[JK-47]

quote name="MattTCG" url="/t/778250/schiit-mjolnir-2-listening-impressions/255#post_11908551"]
That's a pretty strong statement. 
[/quote]

Not really. It's a fact, that Jason from Schiit also backs up.

 

[rb2013]

  So, just a cool tidbit,  many folks may not realize that the Mjolnir 2 is pretty much the only balanced hybrid tube amp in the world. Pretty cool eh?
 
There may be another one but it would be highly esoteric or hand built by someone in their basement or something. 

Cavalli Liquid Glass
 http://www.cavalliaudio.com/index.php?p=product_details&pId=1

 

[RCBinTN]

 
This is actually exactly why I, after much consideration, cancelled my Liquid Carbon order and ordered the Mjolnir 2 instead.
 
I need a balanced, highly resolving and powerful amp that can drive LCD-X's, HD800's and HD650's properly. I don't doubt that the LC would perform very well for these headphones, but the Mjolnir 2 looks much more "qualified".

 
Will be interested in your experience with the Mojo2 and HD800.

 

[RCBinTN]

  Compromised, you say? Huh. Well... I guess that's a good thing, if I'm already happy having only heard the single-ended output.
 
Now I'm open to suggestions: should I...
 
- Have someone mod my Fostex cable to be balanced?
- Leave it as-is and continue using the single-ended out of the Mjolnir 2 as my end-game setup?
- Or sell the TH-900 and buy a pair of LCD-3s?

 
I moved all my rigs and cans to balanced.  IMO the sound is superior.  Never looking back to SE.  YMMV.

 

[Poimandres]

I have yet to listen to the MJ2 through SE however the ETHERS balanced fed by the MJ2 (LISST) is sublime, best setup I have heard to date.  I have been burning in the Wyrd>Modi 2 Uber>Mojilnir 2 straight for 6 days straight. 
 
I have some '74 Reflektors incoming and are looking forward to giving them a listen.  Thanks Rob! 
 
One of these days I will order the Gungnir MB and determine if it is an upgrade to the M2U.  However as I said this is the best setup I have heard period.  I have a new appreciation for music that I never wanted to listen to before, it's that engaging.

 

[Shembot]

Will be interested in your experience with the Mojo2 and HD800.

I'm borrowing an HD800 for the weekend and will report my findings.

 

[zabzaf]

Will be interested in your experience with the Mojo2 and HD800.

I've been running the 800s with M2 and GMB and the results are very nice. With M1, the 800s were in he harsh side and couldn't be tolerated for long listening sessions because of the hot treble. Also, the mid bass is is much more present in the M2.

I was about to retire the old dogs until M2 came around. The pair actually have good synergy.

 

[zive]

Just took delivery of an MJ2 w/ LISST + stock tubes this afternoon. Currently paired with Gumby as the balanced in and Mani as the SE input. I've noticed that nobody has posted anything specifically about vinyl as a source with the MJ2 yet on this thread. I can confirm that the Mani + MJ2 combo sounds stunning: warm and holographic even with such limited burn-in, while my previous setup using A2 + Mani sounded harsh, sibilant, and analytical. I had been contemplating upgrading the Ortophon 2MR on my Debut Carbon to get more detail off my vinyl, but hearing my records through the MJ2 (using stock tubes) has me thinking I'll wait. I'm hearing nuanced background details pop out that I've never noticed when using the Asgard 2. Very happy with the performance and can't wait to hear the set-up at its full potential when my LCD-3's arrive and I'll be able to take advantage of the balanced functionality. Also looking forward to evaluating the LISST sound, but for now the stock tubes aren't going anywhere.
 
Cheers!

 

[tuxbass]

  Compromised, you say? Huh. Well... I guess that's a good thing, if I'm already happy having only heard the single-ended output.
 
Now I'm open to suggestions: should I...
 
- Have someone mod my Fostex cable to be balanced?
- Leave it as-is and continue using the single-ended out of the Mjolnir 2 as my end-game setup?
- Or sell the TH-900 and buy a pair of LCD-3s?

I've to agree with @olor1n and @JK-47
I tried MJ2 with my LCD-3 both balanced and unbalanced. The balanced setup sounds significantly better (even with the very limited burn-in on my tubes).
 
I've not heard Fostex TH-900, but my LCD-3 sure as hell sounds amazing with balanced cables

 

[JK-47]

  Just took delivery of an MJ2 w/ LISST + stock tubes this afternoon. Currently paired with Gumby as the balanced in and Mani as the SE input. I've noticed that nobody has posted anything specifically about vinyl as a source with the MJ2 yet on this thread. I can confirm that the Mani + MJ2 combo sounds stunning: warm and holographic even with such limited burn-in, while my previous setup using A2 + Mani sounded harsh, sibilant, and analytical. I had been contemplating upgrading the Ortophon 2MR on my Debut Carbon to get more detail off my vinyl, but hearing my records through the MJ2 (using stock tubes) has me thinking I'll wait. I'm hearing nuanced background details pop out that I've never noticed when using the Asgard 2. Very happy with the performance and can't wait to hear the set-up at its full potential when my LCD-3's arrive and I'll be able to take advantage of the balanced functionality. Also looking forward to evaluating the LISST sound, but for now the stock tubes aren't going anywhere.
 
Cheers!

Are you running the stock Ortofon 2mRed? I changed the stylus on my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC to the Ortofon Blue, and noticed a considerable difference... Much less inner groove distortion, smoother mids and hi's (I found the Red almost harsh in the treble). Got the Blue Stylus only, as it plugs direct into the Red cartridge. $150 brand new from Germany.

 

[zive]

Yes, slightly ashamed to say that I'm still spinning with the stock cartridge a year after buying my Debut Carbon. It's funny that you mentioned the Blue stylus because I was split between going that route or just replacing the whole cartridge for a Denon DL-110. Have you had the chance to hear the black stylus? Wondering if it's not just worth it to save a few more weeks and go all the way if I'm going to stick with my current cartridge.
 
Thanks!

 

[JK-47]

  Yes, slightly ashamed to say that I'm still spinning with the stock cartridge a year after buying my Debut Carbon. It's funny that you mentioned the Blue stylus because I was split between going that route or just replacing the whole cartridge for a Denon DL-110. Have you had the chance to hear the black stylus? Wondering if it's not just worth it to save a few more weeks and go all the way if I'm going to stick with my current cartridge.
 
Thanks!

The Black and Bronze Ortofon stylus will plug directly into the Red cartridge, but you will not get the added benefit of the higher grade cartridge body that come with the Black and Bronze... If you planned on the Black, you would probably better off buying the complete cartridge and stylus.
 
I haven't heard the black stylus.
 
I found the best deals on Ortofon cartridges and stylus on ebay from a fellow in Germany.

 

[jjacq]

I've heard of people adding a Wyrd onto their GMB/Mj2 stack and I wonder as to what it actually does. Let's say I don't really have any noticeable USB issues with my setup, would I still benefit adding it to the chain?

I don't know, it seems like a given to buy a Wyrd when it comes to their schiit stack, especially the GMB/Mj2 along with the Rag/Ygg.

 

[RazrLeaf]

The single ended output on Schiit components are compromised compared to balanced. I heard this when I owned the Gungnir and then the Ragnarok. I expect it to be the case for the Mj2. Single ended is there as a matter of convenience and not representative of thre component's full potential.

I have the MJ2 and HD650 with both cables. The balanced is better, period.

Tried with the LISST and Bugle Boy 6DJ8's. I also tried my LCD2.2f's (both balanced and SE) and again balanced takes the prize. If you're not running balanced headphones out of the MJ2, I think you're throwing away money.

Many thank for the thoughts. Sounds like the $30 it costs to convert my HD 650s to balanced would be justified (if I got a MJ2). Now all I have to decide is L2 or MJ2...and I know there are people here that have both MJ2 and L2, and said they would provide their thoughts (looking at you, reddog =P). L2 vs. MJ2 SE and L2 vs. MJ2 Balanced.

 

[rb2013]

  Yes, slightly ashamed to say that I'm still spinning with the stock cartridge a year after buying my Debut Carbon. It's funny that you mentioned the Blue stylus because I was split between going that route or just replacing the whole cartridge for a Denon DL-110. Have you had the chance to hear the black stylus? Wondering if it's not just worth it to save a few more weeks and go all the way if I'm going to stick with my current cartridge.
 
Thanks!

I have the 2M Black - it's awesome!  Compares vary favorably to the big buck MC I've had like the Benz Ebony and Dyna XV1-S.  Not cheap though.
 
One note the higher end 2M's need proper VTA adjustment  - hopefully your arm has it.  If not set right you won;t get the bass fully fleshed out.