New Vestri DAC/Amp from Schiit

[Joe Smith]

Schiit is on a bit of a roll when it comes to new products right now - fresh on the heels of the Buf tube buffer, now comes the new Vestri compact (dongle type) DAC/Amp for $99 - another product that uses the "MESH" filter design but in an attractive, portable format.

I don't need a new compact DAC/amp for my listening life but this is an appealing package and price - nice features, appearance, hopefully good or excellent performance.

I was amused to see the references back to the old "Fulla v1" DAC/amp product in their webpage description, I still own one of those - it's the only product of theirs I've bought that was a bit of a disappointment - bit of a scratchy pot, lots of usb noise - it becomes usable, however, to this day, by adding a JDS Labs Synapse filter between a computer and the device. This new product seems on the face of it to be vastly superior.

I hope one of these does get sent to Amir for testing, as it will be a chance to see if the "MESH" + AMP implementation for this is better than what he measured for the recent Magni + MESH card combo.

If anyone gets one of these, will be interested in your comments.

Seems a decent value for $99, if it performs as good as it looks...

 

[john61ct]

Actually made in USA including PCB assembly - not important to me, but some do care about that.

Durability BIFL design intent I love in principle - milled aluminium & glass block chassis with touch controls - UI has no moving parts. No OLED screen, just LEDs under the glass for lifetime durability

Touch controls include bass boost (for "Loudness") & phase invert.

Unison UAC2-compliant USB

Balanced output up to 400mW for demanding headphones

User can switch between their touted Mesh (megacomboburrito) filtering, or bypass for stock passthrough with NOS mode.

 

[majingotan]

For a $99 USD dongle with real power behind it, its price to performance is excellent IMHO:

The harmonic peaks are so far away from being audible whatsoever

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Wow I like to look. Nice slick low profile.

 

[worker24x7]

This is a long shot, but if I attach a headphone with a microphone (TRRS connection) -- will that mic work with Vestri?
or otherwise, how would I use it with headphones with mic.
In many instances, I just pick headphones with a single detachable cable, buy a cable with a mic, and then use that as 'headphones with a mic')
So I just want to check how if that combo (headphones/mic) will work with this dongle.

 

[Joe Smith]

This is a long shot, but if I attach a headphone with a microphone (TRRS connection) -- will that mic work with Vestri?
or otherwise, how would I use it with headphones with mic.
In many instances, I just pick headphones with a single detachable cable, buy a cable with a mic, and then use that as 'headphones with a mic')
So I just want to check how if that combo (headphones/mic) will work with this dongle.

I think you would ideally use a FULLA amp from Schiit for headphone and microphone. Larger form factor, but designed for work/gaming purposes.

 

[worker24x7]

ah, ok thank you @Joe Smith, so this would not work
(I am looking for portable option).

I actually just got a Kiwi Ears Ardor (at 50% off) https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-Kiwi-Ears-Ardor-Lightweight/dp/B0DT8Z47RX , it has a USB-C cable that still allows their built-in microphone to work (so you can use Bluetooth or USB-C, mic works in both cases).

I would like the same option just through a dac so I can use my other headphones+mic - in a portable fashion.

 

[davmol]

I would like the same option just through a dac so I can use my other headphones+mic - in a portable fashion.

Qudelix 5k accepts a 3.5mm TRRS, for headphones with an inline mic and it's about as portable and fully featured DAC as I've seen and used (I have one).

 

[Singletrackrod]

Schiit is on a bit of a roll when it comes to new products right now - fresh on the heels of the Buf tube buffer, now comes the new Vestri compact (dongle type) DAC/Amp for $99 - another product that uses the "MESH" filter design but in an attractive, portable format.

I don't need a new compact DAC/amp for my listening life but this is an appealing package and price - nice features, appearance, hopefully good or excellent performance.

I was amused to see the references back to the old "Fulla v1" DAC/amp product in their webpage description, I still own one of those - it's the only product of theirs I've bought that was a bit of a disappointment - bit of a scratchy pot, lots of usb noise - it becomes usable, however, to this day, by adding a JDS Labs Synapse filter between a computer and the device. This new product seems on the face of it to be vastly superior.

I hope one of these does get sent to Amir for testing, as it will be a chance to see if the "MESH" + AMP implementation for this is better than what he measured for the recent Magni + MESH card combo.

If anyone gets one of these, will be interested in your comments.

Seems a decent value for $99, if it performs as good as it looks...

I received my Vestri yesterday. After 4-5 hours of listening, I'm delighted in this purchase. My current listening chain is playback with Roon ARC, Samsung S25+, the Vestri and a set of InAwaken Twilight D2s. The Vestri replaced a highly regarded Tanchjim Space DAC.

The sound is clear and clean with real meat to the full range of tones. Certainly more fleshed out than the Space. There is excellent pace and attack. Layered instruments are distinct and easily placed on the soundstage. Very engaging.

I haven't enjoyed the control interface as much. Perhaps it's my sausage-like digits, but I find the control panel to be slow too respond and unpredictable.

More to come as I find time to continue my listening. I'll press my Linsoul ZiiGaat Odyssey IEMs and maybe a pair of vintage AKG K701s. Stay tuned.

 

[partita]

Just got mine yesterday and I replaced my Magnius+Modius stack with it, to save some desktop space. It works perfectly fine with my Dan Clark Stealth, and for recordings with higher levels I don’t even need to tune volume above 50%. 400mW is sufficient to drive Stealth to 112dB

The toggle between proprietary/NOS digital filters allows easy A/B comparison. I did not notice any difference between them

 

[john61ct]

There's an update / free exchange going if you have troubles with the touch / tap controls in portable carry mode.

See the main thread on HF for details

 

[kazuviking]

Actually made in USA including PCB assembly

Most of the time it means inferior quality with severe overpricing.

 

[threni]

The sound is clear and clean with real meat to the full range of tones. Certainly more fleshed out than the Space. There is excellent pace and attack.

It's meaty, fleshed out and there's pace - great! What about bite? Any news on the thrust, strength and/or suppleness? How's the synergy - compelling I hope. Is the audacity competent? The frequency range integrated? Will it provide plankton for my headphones?

 

[john61ct]

Most of the time it means inferior quality with severe overpricing.

I doubt it inherently means anything when generalising, but certainly not the case with Schiit.

Also enables getting quick replacements FOR FREE when the hardware gets improved, is not going to happen when shipped from overseas