Schiit Magni Heretic Headphone Amp Review

[lashto]

That is why tube buffers were invented.

I actually tried ~that.

Both the tubeamp and the 120 SINAD amp have pre functionality. So I tried both ways:

1. 120amp_as_pre -> tubeamp
2. tubeamp_as_pre -> 120amp.

Same DAC, same HPs, same everything else.

For some reason I preferred the sound of the first combo. It's also more comfortable and the volume-knob of the 120amp is probably better (more linear etc..). Did not do any measurements or serious tests, I just liked it so.

 

[DonR]

I actually tried ~that.

Both the tubeamp and the 120 SINAD amp have pre functionality. So I tried both ways

1. 120amp_as_pre->tubeamp
2. tubeamp_as_pre->120amp.

Same DAC, same HPs, same everything else.

For some reason I preferred the sound of the first combo. It's also more comfortable and the volume-knob of the 120amp is probably better (more linear etc..). Did not do any measurements or serious tests, I just liked it so.

That is completely understandable as most low-level tube equipment like a pre-amp is designed to be relatively distortion-free and you don't get those intentional harmonics associated with pushing a tube amp hard. A tube buffer, if designed correctly, adds those harmonics to the low-level signal.

 

[lashto]

That is completely understandable as most low-level tube equipment like a pre-amp is designed to be relatively distortion-free and you don't get those intentional harmonics associated with pushing a tube amp hard. A tube buffer, if designed correctly, adds those harmonics to the low-level signal.

I guess there could be lots of aspects to that experiment.
Low impedance planar HPs do not like tubeamps and will probably work much better with chain2.
The gain structure could play a big role (as you mentioned).
The user preferences too, some people might enjoy "pushing a tube amp hard".
Comfort cannot be neglected, e.g. would've been great if one of my amps had a remote.

One could write a big article with nice measurements about such an experiment. I would read it

 

[PeteL]

This isn’t something that would be CNC’ed. It’s stamped and bent sheet metal which is then anodized or powder coated. Nothing expensive about it.

Nothing expensive, but still the most expensive item on the BOM

 

[DonR]

I guess there could be lots of aspects to that experiment.
Low impedance planar HPs do not like tubeamps and will probably work much better with chain2.
The gain structure could play a big role (as you mentioned).
The user preferences too, some people might enjoy "pushing a tube amp hard".
Comfort cannot be neglected, e.g. would've been great if one of my amps had a remote.

One could write a big article with nice measurements about such an experiment. I would read it

I personally wouldn't have a permanent setup with a tube in line with the signal as there are times when I find the added harmonic distortion a distraction.

 

[Scrufboy]

Which dac could be paired with him?

I have Magni+ Heretic paired with the S.M.S.L DO100, which Amir also gave us a recommendation. The DAC being super low noise... I find it to be an excellent combo. Had it in house for a few days now.. Hooked up last night. Previously running a brand new Heresy. (will be sold)

 

[Scrufboy]

They used to offer this power supply:
View attachment 246276

Don't know why it disappeared or whether it would have worked here (AC vs. DC, involved voltages, etc.).

These are super helpful if you can hide them somewhere:
View attachment 246278View attachment 246279

Or go full hardcore with the Tripp-Lite PS1916D1U:
View attachment 246280

Regarding the weight issue, these door stops are very helpful (you can remove the rubber ring and improve the aesthetics somewhat):

View attachment 246283

More decorative, but less heavy and slip resistant are these marble coasters:
View attachment 246300

I use rhino's, whales, and solid copper spheres for weight.

 

[Scrufboy]

I've had service from Schiit on a headphone amp I had. I submitted my support request to Schiit and had an RMA the same day. I shipped it out for $14 and they recieved it 2 days later. Repair was complete 4 business days after they received it and they shipped it out same day via FedEx and didn't charge me for return shipping. It was friction free, quite quick, and for only $14 I would not recommend throwing it out instead.

I had an RMA on my new Heresy last month. I was surprised to have actually paid nothing to ship it back. I asked for a return shipping label and they obliged.

 

[Alexium]

Nice to see absence of high order distortion components. This should sound very good.

As if you could ever hear -120 dB to begin with, any order?

 

[Scrufboy]

Enjoying mine...

 

[Alcophone]

I use rhino's, whales, and solid copper spheres for weight.

Nice. My flashiest choice so far was a chunky pyrite:

 

[Scrufboy]

Nice. My flashiest choice so far was a chunky pyrite:
View attachment 246713

I approve of this reply...

I'm loving that chunk!

 

[xnor]

Nice. My flashiest choice so far was a chunky pyrite:
View attachment 246713

Does it add weight or brightness to the sound? I'm confused.

 

[Alcophone]

Does it add weight or brightness to the sound? I'm confused.

It absorbs the bad noise and distortion and radiates it upwards while refining the good kind.

Just kidding, I happened to have one because I like how they look and it's a fairly dense material, so it makes for a good weight.

 

[Scrufboy]

Does it add weight or brightness to the sound? I'm confused.

... Makes you believe that you have a golden ear.

I'm kidding too...

 

[Hifihedgehog]

For a $109 device, I would only worry about infant mortality. Get it from a place that allows free returns for the 30 days and after that, you are good to go. If it dies, you get another one. Keep in mind that Schiit charges you shipping both ways (when you buy and when you ship back for warranty). Unless you have a commercial shipping account, it is likely easier to just buy a new one that to mess with getting repairs, etc.

It honestly depends on the person. If you are a budget-strapped audiophile (such as the classic Ramen-devouring broke college kid) which this product also seemingly targets, paying $10-$15 with PirateShip and waiting for a repair is still far less than paying $100+ again for a brand-new amp. Is there a time cost and is it less convenient? Yes, but for someone living on a fixed income, that is a valid concern at this price point.

 

[escalibur]

It's wonderfully simple and nicely laid out for the eye candy it is.

Exactly my thoughts. It's a great piece of work indeed.

 

[GWolfman]

If only it had XLR inputs!

 

[solderdude]

 

[Dana reed]

If only it had XLR inputs!

needs to be a little bigger to fit them, and voila!

Schiit Magnius Balanced Headphone Amp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the new Schiit Magnius Balanced (input and output) headphone amplifier. It was kindly sent to me by the company and costs US $199 direct plus shipping. The sample I received is in black which gives a serious look to the new amp: There is an input...

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