Schiit Midgard Balanced Headphone Amp Review

[Brian Hall]

I may have missed it in my read thru, but are the dimensions of the Midgard the same as the Modius? More specifically, can one swap out the Midgard for the Modius when using the Snake Oil XLR Mini Link?

well, looked at the Mini Link page and they are apparently listed together. So, for anyone else too tired to look, there ya go!

The Midguard and the Modius, along with the Lokius are all the same size and stack well together.

 

[dufferdan]

The Midguard and the Modius, along with the Lokius are all the same size and stack well together.

Ya, I have the Snake Oil XLR and it is awesome as my computer desk is packed with my old Late 2015 27” iMac, two other 27” monitors whitch I have connected to the iMac AND my work laptop. Modius/Lokius/Magnius and my older Valhalla 2 all stacked. The Snake Oil connector lets me push the stack to the very back of the desk. More the risk was the XLR connections would not be spaced identically to the Magnius. Then the SO wouldn’t fit.

 

[Jefrpol]

Anyone have any thoughts (even better if based upon actual use) as to how well this amp would match up with the DCA ÆON RT? I may be misunderstanding the Midgard review but would the low impedance of the ÆON RT cause troubles for the Midgard?

 

[staticV3]

Anyone have any thoughts (even better if based upon actual use) as to how well this amp would match up with the DCA ÆON RT? I may be misunderstanding the Midgard review but would the low impedance of the ÆON RT cause troubles for the Midgard?

Amir's measurements indicate no issues driving the Aeon RT to extremely loud levels.

 

[EJ3]

a can of warms is also known as sterno.

That's what the band "Canned Heat" was named for!

 

[EJ3]

Them having a sister company is news to me.

iFi is Abbington Music Research's entry level gear, Kind of like Toyota & Lexus.

 

[Svperstar]

What headphone do you want to use that needs that amount of power.
40% more power is only 1.5dB louder and basically insignificant.
When you want to go noticeable louder than you need at least 500% more power, not just 40%

Sorry to necro and old post. Does this also apply to electrostatic energizers?

I recently purchased a Blue Hawaii, it hasn't been delivered yet. The only real difference between it and the legendary BHSE from HeadAmp is the BH I got is 1500v stator to stator and the BHSE is 1600v stator to stator.

By my math that is only 6.75% more power from the BHSE.

Am I right?

 

[solderdude]

Just 0.6dB more headroom (6.75% higher voltage, not power).
That said... it could me that both amps react differently near the max. output voltage (clipping) point which could tip the max un-distorted output voltage to either side (amp).

 

[Svperstar]

Just 0.6dB more headroom.
That said... it could me that both amps react differently near the max. output voltage (clipping) point.

So the math is no different between regular amps and electrostatic amps? Interesting. I figure the Blue Hawaii if not the peak of amps is close enough for me.

What tis the equation of power to volume?

 

[solderdude]

Power to volume = 10*log(diff), voltage or current is 20*log(diff).
With electrostatic amps calculating power is a biatch because of the phase difference between voltage and current due to the load being capacitive.
The voltage levels are what's important here (just like with regular amps).
When the amp cannot supply the needed current (under actual load) then it also cannot reach the (intended) output voltage.

 

[Ahmonge]

So the math is no different between regular amps and electrostatic amps?

As long as the electrostatic transducers respond linearly to power over the voltage range of the amplifier, yes.

 

[Bigcassssino]

This is a review, listening tests and detailed measurements of the Schiit Midgard balanced headphone amplifier and preamp. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $219.
View attachment 318632
While I am not a fan of the symbols Schiit uses instead of proper labels, there are only two to learn which is no big deal (input and gain). Both XLR and 1/4 are provided by power output remains the same. Company says the XLR output is superior due to inclusion of the load in the feedback loop. The design is discrete.

Back panel has what you expect:
View attachment 318634
Power switch forever seems to stay in the back on Schiit products despite lower usability.

Schiit Midgard Headphone Amp Measurements
For testing I focused on XLR input but did test both 1/4 and XLR outputs. Here they are:
View attachment 318633
View attachment 318635
As noted, there is no measurable difference between the two. I stayed with XLR output for the rest of the test just in case. As is, performance is near state of the art as the company transparently states:
View attachment 318636

EDIT: it was requested that I test RCA Input:
View attachment 318935
Overall performance remains the same but distortion actually goes down relative to XLR!

Distortion is below threshold of hearing as is noise at full 4 volt output:
View attachment 318637

On the right though, we are short of that transparency. Getting there requires negative gain which the amp does not have:
View attachment 318638
Still, this is above average performance.

Multitone shows extremely low level of distortion:
View attachment 318639

As does wideband THD+N vs frequency:
View attachment 318640

Frequency response is as flat and as wide as you would ever want it to be:
View attachment 318641

Channel balance is surprisingly good for an analog pot:
View attachment 318642

Most important test here is power and the Midgard has plenty of it:
View attachment 318643
View attachment 318644

The amp does get unhappier at lower impedances though:
View attachment 318645

Protection circuit kicks in before the amp even clips at lower impedances! Seems like it could have been a bit more relaxed than it is. Still, worst case distortion before any clipping is extremely low so I don't expect any audible issue at any impedance before the limit sets in.

EDIT: ran an acoustic distortion measurement using Sennheiser HD-650 headphone, comparing the output using XLR and 1/4 jacks:
View attachment 319426
There is really no reliable difference.

Schiit Midgard Headphone Amp Listening Test
As usual I start with my everyday Dan Clark Stealth headphone which is a low impedance and difficult to drive unit. Testing in high gain I was able to push them to point of ear lobe resonance (!) at 3:00pm on the volume control (high gain). Anything higher than that would cause severe distortion but you wouldn't want to go there anyway. Below that level the sound was superb with nothing to complain about.

Switching to Sennheiser HD650 which is 300 ohm and much more sensitive resulted in same sensation of resonance and immense power at just 12:00 o'clock. Such high-power amps really bring out the bass out of this headphone and result in melt in your chair performance. Shame there is a risk of hearing damage!

With both headphones I tried to compare 1/4 to XLR. With Dan Clark I thought 1/4 was a bit better. With HD650, the XLR. Both differences were subtle enough to easily blame on sighted bias. Indeed, I stayed with 1/4 with HD650 and found the experience superb so there wasn't more to be wanted anyway.

Conclusions
I continue to be impressed by Schiit's ability to keep up with far east manufacturers on both performance and pricing. It seems that it shouldn't be possible but they keep doing it. Yes, measured noise and distortion is a bit below state of the art, but certainly good enough for transparency. Add to that ton of power and you have the makings of a enjoyable and capable headphone amplifier. The look of the unit is nice as well as are controls.

I am going to add Schiit Midgard to my recommended list.

EDIT: video review just posted as well:

Manufacturer Specifications:

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, +/-0.01dB

Output Power

Maximum Power, 16 ohms: 5.5W RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 32 ohms: 4.8W RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 50 ohms: 3.2W RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 750mW RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 600 ohms: 375mW RMS per channel

THD+N

Low Gain: Less than 0.0001% (-118dB) at 4V RMS into 300 ohms
High Gain: Less than 0.0003% (-108dB) at 4V RMS into 300 ohms

IMD

Low Gain: Less than -112dB at 4V RMS into 300 ohms, CCIF
High Gain: Less than -110dB at 4V RMS into 300 ohms, CCIF

SNR

Low Gain: Greater than 128dB, referenced to 4V RMS
High Gain: Greater than 118dB, referenced to 4V RMS

Crosstalk

Less than -80dB, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 300 ohm load

Output Impedance

SE ¼” TRS output: less than 0.1 ohms
Neutrik 4-pin XLR output: approximately 2 ohms
Preamp output: 75 ohms

Input Impedance: 50k ohms

Gain: 1 (0db) or 5 (14db)

Topology: Fully discrete, DC coupled, highly linear open-loop with low loop feedback, Halo™ topology mixed-mode feedback for Neutrik 4-pin output

Protection: Failsafe DC power input and muting relay, overcurrent sensing and output lift

Power Supply: “Wall wart” style 14-16VAC transformer, stacked rails of +/-20V and +/-30V regulated voltage rails, 10,000uF total capacitance

Power Consumption: 3W idle, 16W max

Size: 9 x 6 x 1.5”

Weight: 2 lb

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I just purchased this unit and i only have 1 gripe. They should have put a shutdown switch for the rear outputs..it would make switching from my desktop active monitors to headphones much easer! It would seem like a no brainer for a perfect desktop system!!!

 

[effj]

I assume that “preamp” output means the rear XLR and single-ended connections are variable, controlled by the front volume knob, not fixed output signal. Can anyone confirm that that’s the case? I’ll probably use it as my primary master volume control for my speaker amps, not only for headphones, if the outputs are variable.

 

[Brian Hall]

I assume that “preamp” output means the rear XLR and single-ended connections are variable, controlled by the front volume knob, not fixed output signal. Can anyone confirm that that’s the case? I’ll probably use it as my primary master volume control for my speaker amps, not only for headphones, if the outputs are variable.

That is correct. Be aware that the Midgard does not shut off those outputs when you have headphones plugged in. That is the only real drawback to the Midgard. It has plenty of power as a headphone amp.

 

[effj]

That is correct. Be aware that the Midgard does not shut off those outputs when you have headphones plugged in. That is the only real drawback to the Midgard. It has plenty of power as a headphone amp.

Thanks!

 

[Oldson]

just bagged a used Midgard, only because i am curious about this halo feature.
not really expecting to hear anything different.
as its cheaper than my current NJC amp, i may keep it and sell the NJC as they seem to hold value here in UK.

 

[Oldson]

as i suspected, i hear no difference between the 2 outputs.
still a cracking little amp though and good value.

now i need to decide which to move on

 

[Jackal]

Can anyone see any real downsides to using the Midgard with the MOTU M2 DAC? Would upgrading from a Topping L30II be worth it if I have Sundara's and planning on getting the Edition XS?

 

[Brian Hall]

Can anyone see any real downsides to using the Midgard with the MOTU M2 DAC? Would upgrading from a Topping L30II be worth it if I have Sundara's and planning on getting the Edition XS?

Motu M2 Review (Audio Interface)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Motu M2 Audio Interface (DAC, ADC and headphone amplifier). It is on kind loan from a local member and costs US $179. I previously reviewed Motu M4 which is its larger brother. The M2 has the look of other Motu products: I like the color...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Jackal]

Motu M2 Review (Audio Interface)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Motu M2 Audio Interface (DAC, ADC and headphone amplifier). It is on kind loan from a local member and costs US $179. I previously reviewed Motu M4 which is its larger brother. The M2 has the look of other Motu products: I like the color...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Thank you for your reply. I own the MOTU M2 and I use it primarily for my microphone for gaming and discord. My main question is will I benefit from greater soundstage and a little bit more warmth in upgrading my L30II to say a Midgard without also having to buy the Modius. I apologize that Amir's test don't help me as they should as I am a laymen when it comes to the technicality of his test charts. Still learning.