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

[EricDH]

For those of you who think that Jason's kidding here, let me put it this way:

When I heard my first Multibit DAC, I was like: "Wow, so that's what digital music can sound like?!? I'll never go back to delta sigma."
And I didn't.

But then, when I heard my first Singular DAC years later, I was like: "Yeah, ok. Now we're really cooking with gas here."

As a matter of fact, on my desk at home, I have a Gungnir 2 with a very, very early Singular prototype board in it. It has plenty of flaws, but it's still my favorite DAC on the planet. By some margin.

Byggy will be an absolute beast.

I have to say that I am a bit skeptical towards delta sigma (partly Schiit's own fault by promoting their true multibit for years, partly due to my own experience with Wadia). But then, it is 6 bit, right, not 1 bit? For an absolute digital noob like me that sounds not too far from the dCS approach, and they don't really have a crappy reputation (only you pay $200,000 for the most complete set-up).

 

[Derrick Swart]

Digital preamp: A bit more convenient, maybe.
Analog preamp: Sounds better, maybe.
…so…
Digital preamps cannibalizing analog preamps: Probably not.
Still nice to have both, because: Options.

Absolutely, I combine my Freya S nicely with SoundID and a minidsp xover - Soon to be replaced by a fully digital pre on the mac (Ginger Audio - Sphere) - due to Atmos, still have to build seven speakers though (5.1.2)

Too many negatives for me with electrostatics:
Limited Bass Response: They often struggle to produce deep bass, making them less suitable for genres that rely heavily on low frequencies

High Cost: These speakers are generally more expensive due to their complex design and the materials used

Power Requirements: They need a high-voltage power supply, which can be inconvenient and increase energy consumption

Size and Placement: Electrostatic speakers are typically large and require careful placement in a room to perform optimally

Durability: They can be less durable and more prone to damage compared to traditional speakers

Small Sweet Spot: The optimal listening area is often quite narrow, meaning you need to be in a specific position to experience the best sound quality

 

[EricDH]

All will be revealed on Thursday.

In case Jason's law has a day off...

 

[GreyOldMan]

Next Bandcamp Friday is coming up this week (Friday 2nd May).

As most on here already know, Bandcamp waive their share of the purchase price on that day to help artists receive a higher amount of the revenue from their work.

My list for Friday is getting out of hand ....... looking at you, Ripper2860. , though you're not alone!

Seriously, thanks to all for their recommendations on here and on the "What Are You Listening To Right Now?" thread; it's one of the joys of being here.

 

[adydula]

I have to say that I am a bit skeptical towards delta sigma (partly Schiit's own fault by promoting their true multibit for years, partly due to my own experience with Wadia). But then, it is 6 bit, right, not 1 bit? For an absolute digital noob like me that sounds not too far from the dCS approach, and they don't really have a crappy reputation (only you pay $200,000 for the most complete set-up).

This thought has come across a lot of our minds...
I think Jason could write a book on these topics..

Call it : Schiit Evolutions.

Why we are where we are etc..

:>)

 

[fusion5]

@ArmchairPhilosopher
Is there an eta on the Gungnir 2 digital preamp firmware?

 

[ArmchairPhilosopher]

@ArmchairPhilosopher
Is there an eta on the Gungnir 2 digital preamp firmware?

Yes; June.
Jason's Law applies.

 

[bagwell359]

Too many negatives for me with electrostatics:
Limited Bass Response: They often struggle to produce deep bass, making them less suitable for genres that rely heavily on low frequencies

Yes, but the timbre/speed is usually quite good. Both DCA estat headphones have very nice bass (I'm not a bass head) but as good or better than the HD-800.

High Cost: These speakers are generally more expensive due to their complex design and the materials used

Same for ribbons and AMT and Magneostat speakers, and somewhat more for Magneostat cans vs dynamic. More an issue of low production/demand for estat/ribbons/AMT than inherent flaws vs dynsmic.

Power Requirements: They need a high-voltage power supply, which can be inconvenient and increase energy consumption

For headphones yes, for speakers varies but usually lots of wpc.

Size and Placement: Electrostatic speakers are typically large and require careful placement in a room to perform optimally

Yes all planar speakers that radiate both ways provide complex issues. For instance flatest or deepest low bass is not the same location where they image best.

Durability: They can be less durable and more prone to damage compared to traditional speakers

They do not appreciate the results of high temp stove top cooking. The mylar gets fouled.

Small Sweet Spot: The optimal listening area is often quite narrow, meaning you need to be in a specific position to experience the best sound quality

Most speakers have a small sweet spot if your desire is 3 people sitting next to each other. There is always one best position with any stereo set-up IMO. Mono different story.

All that being said, after about 30 years with estat/magneostats/ribbon speakers I moved on over 20 years ago, and I'm not going back due to some of these issues. However if I could afford estats and the amps required for headphones, I'd have several.

 

[sam6550a]

So, plenty of nudist colonies in rural south Georgia, I take it? ;p

Lots of naked farm animals.

 

[Bowmoreman]

Yes, but the timbre/speed is usually quite good. Both DCA estat headphones have very nice bass (I'm not a bass head) but as good or better than the HD-800.

Same for ribbons and AMT and Magneostat speakers, and somewhat more for Magneostat cans vs dynamic. More an issue of low production/demand for estat/ribbons/AMT than inherent flaws vs dynsmic.

For headphones yes, for speakers varies but usually lots of wpc.

Yes all planar speakers that radiate both ways provide complex issues. For instance flatest or deepest low bass is not the same location where they image best.

They do not appreciate the results of high temp stove top cooking. The mylar gets fouled.

Most speakers have a small sweet spot if your desire is 3 people sitting next to each other. There is always one best position with any stereo set-up IMO. Mono different story.

All that being said, after about 30 years with estat/magneostats/ribbon speakers I moved on over 20 years ago, and I'm not going back due to some of these issues. However if I could afford estats and the amps required for headphones, I'd have several.

This^

Which is precisely why I’m hot to try PEQ to further flatten the bass from my Duetta Sigs…. I have “decided” that if/when they die, I’m likely making the move to dynamics if for no other reason than they are easier to place (should be a doddle in my room) and far, far more attractive (take up less space).

Ordering Mimir later today to get the experiment going and “inform” my thoughts about the future being either Gungnir2 or “upgrading” Yggy to Byggy, etc.

My first grandson was just born this morning at 8AM, so got other things cookin right now!

 

[bagwell359]

I have to say that I am a bit skeptical towards delta sigma (partly Schiit's own fault by promoting their true multibit for years, partly due to my own experience with Wadia). But then, it is 6 bit, right, not 1 bit? For an absolute digital noob like me that sounds not too far from the dCS approach, and they don't really have a crappy reputation (only you pay $200,000 for the most complete set-up).

For a very long time I have found R2R audibly superior to DS. I find the multiform (MB evolved) Gungnir 2 to be fabulous. But if Schiit says the next wave is going be even better I have enough trust in them from experience to be open minded when at last I hear a Byygy.

Change can be disruptive and one can read that in lots of posts the past few days. However, these changes bring options and opportunities - if one is willing/able.

 

[fusion5]

My first grandson was just born this morning at 8AM, so got other things cookin right now!

Congratulations on your new family member!

 

[Paladin79]

So am I, but as long as old fashioned good music comes out I don't really care that much.

Just upgraded my headphones from Quad Era1 to Focal Utopia's 2022 version, so I hope that:
1. Schiit-europe soon repairs my Mjölnir3 and
2. They pick up Valhalla3 quickly

But I have to say that even with the Vali3 the Focal sounds really great..

Those are my favorite headphones and I have heard plenty. The Vali 3 is the only Schiit headphone amp I still own and I often use it when I run a small streaming system.

 

[ArmchairPhilosopher]

My first grandson was just born this morning at 8AM

Congrats!

 

[NeudorfDani41]

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