Schiit Mjolnir 3 - Impressions Thread

[cgb3]

, I know, but my $3.5k + tube amp purchase is not for a while longer. Valhalla 3 will be an interesting stepping stone to that end though. Aegis is still in my future at some point though.

Edit: If I purchased the Aegis then I wouldn't be able to purchase a ZMF CO this year.

Speaking of MJ3 I just looked at Schiit's website, and their is nearly a 2 month backorder on it right now.

28 March. Call it 6 weeks.

I ordered mine 12/19/24, shipped the next day.

 

[j0val]

I’ve read somewhere about the MJ3 being a great amp to showcase the difference in DACs while connected. It’s definitely made me realize how good the Gungnir 2 is since I’ve had to switch back to a BF2 while I wait a couple days for a replacement G2. The BF2 is no slouch and still sounds awesome, but missing some improvements in layering, soundstage, and resolution.

On a separate note, MJ3 has been a really good pre-amp as well for my powered monitors. Much better than the Lyr+ was.

 

[MindBreak]

I’ve read somewhere about the MJ3 being a great amp to showcase the difference in DACs while connected. It’s definitely made me realize how good the Gungnir 2 is since I’ve had to switch back to a BF2 while I wait a couple days for a replacement G2. The BF2 is no slouch and still sounds awesome, but missing some improvements in layering, soundstage, and resolution.

On a separate note, MJ3 has been a really good pre-amp as well for my powered monitors. Much better than the Lyr+ was.

Yeah, going from the BF 2/64 to the Yggdrasil MIB pairing with the Mjolnir 3 made quite a difference. I can imagine how going back would make BF 2/64 seem like it is lacking something.

 

[commtrd]

The Yggy MiB hooked up to a MJ3 is really hard to beat for performance vs dollars spent. To get better SQ out of a setup, much more dinero will have to depart from your hands. The old adage about diminishing returns really holds true here.

I too would like to try a really top end tube amp someday, but realistically speaking, this stack sounds so awesome, so satisfying, I just cannot justify moving on to something else at this time. So is this "end game" for me? Could be. For the forseeable future. It is really good to be happy with what ya got. If I add anything, may be an Atrium Open. Gotta try a dynamic driver someday... maybe.

 

[spydrwebb44]

Listen through speakers 75% of the time, but need headphone access in the evening to avoid waking anyone.

Have been considering an MJ3 for awhile now, to either replace or have an alternative to my JDS Labs Element III.

I'd continue to use my Grado 325x cans, regardless.

Anyone have any experience with this particular kit?

Ultimate goal is to acquire a preowned set of Caldera Opens for the cause and move the 325x to my bedroom side table, but cash poor at the moment.

I know Grados don't get a lot of love here but the 325x was the third set, and the first I really enjoyed.

My bedroom rig includes a Wiim Pro into Pietus Maximus, that's currently tied to DCA x Drop Aeon closed.

Anyway, would appreciate some feedback and insight when you have a moment.

 

[227qed]

Power cable upgrades are always good for power amps; on DACs much less so but still useful.
On a Class A amp I think it's a literal must-buy. Nothing too crazy is needed but spending $50-$120~ is a good buy imo.

Am I shooting myself in the foot by using a 20 ft. extension cord to power my DAC? My only other option right now would be to run super long xlr and rca cables back to my Jot2, which I use as a HP amp and speaker preamp. Seems preferable to run long power for now until I can get my setup dialed in better.

Looking at upgrading to the MJ3 from my Jot2, but at least then I believe I could simply replace the Jot using the existing cable which has since been buried by a sectional I can’t move.

 

[MindBreak]

Am I shooting myself in the foot by using a 20 ft. extension cord to power my DAC? My only other option right now would be to run super long xlr and rca cables back to my Jot2, which I use as a HP amp and speaker preamp. Seems preferable to run long power for now until I can get my setup dialed in better.

Looking at upgrading to the MJ3 from my Jot2, but at least then I believe I could simply replace the Jot using the existing cable which has since been buried by a sectional I can’t move.

From my understanding, longer power cables adds more resistance which can cause your equipment to run hotter. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

As for the power cable for the amp, if I remember correctly Schiit uses the same power cable for most of their amps.

 

[227qed]

From my understanding, longer power cables adds more resistance which can cause your equipment to run hotter. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

As for the power cable for the amp, if I remember correctly Schiit uses the same power cable for most of their amps.

Thanks, good to know! I’m looking to board the MJ3 train without too much fuss. But we’ll see, looks like there’s a lot of good stuff out there and my Jot2 just leveled up quite a bit with a recent dac upgrade I made from a modi multibit to a musician Pegasus.

 

[MindBreak]

Thanks, good to know! I’m looking to board the MJ3 train without too much fuss. But we’ll see, looks like there’s a lot of good stuff out there and my Jot2 just leveled up quite a bit with a recent dac upgrade I made from a modi multibit to a musician Pegasus.

Just a heads up, in the most recent chapter Jason posted on the main thread he stated that they are going to end sales on the Mjolnir 3 later this year.

Mjolnir 3 was limited because I didn’t think there would be many people who wanted a big, heavy, hot desktop amplifier. Demand was much higher than we expected. So we kept making it. I believe it may have run its course, but maybe I’m wrong. I expect you’ll be able to buy a Mjolnir 3 until the middle of 2025 or so. So still somewhat limited.

 

[nephilim32]

Just a heads up, in the most recent chapter Jason posted on the main thread he stated that they are going to end sales on the Mjolnir 3 later this year.

That surprises me. Seems like the MJ3 has been quite successful in sales.
Probably more to it than that, but anyhow I’m quite surprised.

 

[227qed]

Just a heads up, in the most recent chapter Jason posted on the main thread he stated that they are going to end sales on the Mjolnir 3 later this year.

Oh geez! That’s interesting, wonder if there’s something else in the works like a fully class A Jot3.

 

[MindBreak]

That surprises me. Seems like the MJ3 has been quite successful in sales.
Probably more to it than that, but anyhow I’m quite surprised.

True, but it was always intended on being a limited run, and with the increased costs of parts and raw materials in the near future it would probably be hard to keep selling it at its current price point. So I can see why they will start to ramp down production of the Mjolnir 3 to reallocate funds to new projects. Valhalla 3 being one of them that is on my radar.

@227qed Jason has already made mention of possible super/plus variants of their Jot/Lyr sized offerings. The Valhalla 3 will be the first of the new amps that uses the slightly larger case that is between the size of the Jot and the Mjolnir 3.

Almost forgot to mention a Mjolnir 3+ or Mjolnir 4 was not off the table when someone asked about it. It will just be a long wait for it if it happens at all due to so many projects already in the pipeline. 2026 or later at the earliest to actually get any info about it.

 

[nephilim32]

True, but it was always intended on being a limited run, and with the increased costs of parts and raw materials in the near future it would probably be hard to keep selling it at its current price point. So I can see why they will start to ramp down production of the Mjolnir 3 to reallocate funds to new projects. Valhalla 3 being one of them that is on my radar.

@227qed Jason has already made mention of possible super/plus variants of their Jot/Lyr sized offerings. The Valhalla 3 will be the first of the new amps that uses the slightly larger case that is between the size of the Jot and the Mjolnir 3.

Pretty good explanation. You’ve sir, seemed to have really done his homework. I believe you. Sounds logical enough from a business perspective. Thank you for sharing your insights with me.
I do remember now that the MJ3 was gonna be a limited run. They did say that.

 

[MindBreak]

Pretty good explanation. You’ve sir, seemed to have really done his homework. I believe you. Sounds logical enough from a business perspective. Thank you for sharing your insights with me.
I do remember now that the MJ3 was gonna be a limited run. They did say that.

My pleasure, it all stems from me reading too much of the main Schiit thread.

 

[Guidostrunk]

Well if an MJ4 hits the market in the future I'm hoping it's a better MJ3 with a tube stage. Possibly 6sn7 or 12a*7 variant would be sweet. That would be the only amp that would have me part with the MJ3. Lol