Upgrade from Schiit Magni Modi

[Chanur]

Hi,

What would I need to spend to get a meaningful upgrade over my older Schiit Magni/Modi set up? I welcome any suggestions.

 

[staticV3]

Upgrade in which areas?

If the answer is just general sound quality, meaning that there is no concrete flaw that you're looking to fix, then no matter how much you'd spend, it'd all be for naught.

You do not magically get better "stage", "depth", "definition", "slam", "authority" etc by spending more. Doesn't work like that.

The only components that can affect those attributes are headphones, the digital masters, and DSP.

DACs and Amps OTOH, either work and have sufficient power, or they don't. There is no sliding scale, once you exclude cognitive bias from the equation.

 

[orange_juice]

I had the exact combo, initially changed it with SMSL RAW MDA1 (which broke after just 1 year) and now I'm back to Schiit with Jotunheim 3 and Mimir.

I can't say I observe any difference in sound between any of them with my main reason of upgrading from Magni/Modi being channel imbalance at low volume (I do use them with active speakers as well which are always at "max output") and some crackling when turning the volume up & down.

 

[Chanur]

I'm leaning towards an all in one set up to reduce clutter as we are going to a minimal desk set up. That being said it seems like looking for something with an EQ is the way to go for any meaningful upgrade. Thoughts on the below?

DX5ii - seems perfect
Fosi ZH3 - seems perfect
Fiio K13 - seems perfect
HiFiman EF499 - No Eq
JDS Element 4 - expensive but I like the headphone profiles and design
Asguard X - no EQ US made class A
Jotunheim 3 - no EQ US made class A
Gishelli Labs Archel S3 Pro - tone controls and can get in wood to match the living room. Not all in one.

 

[Johnkeizer]

I have the dx5mk2, excellent, compact, flexible, highly recommended.
Also have the Schiit Asgard 3 without the dac and it is different sounding ( sorry measurement guys) but easily as good.
To be totally untechnical, the Asgard is the most musical or enjoyable headphone amp out of the 4 I own, or any that came before.

 

[Power Pop 23]

I'm leaning towards an all in one set up to reduce clutter as we are going to a minimal desk set up. That being said it seems like looking for something with an EQ is the way to go for any meaningful upgrade. Thoughts on the below?

DX5ii - seems perfect

Agreed

It is my impression the Topping DX5ii is used by a large number of ASR members. They can be a resource.

 

[Hapo]

I sent mine back

 

[Chanur]

I sent mine back

I have a JDS Labs Atom2 stack with a Wiim Mini in the bedroom. Rock solid reliability and power enough for any reasonable headphones plus PEQ. Also best customer service in the business.