Schiit Magni 3+ and Heresy Headphone Amp Reviews

[Veri]

Does anyone else notice distortion with the RCA outputs on the Heresy when set on high gain? I was noticing lots of distortion (speakers crackling), especially with higher female vocals in choral music, and at first assumed it was my speakers since I didn't get the same distortion through the headphones. But when I switched the gain from high to low the problem went away.

How hot is your input in the Heresy? As in volts. You might be driving it into clipping.

 

[Theriverlethe]

How hot is your input in the Heresy? As in volts. You might be driving it into clipping.

Or driving the speaker amp inputs into clipping with the Heresy output.

 

[ari]

How hot is your input in the Heresy? As in volts. You might be driving it into clipping.

Input is from a Schiit Modi 3. The listed specs are RCA, 75 ohms, 20Hz-20KHz, +/-0.25dB, Maximum Output: 2.0V RMS

Or driving the speaker amp inputs into clipping with the Heresy output.

That looks likely the case. I can't get the speakers to distort with the Magni Heresy set on low gain. On high gain they start distorting when the Heresy's volume knob gets turned up, and the distortion goes away with reducing the Heresy's volume. This is regardless of the volume setting on the speakers' amp.
So, yes, looks like it might just be clipping with the speaker amp. Thanks for helping figure that one out.

 

[Asylum Seeker]

So how does the Heresy stack up against the Topping L30?

 

[Jimbob54]

So how does the Heresy stack up against the Topping L30?

On paper I think the L30 trumps the Heresy just about everywhere. In real world use, can't see why anyone would find a difference. Ditto most of the well measuring budget stars.

 

[Sgt. Ear Ache]

So how does the Heresy stack up against the Topping L30?

Well, realistically-speaking, very well really. Initially, I was very tempted by the L30, but the understanding that it's power output is actually about the same as the Heresy (which I already have) has me less interested. I have an E30 on order and it would be nice to have the stack, but that isn't a big concern for me. I do like the front facing switches, but again not a huge issue. Although, if you use iems a lot that low gain setting on the L30 might be a nice feature.

Just an aside, I had one of those magical listening sessions last night with my headphone rig here. You know those times where it all seems to come together to create a blissful experience? D10 --- Heresy --- HE400i --- my mood --- ambient noise levels ---cosmic atmosphere = extreme satisfaction. Everything just sounded like pure gold.

 

[Jimbob54]

Well, realistically-speaking, very well really. Initially, I was very tempted by the L30, but the understanding that it's power output is actually about the same as the Heresy (which I already have) has me less interested. I have an E30 on order and it would be nice to have the stack, but that isn't a big concern for me. I do like the front facing switches, but again not a huge issue.

Thats about where I'm at. The logical person in me says I don't need another (very well measuring) single ended amp. The tinkerer in me says "it's only £120, let's have a listen".

 

[Asylum Seeker]

So, gentlemen, what would be a state-of-the art DAC to pair with the Heresy or L30 for no more than $120?

 

[Jimbob54]

So, gentlemen, what would be a state-of-the art DAC to pair with the Heresy or L30 for no more than $120?

The obvious answer is stretch to the e30. Which means you may as well get the L30 for appearances sake. The reality is, whatever dac you like for the price. I'm not brave enough to put a dongle as the source for desktop, yet. The e1da d when released might change that

 

[NgtFlyer]

While I do own a Modi 3 and Magni 3+, I have decided to spring for the Topping E30 and L30 combo. I am curious to compare, and I have a second room I can use the Schiit stack in. The are great sounding components and I enjoy them. My main listening setup (my office) will get the Topping gear. You really can't go wrong either way from a listening standpoint.

 

[Aperiodic]

Heresy interests me but... it continues the Schiit tradition of either having some Achilles heel performance-wise or missing some spec. Here it's output impedance: It's tested at 1.2 Ω which is quite acceptable but is 6x Schiit's published spec of 0.2 Ω.

 

[JohnYang1997]

Heresy interests me but... it continues the Schiit tradition of either having some Achilles heel performance-wise or missing some spec. Here it's output impedance: It's tested at 1.2 Ω which is quite acceptable but is 6x Schiit's published spec of 0.2 Ω.

Higher output impedance is normal in Amir's measurements.

 

[trl]

Maybe Schiit measures the impedance at 1KHz while Amir takes worst impedance across audible band. @JohnYang1997, can you explain your above input, please? Thanks!

 

[JohnYang1997]

Maybe Schiit measures the impedance at 1KHz while Amir takes worst impedance across audible band. @JohnYang1997, can you explain your above input, please? Thanks!

Amir explained before that his wiring may have caused the higher output impedance. So I don't take that test too seriously.

 

[Veri]

Heresy interests me but... it continues the Schiit tradition of either having some Achilles heel performance-wise or missing some spec. Here it's output impedance: It's tested at 1.2 Ω which is quite acceptable but is 6x Schiit's published spec of 0.2 Ω.

Between 0 Ω and 1 Ω measured, I'm sure it'll be low enough to have a nice, flat FR response. No need to worry about that, your own cables and connectors are more likely to change the final impedance than this tiny difference will.

 

[TonyMM]

I have finally decided to get the Schiit DAC + AMP for the earphones/ headphones....Magni3+ or Magni Heresey together with a Modi 3

But which one, Magni3+ or Magni Heresey, would you recommend for the Sure ES535 earphones (I bought them in 2010 approximately) which tends too have this disgraceful hiss....

 

[ari]

I believe that @amirm has shown the Heresy superior to the Magni 3 with his measurements.
Anecdotally, I had the Modi3 + Magni Heresy and was very pleased with them. Turned all the way up and no hum/hiss with my HiFiMan's

 

[Dana reed]

I have finally decided to get the Schiit DAC + AMP for the earphones/ headphones....Magni3+ or Magni Heresey together with a Modi 3

But which one, Magni3+ or Magni Heresey, would you recommend for the Sure ES535 earphones (I bought them in 2010 approximately) which tends too have this disgraceful hiss....

With something as sensitive IEMs, either of the amps could be a problem, as you’ll be so low on the pot and get possible channel imbalance.
I actually like their bigger amps better for such earphones, just because the pot is better at high attenuation

 

[solderdude]

solution for this or DIY

 

[Dana reed]

solution for this or DIY

I have the middle one, and it does work quite well as advertised