Schiit Magni 3+ and Magni Heresy - Impressions Thread

[duncan4791]

My primary uses would be (a) music from USB-C port on Macbook Pro for lossy streaming services (apple music, spotify, etc), (b) from PS5 for gaming and (c) from Apple TV for movies/TV at night. With B/C it seems like I might have to go through the TV's toslink to get things to work, and with A I'm concerned about having a mess of adapters/wires to get things to work.

Your right the PS5 and Apple TV will have to be routed through your TV's toslink port. You can get a single USB-c to USB-micro cable and a cheap toslink from Amazon. The separates path will cost $400-550 while the Penrose is $300. The Playstation Penrose will allow voice chat through the Playstation and using the USB 2.4g doggle through the Mac. If you can wait till the end of January I'd go with the Penrose and hold off on audiophile stacks and hi-fis.

 

[hottyson]

Howdy friends, hope this is the right place to ask: I've never owned Schitt gear before, but they seem to hav a decent enough reputation. I'm eyeing the Modi/Magni Heresey combo to use with either HD6XX or Sundara's (settling on a pair, leaning towards HD6XX). My primary uses would be (a) music from USB-C port on Macbook Pro for lossy streaming services (apple music, spotify, etc), (b) from PS5 for gaming and (c) from Apple TV for movies/TV at night. With B/C it seems like I might have to go through the TV's toslink to get things to work, and with A I'm concerned about having a mess of adapters/wires to get things to work. I'm wondering, before I make my purchase, if there's a more graceful DAC/Amp pairing for getting these three sources to work well enough together? I have a hi-fi setup that's in storage temporarily while I rent a room (there's no space for it) so I'm looking for sort of middle/high end of entry level.

I'm also wondering if it might be better to just go with an Audeze Penrose for the gaming/media side of things and narrow headphone setup to just music?

Thanks in advance for any input you can provide.

Sorry, I cannot provide any input on the Audeze Penrose as I am not familiar with it's sound. Nor, am I familiar with Sundara as they are out of my price range. However, I have listened to the Sennheiser HD6XX on the Schiit Magni Heresy/ Schiit Modi 3+ stack. My order of sound quality preference with cheap amps changes drastically depending on the headphone. When paired with the HD6XX this is my preferred order:

1st = Schiit Magni 3 (not plus) but it is only capable at low volumes with the HD6XX
2nd = Topping L30
3rd = Schiit Magni Heresy
4th = JDS Labs Atom
5th and 6th tie = Monolith Liquid Spark
5th and 6th tie = S.M.S.L. SP2000

This order of sound quality is almost the exact opposite when listening to Beyerdynamic DT-990. So, don't take this list as gospel when listening to Sundara or other headphones. Each of these amps sound great in one aspect or the other and a bargain for what they provide. However, do note that my Topping L30 is a cheap made in China amplifier that already died after only one month of use. So, perhaps you might consider going straight to the Schiit Magni Heresy to get made in USA quality and a local company that you can deal with for warranty service.

 

[bithloman]

+1 for heresy amp , absolutely amazing and a audible upgrade to the liquid spark. at least with hard to drive planars aeon 2 and m1070, i wonder if its from design or just the extra power @hottyson

 

[hottyson]

Okay, so I got curious and bought the HiFiMan Sundara. I am still listening to them and have not come to my final conclusion. But, here are my initial rating placement of amplifiers when paired with the HiFiMan Sundara:

1st = Schiit Magni 3 (not plus) - I like this one best, but it does not have prominent bass that many might like.
2nd = S.M.S.L. SP2000 - Most might like this better as it has good bass and bass slam. The sound stage is very wide and enveloping.
3rd = Schiit Magni Heresy
4th and 5th tie = JDS Labs Atom
4th and 5th tie = Monolith Liquid Spark
The Topping L30 was made of cheap Chinesium and died, killing my headphones in the process. So, I no longer rate this piece of garbage Topping L30 amplifier. Stay far away from Topping!

 

[hottyson]

Oh, and I recommend that all stay away from the Schiit Magni Heresy B-stock. It is almost the same price as new, $89 vs $99. I have already had problems with my Magni Heresy B-stock going into protection twice within the first month and I am having to ship it back to them for repair. The first time it went into protection, the Magni Heresy burnt out a headphone driver on a OneOdio headphone that I returned to Amazon. It was a horrible headphone anyway so I was happy to return it to Amazon. The second time the Magni Heresy went into protection was my Fostex T50RP MK3 that was buzzing and was in protection mode. However, I quickly pulled out the headphone cable and it appears to be fine. I will end up paying more money shipping the Heresy back and dealing with all the hassle when I could have paid ten more dollars from the start for a new trouble free unit. Such a headache for a just a cheap amplifier. Next time I will just buy Schiit new or maybe I will just stay away from $100 amplifiers in general. Lesson learned.

 

[Garney]

Oh, and I recommend that all stay away from the Schiit Magni Heresy B-stock. It is almost the same price as new, $89 vs $99. I have already had problems with my Magni Heresy B-stock going into protection twice within the first month and I am having to ship it back to them for repair. The first time it went into protection, the Magni Heresy burnt out a headphone driver on a OneOdio headphone that I returned to Amazon. It was a horrible headphone anyway so I was happy to return it to Amazon. The second time the Magni Heresy went into protection was my Fostex T50RP MK3 that was buzzing and was in protection mode. However, I quickly pulled out the headphone cable and it appears to be fine. I will end up paying more money shipping the Heresy back and dealing with all the hassle when I could have paid ten more dollars from the start for a new trouble free unit. Such a headache for a just a cheap amplifier. Next time I will just buy Schiit new or maybe I will just stay away from $100 amplifiers in general. Lesson learned.

I was under the impression that B-stock Schiit items meet all of the performance standards that their new products meet, but may have cosmetic blemishes and that's why they're B-stock. FWIW, my new Heresy has the scratchy volume pot issue. Only noticeable when using sensitive IEMs, but it's there.

 

[hottyson]

I was under the impression that B-stock Schiit items meet all of the performance standards that their new products meet, but may have cosmetic blemishes and that's why they're B-stock. FWIW, my new Heresy has the scratchy volume pot issue. Only noticeable when using sensitive IEMs, but it's there.

I don't mind scratch pots because they are only an issue when adjusting the volume. However, the B-stock cannot be exchanged for an upgraded model and that is what I really want to do because I think I am done with $100 amps as they have been not worth my time and now the added hassle. I am very disappointed with my Magni Heresy purchase and regret buying it. I would like to trade up the Magni Heresy to the Asgard 3 amp but Schiit does not allow upgrade trade in on B-stock. So, Schiit said no Asgard 3 trade up for me. If I had not purchased B-stock I would have been allowed to trade up and been a happy camper. Ultimately, I did not save any money buying B-stock and have serious buyers remorse. In fact, I don't think it is even worth my time to pack this amplifier up to send back to Schiit now. Perhaps I may just mark Schiit off as a mistake and forget about it on the back shelf.
.
Update: Schiit HAS paid for my shipping the amplifier back to them and a refund IS on it’s way back to me. I take back all that I said about their customer service.

 

[Runrunsmithfly]

I don't mind scratch pots because they are only an issue when adjusting the volume. However, the B-stock cannot be exchanged for an upgraded model and that is what I really want to do because I think I am done with $100 amps as they have been not worth my time and now the added hassle. I am very disappointed with my Magni Heresy purchase and regret buying it. I would like to trade up the Magni Heresy to the Asgard 3 amp but Schiit does not allow upgrade trade in on B-stock. So, Schiit said no Asgard 3 trade up for me. If I had not purchased B-stock I would have been allowed to trade up and been a happy camper. Ultimately, I did not save any money buying B-stock and have serious buyers remorse. In fact, I don't think it is even worth my time to pack this amplifier up to send back to Schiit now. Perhaps I may just mark Schiit off as a mistake and forget about it on the back shelf.

Sorry to read about your troubles. I took delivery on an Asgard 3 after owning an Asgard 2 and Magni 3+. Both of those are great amps but the Asgard 3 is an outstanding amp and bargain at $200.

 

[hottyson]

+1 for heresy amp , absolutely amazing and a audible upgrade to the liquid spark. at least with hard to drive planars aeon 2 and m1070, i wonder if its from design or just the extra power @hottyson

On my headphones -

The Liquid Spark beats the Magni Heresy with these headphones:

• Grado SR325e
• Grado SR225e
• Grado SR225
• AKG K712
• Philips X2HR
• Philips SHL3300
• Beyerdynamic DT-990PRO (250-ohm)
• Beyerdynamic DT-880 (2003)
• Cooler Master MH-752
• Beyerdynamic DT-770PRO (80-ohm)
• Grado SR80
• Grado SR80e
• Koss PortaPro
• Koss KSC75
• Sennheiser PX-100
• Shure SCL4
• Shure E2C
• Panasonic RP-HTX7
• Marantz MPH-2 pads upgraded
• Sony MDR-EX15LP

The Magni Heresy beats the Liquid Spark with these headphones:

• Sennheiser HD-650
• Fostex T50RP MK3
• Hifiman Sundara

 

[bithloman]

On my headphones -

The Liquid Spark beats the Magni Heresy with these headphones:

• Grado SR325e
• Grado SR225e
• Grado SR225
• AKG K712
• Philips X2HR
• Philips SHL3300
• Beyerdynamic DT-990PRO (250-ohm)
• Beyerdynamic DT-880 (2003)
• Cooler Master MH-752
• Beyerdynamic DT-770PRO (80-ohm)
• Grado SR80
• Grado SR80e
• Koss PortaPro
• Koss KSC75
• Sennheiser PX-100
• Shure SCL4
• Shure E2C
• Panasonic RP-HTX7
• Marantz MPH-2 pads upgraded
• Sony MDR-EX15LP

The Magni Heresy beats the Liquid Spark with these headphones:

• Sennheiser HD-650
• Fostex T50RP MK3
• Hifiman Sundara

yes it does seem to be mostly noticeable on planars. or high impedance cans. i think its mostly the 1 watt of higher power and better measurements

 

[hottyson]

yes it does seem to be mostly noticeable on planars. or high impedance cans. i think its mostly the 1 watt of higher power and better measurements

Very likely. Also, the Liquid Spark has a colored dark sound that does not bode well when paired with planars.
Beyerdynamics that have excessive highs when paired with cheap amps pair so much better with Liquid Spark over the Magni Heresy. The Liquid Spark not only adds a darkness to the sound but also provides textures to violins and french horns that no other $100 amp can replicate through these Beyerdynamic headphones.

 

[kingk6673]

Very likely. Also, the Liquid Spark has a colored dark sound that does not bode well when paired with planars.
Beyerdynamics that have excessive highs when paired with cheap amps pair so much better with Liquid Spark over the Magni Heresy. The Liquid Spark not only adds a darkness to the sound but also provides textures to violins and french horns that no other $100 amp can replicate through these Beyerdynamic headphones.

Have not been on the thread in a while and just had a chance to pick up the heresy and the Magni 3+ to try both. Have to say that the heresy is much tighter with better sound stage, details, and instrument separation compared to the Magni 3+. The Magni 3+ is warmer, and have owned the Magni 3 and used it in past, and the 3+ is warmer but does not seem as detailed as the Heresy. For background, I am set up off of a Chord Qutest Dac, streaming tidal masters, through anti cables USB and RCAs to the Heresy, and then through Moon Audio Silver Dragon V3 unbalanced into Hifiman Arya. To say that it may be heresy to hook the Schiit Heresy at the end of the chain and expect it to perform on the same level is a reasonable assumption. To say I am surprised about the detail and clarity and synergy and how the Heresy performs WAAY above its price point with this setup is an understatement! Selling my 2-year-old much more expensive headphone amp that was supposedly a great one because there is no comparison with the heresy. To sum it up, I think it is the pairing and the chain that makes a difference. Qutest provides a torrential amount of data for its price point, the heresy is very detailed and can present the information better without getting muddled and drives the Aryas beautifully. Just wanted to pass on to others that the Heresy can do justice and fit in well with the Qutest and Arya

 

[bithloman]

Have not been on the thread in a while and just had a chance to pick up the heresy and the Magni 3+ to try both. Have to say that the heresy is much tighter with better sound stage, details, and instrument separation compared to the Magni 3+. The Magni 3+ is warmer, and have owned the Magni 3 and used it in past, and the 3+ is warmer but does not seem as detailed as the Heresy. For background, I am set up off of a Chord Qutest Dac, streaming tidal masters, through anti cables USB and RCAs to the Heresy, and then through Moon Audio Silver Dragon V3 unbalanced into Hifiman Arya. To say that it may be heresy to hook the Schiit Heresy at the end of the chain and expect it to perform on the same level is a reasonable assumption. To say I am surprised about the detail and clarity and synergy and how the Heresy performs WAAY above its price point with this setup is an understatement! Selling my 2-year-old much more expensive headphone amp that was supposedly a great one because there is no comparison with the heresy. To sum it up, I think it is the pairing and the chain that makes a difference. Qutest provides a torrential amount of data for its price point, the heresy is very detailed and can present the information better without getting muddled and drives the Aryas beautifully. Just wanted to pass on to others that the Heresy can do justice and fit in well with the Qutest and Arya

Nice I was wondering how it's scaled beyond my m1070 planars. Have you tried the modi 3+ dac? How does it compare to more expensive dacs

 

[Telin]

Okay, so I got curious and bought the HiFiMan Sundara. I am still listening to them and have not come to my final conclusion. But, here are my initial rating placement of amplifiers when paired with the HiFiMan Sundara:

1st = Schiit Magni 3 (not plus) - I like this one best, but it does not have prominent bass that many might like.
2nd = S.M.S.L. SP2000 - Most might like this better as it has good bass and bass slam. The sound stage is very wide and enveloping.
3rd = Schiit Magni Heresy
4th and 5th tie = JDS Labs Atom
4th and 5th tie = Monolith Liquid Spark
The Topping L30 was made of cheap Chinesium and died, killing my headphones in the process. So, I no longer rate this piece of garbage Topping L30 amplifier. Stay far away from Topping!

Looks like you have the exact same blue aluminium volume knob on your SMSL SP200 as I have.
Good to see I'm not the only one that picked blue.

 

[kingk6673]

Nice I was wondering how it's scaled beyond my m1070 planars. Have you tried the modi 3+ dac? How does it compare to more expensive DACs

I have not tried the modi 3+ dac so I cannot say. I am not sure if this helps, but the Chord Qutest DAC is the same as the Chord Hugo without the headphone amplifier component. I have used iFi Nano, Micro, Black label, and Audioquest dragonfly Cobalt and Red, and I think that the limitation in the output for the Heresy could be the DAC depending on how resolving it is. From all the reviews the Qutest pulls out a lot of data and is detailed which makes it a great partner for the Heresy with the Arya headphone pairing. It says a lot of the Heresy that it can manage the data with aplomb and sound fantastic with the Aryas. I actually have not heard these headphones sound nearly as good with multiple other headphone amplifiers: iFi Black Label headphone out, iFi Ican plus, Magni 3, Magni 3+ and iFi Ican Pro. To sum it up, the Heresy is able to handle a lot of data / input from a very resolving DAC really well and the output is superb with my setup so should do well with the Modi 3+ and be able to get the most out of the DAC.

Somewhat of a spoiler alert: I was reading a more recent review about Hifiman Arya and it can be positively affected per the reviewer by tweaks (cables, etc..) I think the cables that I have make a difference with the sound chain and what is heard.