs?
Because this isn’t a balanced amp, and we don’t add connectors to fake you out.

Why isn’t it balanced?
Because it magnifies the tubes’ inherent weaknesses—current output and output impedance. Balanced amps have to deliver twice the current into the same load, which ain’t a great idea with tubes. Also, balanced amps have double the output impedance. So, as a balanced amp it would be an inferior amp.

 

[Ripper2860]

I have never heard that before!
Only have experience with 1 OTL amp (the famous GOTL), and I never turn it on with headphones plugged in...

I think it's OK to power it on with no HP and then plug them in (I do that), not so much to leave it on with no HPs or load for extended periods of time, such as burning in tubes, etc. What I've heard is that running OTL tube amps with no load creates high voltages across the power transformer primary that can damage it over time. As posted previously, some MFGs even state that their amps should not be in a powered-on state with no HPs or no load. It may be design specific, but I'd rather be safe.

 

[Zachik]

I think it's OK to power it on with no HP and then plug them in (I do that), not so much to leave it on with no HPs or load for extended periods of time, such as burning in tubes, etc. What I've heard is that running OTL tube amps with no load creates high voltages across the output transformer primary that can damage it over time. As posted previously, some MFGs even state that their amps should not be in a powered-on state with no HPs or no load. It may be design specific, but I'd rather be safe.

Thanks for clarifying!

 

[sam6550a]

I think it's OK to power it on with no HP and then plug them in (I do that), not so much to leave it on with no HPs or load for extended periods of time, such as burning in tubes, etc. What I've heard is that running OTL tube amps with no load creates high voltages across the output transformer primary that can damage it over time. As posted previously, some MFGs even state that their amps should not be in a powered-on state with no HPs or no load. It may be design specific, but I'd rather be safe.

If it is OTL, then it does not have an output transformer.

 

[Pietro Cozzi Tinin]

As to your first question, the answer is in the FAQ -
Edit - I'm also curious how this sounds as a pre-amp...

Why no balanced inputs or outputs?
Because this isn’t a balanced amp, and we don’t add connectors to fake you out.

Why isn’t it balanced?
Because it magnifies the tubes’ inherent weaknesses—current output and output impedance. Balanced amps have to deliver twice the current into the same load, which ain’t a great idea with tubes. Also, balanced amps have double the output impedance. So, as a balanced amp it would be an inferior amp.

Thanks.

 

[Ripper2860]

Oooops. I meant power transformer. (I'll edit)

 

[ArmchairPhilosopher]

I think it's OK to power it on with no HP and then plug them in (I do that), not so much to leave it on with no HPs or load for extended periods of time, such as burning in tubes, etc. What I've heard is that running OTL tube amps with no load creates high voltages across the output transformer primary that can damage it over time. As posted previously, some MFGs even state that their amps should not be in a powered-on state with no HPs or no load. It may be design specific, but I'd rather be safe.

For what it's worth:
Going by the photos that Jason posted yesterday, Schiit is burning in the amps without any load plugged into the headphone jacks or pre outs. I would assume they wouldn't do that if it could harm the amp.

 

[Ripper2860]

Good point, although I don't really know how long that "burn-in" period is.

 

[sam6550a]

Oooops. I meant power transformer. (I'll edit)

I don't understand your concern at all. The output stage of an OTL is essentially a cathode follower with a voltage gain of less than 1. Cathode followers are very stable, and are used in many pieces of test equipment because they have stability independent of load. Since the cathode follower is running in the Class A operating region, the load on the power transformer is the same at zero signal or full output, so the secondary of the transformer sees a constant load. Since the primary of the transformer is connected to the power grid, it's inherent impedance is so low that anything we do on the power transformer secondary is orders of magnitude below what would disturb the primary. I think that you may be talking about certain Single Ended transformer amps.

 

[ArmchairPhilosopher]

Good point, although I don't really know how long that "burn-in" period is.

Most likely at least 24 hours, maybe more.

 

[34th Street]

Like this?

Tubes are very hot (pretty much same as Valhalla 2). Chassis not so much.



They look even more ominous in black:

To my eye, FV in black is easily the sexist bit of kit to ever come from Schitt!! Amazing, drool-worthy stuff!

Also a nice surprise that both silver and black are available in such a small run. Any hope that the same will ever be true for Loki Max? Seems like it's the only full-width piece not available in silver and it shares the same metal as Freya - so seems possible - but I'd love to know if it's a just a hard no so I can stop obsessively checking the Loki Max order page

 

[Ripper2860]

I don't understand your concern at all. The output stage of an OTL is essentially a cathode follower with a voltage gain of less than 1. Cathode followers are very stable, and are used in many pieces of test equipment because they have stability independent of load. Since the cathode follower is running in the Class A operating region, the load on the power transformer is the same at zero signal or full output, so the secondary of the transformer sees a constant load. Since the primary of the transformer is connected to the power grid, it's inherent impedance is so low that anything we do on the power transformer secondary is orders of magnitude below what would disturb the primary. I think that you may be talking about certain Single Ended transformer amps.

I'll defer and certainly did not say I was the expert. Just citing what I'd seen and what I've read from others regarding what their amps mfg stated. You are correct that it may be, as I stated, a design variable (SET) where this applies and not applicable to all tube amps. I personally prefer to err on the side of caution and have no reason to have an amp on for extended periods without anything connected, but that's just my OCD showing. I appreciate you setting the record straight. I'm sure @Zachik will sleep better tonight.

 

[JLoud]

I really liked the look of the black chassis. However my Yggdrasil and Rag 2 are both in silver. My OCD wouldn't allow me to order the black.

 

[oryan_dunn]

This scam store is "selling" Schiit products for very interesting prices. An Yggdrasil for $99.99? Really?

https://www.designerbright.com/search?q=schiit&page=1

@Jason Stoddard

Someone posed this site in the Grado thread as well. They had a GS3000e for $99. Definitely a scam site.

 

[JLoud]

They state their brand goal is "To bring love and peace to the world." Has to be a scam. Nobody does that anymore.