Schiit Loki Max Impressions

[dcguy73]

The noise is negligible. Schiit did a very good job with the Loki Max's design and implementation in my opinion.

If you can't hear the noise or distortion, then does it even matter? I have a pretty decent set up and I don't notice anything sounding off when I plugged the Loki Max into my chain. And, if you put it in bypass mode, it is dead silent.

My chain is: Holo Spring 3 KTE -> Loki Max -> Woo WA22 -> Sparkos Aries -> ZMF VC

Last I checked, this is supposed to be a Loki Max impressions thread for people that have actually used the device, such as me and you. I don’t think our empirical observations are going to change someone’s opinion that’s based on hypothetical measurements.

I agree. I don’t hear any perceptible distortion when using the Loki either.

 

[nwavesailor]

+1

 

[Luckyleo]

+1

+2

 

[aljordan]

I am curious to know if anyone here is using the Loki Max in a fully balanced path. Running XLR in and XLR out when on bypass, or not bypassed but flat, can you discern any change from the conversion happening inside the unit compared to completely bypassing the unit altogether?

Thanks in advance!

 

[belgiangenius]

Hi,

I use it fully balanced. Yggdrasil -> Loki Max -> Freya+. Freya+ sends single ended to my amp.

To me, the Loki is completely transparent no matter what you do with it. I only notice the adjustments I make with it, and even those are subtle unless you crank the dials.

 

[duranxv]

Hi,

I use it fully balanced. Yggdrasil -> Loki Max -> Freya+. Freya+ sends single ended to my amp.

To me, the Loki is completely transparent no matter what you do with it. I only notice the adjustments I make with it, and even those are subtle unless you crank the dials.

Same here. Holo Spring 3 KTE -> Loki Max -> Woo WA22 -> Sparkos Aries all via XLR. The Loki Max is dead silent in bypass mode, and I can't detect any extra noise or distortion when not in bypass (unless of course you're cranking up a certain EQ setting - which is its job anyway)

 

[rkindel]

I am curious to know if anyone here is using the Loki Max in a fully balanced path. Running XLR in and XLR out when on bypass, or not bypassed but flat, can you discern any change from the conversion happening inside the unit compared to completely bypassing the unit altogether?

Thanks in advance!

Yes I do. First there is a difference in volume levels between bypass and not bypassed but flat. Makes no sense to me but bypass is lower in volume using my Freya + in passive mode but also when using the tube stage. Also true when using single ended input fed by a Mani. I have also noticed there is quite a lot of deep bass missing when using bypass. Makes no sense. I just avoid using bypass.



bypass mode.

 

[Ableza]

I still think digital EQ that is built into the DAC or streamer is the better approach. There is simply no way (not possible period) to NOT add noise and distortion to the analog signal; whether you can hear it or not with your gear is another matter.

I refer you to my sig line. Noise below audibility is meaningless.

 

[chesebert]

I refer you to my sig line. Noise below audibility is meaningless.

You wouldn’t know until you have put in the EQ and then take out the EQ after a few weeks. Analog EQ introduces noise and phase shift in the signal - just stating the fact.

Also you can be very precise with digital EQ if that’s important to you.

 

[nwavesailor]

You wouldn’t know until you have put in the EQ and then take out the EQ after a few weeks. Analog EQ introduces noise and phase shift in the signal - just stating the fact.

This may be a fact, BUT I am with @Ableza. I don't have golden ears and switching with and w/o EQ I can't hear any noise or distortion..............lucky me!

 

[chesebert]

This may be a fact, BUT I am with @Ableza. I don't have golden ears and switching with and w/o EQ I can't hear any noise or distortion..............lucky me!

So you physically took out the EQ and noticed no difference?

 

[nwavesailor]

OK, I get it...........NO I did not remove it.

So If there is some noise and / or distortion and I can't hear it, why do I care? I find the Max to be a user friendly piece of gear and that's what I care about.

If this noise / distortion is something you hear then the Max is not for you.

 

[dcguy73]

OK, I get it...........NO I did not remove it.

So If there is some noise and / or distortion and I can't hear it, why do I care? I find the Max to be a user friendly piece of gear and that's what I care about.

If this noise / distortion is something you hear then the Max is not for you.

I’m getting a new audio rack tomorrow and will be moving equipment around, so I will take the Cheeseybert Minute Differences (TM) test and listen to my system with and without the Loki Max in place. I’ll report back my observations, not that empirical evidence will convince anyone of anything, but I’ll hear it for myself.

 

[Lvivske]

Hi,

I use it fully balanced. Yggdrasil -> Loki Max -> Freya+. Freya+ sends single ended to my amp.

To me, the Loki is completely transparent no matter what you do with it. I only notice the adjustments I make with it, and even those are subtle unless you crank the dials.

would placing it before or after the Freya make a difference in your setup?

edit: i see now this was already brought up a few posts later

 

[chesebert]

Tone control goes before the preamp.