Is it too much to ask the IMD and multi-tone test?
Below plots [1][2] are from Schiit measurements for Heresy. There is a small rise of IMD in [1] when frequency rises. I think it is nothing to be concerned. But Magni 3+ does not have it here.And about these headphone amplifier, am I the only one who miss IMD measurement?
Again, other companies do it right the first time. And at similar price points.
I wonder which one runs cooler over time? My guess is that simpler opamp design requires less energy to run, so cooler.
I measured both units with an IR thermometer. My room temperature was 22C and the Heresy top cover was around 28C after about 30 minutes of running time while the Magni 3+ top was at 32C. It is worth mentioning that the Magni 3+ was stacked on top of the Modi 3 so that may have raised its temperature a bit although the Modi 3 is generally very cool to the touch.I wonder which one runs cooler over time? My guess is that simpler opamp design requires less energy to run, so cooler.
Holycrap, thanks for the tip -- I didn't know about those. They look much classier than the little chunks of electrical tape I've been using.
What you are implying is that Schiit "cherry picked" the Magni 3+ and Heresy amps sent for review. If that was the case why would they send units with some minor solder splatter on the PCB boards? The measurements also agree. If @amirm feels comfortable that the units sent for review were random production samples you probably should be also in my opinion.I dont want to ruin the party but everyone is super happy with getting samples directly from the company that was giving golden samples to reviewers? Did I miss something or?
I really hope this is the beginning of a new era but it gives me a funny feeling
What you are implying is that Schiit "cherry picked" the Magni 3+ and Heresy amps sent for review. If that was the case why would they send units with some minor solder splatter on the PCB boards? The measurements also agree. If @amirm feels comfortable that the units sent for review were random production samples you probably should be also in my opinion.
I dont want to ruin the party but everyone is super happy with getting samples directly from the company that was giving golden samples to reviewers? Did I miss something or?
I dont want to ruin the party but everyone is super happy with getting samples directly from the company that was giving golden samples to reviewers? Did I miss something or?
I really hope this is the beginning of a new era but it gives me a funny feeling
My remark on "getting it right the first time" doesn't refer to lemons off the assembly line. It refers to what appears to be an issue with build across the line. An institutional problem if you will. The soldering and grounding issues have been exposed here in other reviews. My research into the issue began with my own issues with buzzing when touching the volume control on the amps. I could tap the volume control and get a buzz. My own body was creating this. It wasn't just weird, but annoying. Amir's work here seemed to expose this as grounding issues. Other users in other forums, such as Head Fi, had the same problem. Jason Stoddard's suggestion was to "not hang on the volume control." To me, that's not helpful and an attempt to ignore it and sweep it under the rug. Regarding measurements, some Schiit gear is in the $4 figure range. Not cheap and the results reviewed here not good. So a wider net could be used to include those companies getting it right. Benchmark always seems to get accolades, as an example.Which companies, though?
There aren't a lot of companies directly comparable to Schiit in terms of audiophile-focused DACs and amps in their price range.
JDS Labs might be the closest comparison, though they have a smaller lineup. I don't have any direct experience but as far as I know, they have a track record second to none in terms of performance and customer service. Although, it's worth noting that they sort of launched on the back of NwAvGuy's work.
AudioQuest's portable DACs have been good performers in a similar price segment, but the rest of their product lineup reeks of snake oil and I don't find them to be an ethical company.
Chinese companies like Topping, SMSL, and Fiio come to mind. I would consider their track records similar to Schiit's. Although with Schiit you don't get that exciting fireworks display you get when you plug an SMSL product like the SA-50, SA-60 or SA-98 into the outlet. Topping probably has the best record out of the three but they have had some issues.
I'm probably forgetting some obvious contenders.
So, who are you thinking of? Which companies "hit it out of the park" on their first tries, at prices similar to Schiit?
My remark on "getting it right the first time" doesn't refer to lemons off the assembly line. It refers to what appears to be an issue with build across the line. An institutional problem if you will. The soldering and grounding issues have been exposed here in other reviews. My research into the issue began with my own issues with buzzing when touching the volume control on the amps. I could tap the volume control and get a buzz. My own body was creating this. It wasn't just weird, but annoying. Amir's work here seemed to expose this as grounding issues. Other users in other forums, such as Head Fi, had the same problem. Jason Stoddard's suggestion was to "not hang on the volume control." To me, that's not helpful and an attempt to ignore it and sweep it under the rug. Regarding measurements, some Schiit gear is in the $4 figure range. Not cheap and the results reviewed here not good. So a wider net could be used to include those companies getting it right. Benchmark always seems to get accolades, as an example.
Yes, prior to the thread on Head Fi I referred to:I am curious if you contacted customer service. We are happy to help people when they have an issue. Also, when did this problem happen? If you are finding a problem with one of our units, I would like to address it.