[Globox]

Well, if that is the case, I hope they will make an upgrade for MJ2 (like an MJ2 Uber) and not an MJ3 ! We'll see, but I don't expect it yet !
And, well, as far as I know, MJ2 does not have a modular design...

 

[mattking52]

Well, if that is the case, I hope they will make an upgrade for MJ2 (like an MJ2 Uber) and not an MJ3 ! We'll see, but I don't expect it yet !
And, well, as far as I know, MJ2 does not have a modular design...

yeah, I was just about to say - if MJ2 had a modular design, this would certainly be a possibility, and I wouldn't have any hesitation about buying now!

 

[FLTWS]

I've never believed in specs nor can I hear / identify them when I listen. Specs are benchmarks from the designer and say to me, "see my numbers, my gear doesn't suck!" In the late 60's early 70's SS specs crushed those of the available tube gear at the time, and SS gear sounded like (put a word from Mike's Dictionary here), when the transistors weren't self destructing. The sound of solid state, just like the sound of digital has come a long way since introduction decades ago.

Note the 3 Schiit HP amps in my sig, I've owned all 3 for the past year and in A-B-C listening tests my take is that the 3 exhibit mostly similarities of sound rather than differences. And those differences are not large at all, I hear them as very small with HP's. There may be synergies that happen with certain other gear in the chain but basically Schiit sounds like Schiit, which means excellent.

I don't hear mountains but mostly molehills. This hobby to me is about the subtleties in the molehills and as such I suffer no angst wondering if what I have is good enough to enjoy as is. But as a hobbyist the quest is on going simply for my enjoyment and to satisfy my curiosity.

But I believe the aural mountains to be experienced will come in the form of Loki, MP, perhaps a killer cross-feed circuit for us headphone users.

 

[Phantaminum]

Glad you found where the problem was. Although tubes generally are more noisy than SS, whether you can hear that difference is another matter.

Same here. I've never had this issue with my Jot which I found extremely strange and while I was going back and forth between both I started to hear the noise coming from it. The Jot never made any noise when turning up the volume and after a bit of detective work I traced it back to the USB then to the power strip. First times a kicker. In terms of tubes the box they came in has a check mark for burn in. Looks like I don't have to burn them in or is that always something you do with tubes. I guess the last question would be if there's any tube that sounds like the Jot in terms of clarity and mid forward. I have a feeling I'm looking at Holy Grail type of $$$ to get this type of tube.

 

[bosiemoncrieff]

I'm having difficulty imagining what more they could do, other than raise the tube socks so it's easier to change the tubes. Rag obviously needs a remote update, but MJ2 is a pretty well thought out idea. I mean by all means give it a more linear topology, reduce THD, etc, but it has held its own for two years and remains the best sub 1k amp out there.

I think an update to LISST would be more interesting.

 

[SAndreev]

+1 to the above. My thoughts word for word. The only thing I might've added is the switch to mute pre-outs for those who use it as a preamp for speakers as well.

 

[mattking52]

I've never believed in specs nor can I hear / identify them when I listen.

I don't hear mountains but mostly molehills. This hobby to me is about the subtleties in the molehills and as such I suffer no angst wondering if what I have is good enough to enjoy as is. But as a hobbyist the quest is on going simply for my enjoyment and to satisfy my curiosity.

But I believe the aural mountains to be experienced will come in the form of Loki, MP, perhaps a killer cross-feed circuit for us headphone users.

I definitely hear ya! There's just something inside that always grates at me when I buy something right before an update. I've demoed the MJ2 at the Schiitr with my LCD-3 HPs (it looked like they had Tungsram 7DJ8s in the amp at that time), and it was a miraculous combo. I was more worried about any additional features, etc. that might come along, more so than the specs (even though that's what I referenced in my post! lol).

BUT... as some of you said, I'm having trouble thinking about what exactly those might be. lol.

 

[ToddRaymond]

I'd also be curious to see what a Mjolnir 3 could deliver–not that there's anything particularly lacking with the current version. I wonder if there'd be room for a relay-switched stepped attenuator? Some have said that the preamp out leaves quite a bit to be desired, so perhaps that could be improved upon.

 

[rmoody]

I'd also be curious to see what a Mjolnir 3 could deliver–not that there's anything particularly lacking with the current version. I wonder if there'd be room for a relay-switched stepped attenuator? Some have said that the preamp out leaves quite a bit to be desired, so perhaps that could be improved upon.

My wishes:

• Muting preamp out when headphones are connected.
• Switch closer to the edge of the case so you can reach it easier.
• Externally accessible fuse.

I use powered monitors and one day I turned on my MJ2, loud pop when the relays closed, then nothing. $70+ to ship back. Blown $0.70 fuse. If they were to use the IEC power inlet that the Vidar uses two of the above gripes would be solved as the power switch is on that part and would put it very close to the edge of the case and the fuse is integrated into it as well. Kill two stones with one bird. If the fuse blew again, I would not have to ship it back to fix. Just buy a new fuse (actually, the IEC inlet carries a spare fuse, so buy a replacement spare.)

What if he integrated Loki Mini into the chassis? Could you imagine the heads that would assplode over that? Looking at the CBP (Circuit Board Porn) looks like it might fit. Drill a holes for the pots, some labels, a bypass switch and bam. Probably mount it "upside down" from the existing Loki board to help it fit. MJ3 or MJ2 Uber, just saying.

 

[bosiemoncrieff]

I think Loki is super awesome, but Schiit shies away from making copier-printer-scanner-faxers all-in-ones. And with good reason. Not everyone wants tone controls. Some people might resent paying for them. Jotunheim was perhaps the exception that proves the rule, and I think they very pointedly did not make a Mjolnunheim. In the larger chassis, people can pay for dedicated components. Besides, if you did want tone controls in MJ2 you would want them balanced, and Loki Maxi is going to be at least the size of Jotunheim, if not Mjolnir itself.

The most meaningful upgrade that I can think of is "Jotunheiming" or "Magni 3-ing" the MJ2 chassis to bring the cost down to $799 or less.

 

[FLTWS]

I think Loki is super awesome, but Schiit shies away from making copier-printer-scanner-faxers all-in-ones. And with good reason. Not everyone wants tone controls. Some people might resent paying for them. Jotunheim was perhaps the exception that proves the rule, and I think they very pointedly did not make a Mjolnunheim. In the larger chassis, people can pay for dedicated components. Besides, if you did want tone controls in MJ2 you would want them balanced, and Loki Maxi is going to be at least the size of Jotunheim, if not Mjolnir itself.

The most meaningful upgrade that I can think of is "Jotunheiming" or "Magni 3-ing" the MJ2 chassis to bring the cost down to $799 or less.

Bosie, just got mine, you could fit 6 Loki's inside of a Jotunheim case. It fits in the palm of my hand. 5" x 3.5" x 1.25".Looked bigger in the pictures, LOL.

 

[tjl5709]

The past couple pages on this thread are interesting. From what I can tell, all the "wants" seem to revolve around functionality. To me, that's complexity and cost.

Having moved from Lyr > Lyr 2> MJ2 I have to say why all the fuss. This thing rocks.

This is a headphone amp. It has more power and clarity than what most headphones can utilize, and what most can hear.

You are more than welcome to sit on the fence for the next greatest whatever, but if you have good digital files to feed, and a good DAC to convert, this is far enough along the line from an AMP standpoint point.

Are there better. Most likely. At this price point? I doubt it.

Sorry, but if your needs are speaker based I would move on. I know I would.

 

[rmoody]

Sorry, but if your needs are speaker based I would move on. I know I would.

Powered Monitors Welcome, Too
Magni 3 includes preamp outputs. This means you can connect it to your desktop powered monitors for a complete system—or even connect it to a speaker power amp and use it as a preamp. With its built-in time-delayed start-up and instant shut-down, there’ll be no glitches or pops through either headphones or speakers, either.

Serious Power, Gain Switching, Preamp Outputs
Vali delivers 1W into 32 ohms for hard-to-drive headphones—and, at the same time, offers a low gain mode for low-noise performance with sensitive headphones. You can also use the preamp outputs to add a tube preamp to your power amp or powered monitors.

Additional Versatility: From IEMs to Orthos to Active Monitors
Asgard 2 offers two gain settings. The low-gain mode is perfect for high-sensitivity IEMs, while the high-gain mode is ideal for most other headphones, up to and including many orthodynamics. In addition, the preamp outputs can easily be connected to powered speakers, for a complete desktop system.

A Complete Desktop Preamp
Valhalla 2 also adds two important features: preamp outs and a gain switch. Preamp outs let you connect your powered monitors directly to Valhalla 2, to give them some of what some people call “tube magic.” The gain switch gives you better control of both output level and impedance, for better matching to your headphones. It's easy to build a complete desktop system around the Valhalla.

From IEMS and Orthos to Active Monitors
Lyr 2 offers two gain settings. The gain of 1 is good for most sensitive headphones, including efficient on-ear models and many IEMs, while the gain of 8 is ideal for inefficient orthodynamics and high-impedance headphones. In addition, the preamp outputs can easily be connected to powered speakers, for a complete desktop system.

Power and Control in Abundance
Mjolnir 2 puts out up to 8W/channel into 32 ohms, but is fully ready for high-sensitivity headphones with switchable gain. Use the standard gain of 8 for hard-to-drive headphones, or switch to a gain of 1 for sensitive on-ear models and IEMs. In addition, Mjolnir 2 also offers both balanced and single-ended input, switchable via the front panel. Want more? How about both balanced and single-ended headphone outputs and balanced and single-ended preamp outputs. Mjolnir also makes a great preamp for your power amps or powered monitors.

 

[Phantaminum]

Well-well a much more pleasant change! The Tungsram opened up a bit more and hits almost as fast as my Jot with close to the same clarity but with a much more natural sound. The sound stage is wider but not that wide considering i'm listening on HD650s. The tubes really compliment an unmodded HD650 well.

On the other hand the Tungsram do sound a bit too bright for my TH-X00/E-Mu Teaks depending on the pads.

 

[Sergantwhitepepper]

No noise here. How long does it go on for? I've never heard a sound out of mine other than the relay to output. No tube noise and no metal contraction sound.

Like 3-4 seconds at irregular pace, sometimes just clicking/static noises but most time it sounds like someone is deliberately shaking the whole thing and there is a loose bolt inside. Tried changing the power plug but did nothing. CBA to send it in and wait weeks for it to return, so guess im just unplugging it at night