Schiit Vidar 2 Stereo Amplifier Review

[375HP2482]

The first Class-D amplifier was invented by British scientist Alec Reeves in the 1950s and was first called by that name in 1955. The first commercial product was a kit module called the X-10 released by Sinclair Radionics in 1964

In the 80s Bose implemented an offline-powered Class-D mounted inside their Bose 800 commercial speaker. A bit noisy compared to modern units.

I imagine by now someone has utilized an offline Class-D amplifier inside their subwoofer.

 

[mhardy6647]

The first Class-D amplifier was invented by British scientist Alec Reeves in the 1950s and was first called by that name in 1955. The first commercial product was a kit module called the X-10 released by Sinclair Radionics in 1964

FYI & FWIW

Class D (PWM) amplifier archaeology

So, I'm a scientist, not a historian, but I am still fascinated by history... and I crave context. You all know that the late Sir Clive Sinclair is regarded as the purveyor of the first significant PWM amplifier products for audio. https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=81139 A...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Cogito]

Do they not look cool on class D amps?

For sure!

 

[Cogito]

Yes, if a amp has been on soak for a extended time then they can actually fry the skin in it's own oils etc. It hurts a lot.

If they get THAT hot, they are probably not big enough!

 

[CoryGillmore]

Actually, it does.

It will outlast any Fosi, Hypex or Purifi product and its associated SMPS you can dream up. It will most likely still be working and repairable 40+ years from now. When all your Fosi/Hypex gear is 100ft underground, poisoning the water table with heavy metals, this funny old Schiit amplifier will still be pumping out tunes, most likely running on solar power, inverters and batteries.

I would buy this over just about anything right now. It's an honest, well designed US made power amp at a good price. What more do you want or think you are 'entitled' to?

THIS.

That fact that's it's US made puts it at the top of my next amp list. To pair with my US made speakers.

 

[Cogito]

The Vidar 2 at idle is 50W. I really wish it had a trigger

I strongly recommend the APC G5BLK. It has sequential power on and off.

No A/C power goes to my gear when not in use.

 

[ta240]

The Vidar 2 at idle is 50W. I really wish it had a trigger

This outlet has a trigger input, it has worked quite well for me having smaller components with trigger output turn on amps.

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Adafruit/2935?qs=Fe2pGbCwd5dHdN2K9hJ4HA%3D%3D

 

[foreigner4]

For those who complain about the heating of Vidar 2, I would advise placing two 12-14cm computer fans on both sides of the radiators. By connecting them via a USB adapter and a V-splitter to a phone charger, you can forget about heating. It is advisable to choose a pair of hydrodynamic bearing fans with a long service life so that you do not need to turn them off. It is advisable to first check whether the fans will start at 5V and whether they will make noticeable noise at this supply voltage. Fanning the amplifier will lower the temperature inside it and extend the life of the electrolytic capacitors.

 

[AaronJ]

For those who complain about the heating of Vidar 2, I would advise placing two 12-14cm computer fans on both sides of the radiators. By connecting them via a USB adapter and a V-splitter to a phone charger, you can forget about heating. It is advisable to choose a pair of hydrodynamic bearing fans with a long service life so that you do not need to turn them off. It is advisable to first check whether the fans will start at 5V and whether they will make noticeable noise at this supply voltage. Fanning the amplifier will lower the temperature inside it and extend the life of the electrolytic capacitors.

Glad it is helping the heating issue, but it looks ridiculous.

 

[foreigner4]

Glad it is helping the heating issue, but it looks ridiculous.

Buy these or these.
It will be more beautiful.

 

[A.wayne]

Pretty good measurements, how does it sounds..?
Opps wrong forum ..

 

[Overseas]

Sounds like it got pretty good measurements.

 

[dzerig]

Class AB, SINAD 88dB, US: ~$800, EU: ~€1000, nice as it is... it is still an idiosyncratic stillborn.

At this price, in 2024, it has no chance against either Hypex or Purifi for the "price is no object" consumers; or against the likes of Fosi ZA3 / Fosi V3 PFFP for "cost conscious" consumers.

This is why sites like ASR are relevant to the audio consumers.

I will probably always own a Vidar or something similar because I love having a big honking power amp in my gear collection. People who grew up with this kind of gear will always buy it, as will those into the nostalgia.

In a world where the ASR boss has analog tape in his system, why on earth would you think Schiit can't sell enough Vidar and Aegir and Try to keep the doors open and even expand quite a bit?

 

[Bruce Morgen]

I will probably always own a Vidar or something similar because I love having a big honking power amp in my gear collection. People who grew up with this kind of gear will always buy it, as will those into the nostalgia.

In a world where the ASR boss has analog tape in his system, why on earth would you think Schiit can't sell enough Vidar and Aegir and Try to keep the doors open and even expand quite a bit?

I'd venture that it's not big power amps that "keep the doors open" at Schiit -- it's their smaller, cheaper (and IMO much more sensible) stuff that provides the bulk of their cash flow.