[Timster]

I wouldn't put anything on top of a Vidar.....

Maybe, but under a small load, how hot does it get? I agree if you were running it hard, but smallish room, and efficient speakers it shouldn't be an issue, should it?

 

[winders]

I already said what I wouldn't do......

 

[artur9]

Schiit make a pretty good amp that would match, and you can have the Bifrost on top of it..... http://www.schiit.com/products/vidar
!

(A) Putting anything on top of a Vidar is a bad idea
(B) Vidar: Size: 9” x 13” x 3.875” Bifrost: Size: 9 x 6.75 x 2.25” so the Vidar is easily twice the size of the Bifrost.

So, no, the Vidar isn't the answer to my needs.

 

[rlow]

(A) Putting anything on top of a Vidar is a bad idea
(B) Vidar: Size: 9” x 13” x 3.875” Bifrost: Size: 9 x 6.75 x 2.25” so the Vidar is easily twice the size of the Bifrost.

So, no, the Vidar isn't the answer to my needs.

If you're looking for something of a similar depth to Bifrost you may have to go Class D or similar topology. The only small class AB amp I can think of is the AudioEngine N22, but i think that sits vertical. Other one that comes to mind is the new Exposure XM series, but I'm thinking these might be pretty deep as well, like Vidar. This is why I think many people have been lobbying Jason to come out with a compact lower powered class A or AB amp, I don't believe there's that many around-everyone is going Class D with these, probably because it's hard to fit what you need for class AB and get proper heat dissipation in something that small.

 

[rkw]

I saw a review that said Vidar idles at about 60 watts, which seems high. Does this sound correct? Schiit's specs and literature don't mention power at idle. Is the case warm at idle?

 

[Alcophone]

I saw a review that said Vidar idles at about 60 watts, which seems high. Does this sound correct? Schiit's specs and literature don't mention power at idle. Is the case warm at idle?

I think mine idled at slightly over 50W or so when I measured it, and went closer to 60W when playing music. It does get nicely warm even when idling, but not hot. The only time I have experienced it truly hot was when I took it to an audio store to audition speakers, on a hot day, with lots of other equipment running in the room, and bad ventilation. Still no issue, though.

 

[artur9]

If you're looking for something of a similar depth to Bifrost you may have to go Class D or similar topology. The only small class AB amp I can think of is the AudioEngine N22, but i think that sits vertical. Other one that comes to mind is the new Exposure XM series, but I'm thinking these might be pretty deep as well, like Vidar.

Yeah, hence the plea for help. The N22 looks pretty good but, you're right, it's the wrong way around. And the Exposure XM is a little too big.

The only one I know of is the Parasound Zamp but I've soured on Parasound. I'm tempted by this bling-y thing but I don't need to fry an egg while listening.

 

[Timster]

(A) Putting anything on top of a Vidar is a bad idea
(B) Vidar: Size: 9” x 13” x 3.875” Bifrost: Size: 9 x 6.75 x 2.25” so the Vidar is easily twice the size of the Bifrost.

So, no, the Vidar isn't the answer to my needs.

Fair enough... I was thinking of just the width. Good luck with your search

 

[Mr Rick]

I've been in this hobby for a number of years, but I saw something today I have never seen before. A Mono block preamplifier. That's right, you need two of these preamps for a two channel system. Has anyone else seen such a device? What is next? Mono block DACs?

 

[Music Alchemist]

What is next? Mono block DACs?

Already here.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/esoteric-grandioso-d1-monoblock-dac
http://www.esoteric.jp/products/esoteric/p1d1/indexe.html

 

[Mr Rick]

$44K Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!

 

[Music Alchemist]

$44K Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!

You've probably heard of this one. Costs well over six figures with some of the upgrades. (Which include a dual mono power base option.)

http://www.msbtechnology.com/dacs/select-features/

The Select DAC is powered by MSB’s Hybrid DAC technology. A total of sixteen channels across eight modules are stitched together for a high powered direct output. There is no amplification stage needed to drive the output—only a pure digital-to-analog conversion.

Not sure what you would call that in the context of mono. (I guess it's technically not in the end.) But it makes Schiit look like a steal!

 

[artur9]

That's right, you need two of these preamps for a two channel system.

Lends new meaning to the phrase, "I'll take two!" but think about the balance control options. And madness for the more OCD of us.

 

[Jhors2]

I'm still trying to find out if money isn't really an object if going Vidar for bookshelf speakers at a computer setup is better than just relying on a Ragnarok. Any thoughts?

 

[Mr Rick]

I'm still trying to find out if money isn't really an object if going Vidar for bookshelf speakers at a computer setup is better than just relying on a Ragnarok. Any thoughts?

Do you need an excellent headphone amp? Do you really need more power then 50WPC?

If you want/need the headphone amp, then the Rag might be a better choice. It's a one box solution, when paired with a DAC.

If you need additional power, then the Vidar might be the ticket. Keep in mind, with the Vidar you will need a preamp, or a headphone amp with preamp outputs.

I currently have a Freya preamp with a pair of mono blocks, but I'm leaning towards the Rag for a second system, for my cabin. It would be nice to have a headphone amp / speaker amp, all-in-one.