A Schiit Audio System

Porn? I'll be in more trouble when she finds out how much $$ I have spent since I joined this forum...

 

Have you tried any of the Psvane new production tube 6SN7 variants? The Treasure Globe 6SN7-SE tube looks way cool and supposedly fits the Freya without the need for socket risers. Unfortunately the globe style tubes won't fit in my Cavalli Liquid Glass headphone amp. But I'm playing with a pair of Psvane Treasure CV181-TII tubes instead. I consider them to have more of a hi-fi style tube sound than the rare ($200+ each) 6SN7 NOS tubes. The Psvane tubes present a bigger soundstage (for better or worse, you don't get bigger soundstage like that without some drawbacks). The Psvane's are a fun pair of tubes to have for when I want to explore that sort of sound with the amp.

 

The MFSL version of "Bridge of Sighs" and/or the 2007 remaster would sound better than that original release (IMHO). Get bot the MFSL and the 2007 remaster. They're both differently better in different ways.

 

Someone needs to come along and do a nice *sounding* boxset or something. So much of Robin Trower is OOP.

But moving on...the big white truck came by and dropped off a package. Can't plug the amp in yet; lets just say it feels like a chunk of ice so I'll let it warm up for a while while I have a cold one. Yesterday the high was about 8*F. I'm leaving the Loki in for now, but I may end up pulling it out. I'm using my Polk towers for now, but I have another set of speakers on the way.

These are the first banana plugs I have ever used. I'm not so sure I like them. In a way, it looks like an accident waiting to happen. If the banana plug was bumped the right way, I could see some damage done with all that leverage. Seems like they stick too far out. I may just go to bare wire. I don't know.







The brown truck also stopped by and dropped this off. John Prine sounds good on any system. I look forward to his show in St. Louis!





Well, got the regular mail and found another bandana fresh from Rockmount in CO. They specialize in $$$ western shirts, but the bandana was 8 bucks.

 

Congrats!... I love my Schiit gear... let us know how you like it once you fire it up!
Cheers

 

If you plan on using 1x Vidar as a stereo amp (connecting to Vidar using Single-Ended RCA cables), then Saga is for you.

If you’ve got to run 2x Vidar as monoblocks, then you need a true balanced pre-amp (fully balanced architecture, not just sporting XLR outs). In that case, Freya is for you.

I’m sorry they didn’t explain much to you. On the bright side, their website is really helpful. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m paraphrasing something they have on Vidar’s product page (maybe under the FAQ).

Also, Jason from Schiit is pretty adamant that 1x Vidar as a stereo amp fed with SE RCA cables is MORE than adequate for all but the most inefficient speakers (or for folks that want to experience hearing loss at 5x the the usual rate).

If you use your DAC regularly, I’d look at upgrading - especially if lots of your music is not of the brick walled loudness war variety. Eventually, when you start spending large amounts on your gear, source trumps everything.

 

I'll be running it 1x stereo with the SYS, which is what I have for now. My only source at this point is my Fiio X3. I'm typing right now on a newish SSD Dell laptop which will eventually become a part of the system with purchase of a DAC.

I have read that the Vidar & Saga is a great match. That might be in the future. As for now, My Vidar waits...it's been inside for 1.5 hours and is still cold. I never hear too much of cold weather & condensation which can happen in equipment. Better to play it safe.

As far as the type of music I listen to, I make it a point *now* to seek out the better versions of my favorites. The first thing that comes to mind are the Allman Brothers and Chicago. Those old 80s discs that go for cheap.

 

Yes, but since you hang out here you know how and where to find the good OOP releases.

 

I mean, that was toooo easy!! )

 

Just trying to get my Schiit together.

 

Well, I know where to find them. That's the easy part. It's the $$ part that hurts! But as far as Robin Trower goes, someone needs to step up to the plate and make this stuff available.

 

Look, why do I have to deal with all this Schitt?

 

True. But that's why we like Schiit. Good gear at lower prices so we have more budget to buy OOP and audiophile CD releases.

 

If the company is listening, feel free to use this name in a future product: Schiit Creek.

They already have the Fulla Schiit, so I think this fits right in. Please send me a sample for the 3 beers and thought that went into the name. Please!

 

Sounds like you're on the right track! Enjoy the music.

How do you like your SYS?

 

You're not kidding. I mean, I just about had a stroke when I pulled the trigger on a $1,249 Gungnir MB, but it has become the one piece of gear in my system that I'd hesitate to even consider changing. I can't imagine how much I'd have to spend to get "better," and even then, "better" may not mean "better sounding" to my old ears.

And then there's Freya. Seriously? $799 (with new TungSol Tubes) for a fully balanced tube preamp with all those inputs and outputs?

There entry-level gear is what got me started - Eitr, Modi 2 MB, Vali 2 (and eventually Loki and Magni 3 [couldn't resist at $99]).

You've got to applaud a company that makes gear for all levels of spending desire.

 

Schiit is a game changer. Buying imported gear sold through a distributer via a dealer network? Markup markup markup.

Or made in USA direct? And higher quality? With top shelf sound? At much lower prices? Designed by industry vets? Beautiful ID? No brainer.

My Schiit Bifrost and Loki are right at home in my Naim 102/250/HC system.

 

I’ve been s Schiit head since the original Valhalla and Bifrost Uber. Thrilled to death with both as a headphone system, but have recently disassembled and placed the Bifrost in my 2-ch rig, which I’m going to be paying a lot more attention to again after several years without one.

Am pulling my hair out trying to decide which way to go: Vidar/Sega, Vidar/Vidar/Freya, Aegir/Freya, Aegir/Aegir/Freya?

Or a Ragnorak?

I really wish the Freya had option for dual balanced outs. It doesn’t and word is there’s no plan to do so. Was dreaming of a pair of Aegir and a BAT VK-55 for BAT-Schiit crazy power.

Almost no question I’m buying a Sol.

Just an incredibly cool and accessible company. They’ve made high end affordable and fun for so many. Exactly what this industry needs, IMHO.

 

I’m listening through my umpteenth night on headphones via Valhalla 2-Sennheiser HD 600 combo. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath LP masterly blasting. I can’t get enough, frankly.

My Modi 2 Uber takes me through the early evening, operating as my TV’s DAC and blowing away the nonsense that I previously owned and returned.

A night at home without my Schiit is an evening that seems like s—t.

 

Cryoed, of course!

 

I run Freya -> 2 x Vidar mono, fully balanced connection. Freya was upgraded with socket raisers, NOS tubes (Sylvania 7N7 and 6N7 GTA) and sobothane dumpers on its feet.

While I absolutely share your impressions on the sound, there is a certain amount of hum (50-100 Hz range) coming out of my 92 db sensitive B&W speakers. It is not ruining my listening experience in any way, but hum can be heard <=1 m away from each speaker. Vidar has too much gain, and the more sensitive your speakers are, more hum you ll hear. There are also some reports that 240V models (EU,AUS) exhibit more hum.

Regards

 

Jason from Schiit responded to someone considering running 2x Vidar with 4 ohm, 98dB efficiency speakers:

To be frank, you're gonna have WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY too much gain and will likely get audible tube noise with the Freya in tube gain mode and Vidars run mono. You are in completely-bonkers, insane-overkill mode with near-100-dB efficient speakers. You could literally use a 25W amp and have paint-peeling levels. I'd personally go with one Vidar--and if you want tubes, Saga (which has no gain), if you're sticking with those speakers.

Seriously, I say "Start with one Vidar," not just to hear myself talk, but because it's what makes sense for the vast majority of systems.

Sorry to be blunt. The only place I'd use Vidar in mono, personally, is for my Eminent Technology LFT-VIs, which are 82dB efficient. One Vidar is TONS for our Magneplanar 1.7s.
​

 

I do like the Sys, not much to really say about it as simple as it is. It works exactly as it should. Everything sounds wonderful. I am going to take the Loki out, I really don't think I need it at this point. Plenty of bass now!

With the Sys at about 11:00 it is loud. I might have to turn the Fiio down a little bit. The Vidar just got a little warm to the touch.

 

I'll listen today to see if I have any hum; If I do have any, it would be hard to hear with the level of noise I have (on a fairly busy street corner).

 

I'm in for a Sol as well... I visited the Schittr in December and it was a great experience!
My favorite new toy is the Loki... I was able to enjoy my original Tales from Topographical Oceans records again with a simple small tweak of the 20Hz knob...
All in all I agree that they are a cool and accessible company and I've been happy with everything I've tried so far...
Cheers