A small correction with the finishes and heat. The Jotunheim 2 is actually using the older Schiit finish while the Bifrost 2 is using the newer one. For whatever reason, Schiit just decided to reuse the same finish of the original Jotunheim when designing the Jotunheim 2. The Bifrost 2 and Lokius are both using the newer, smoother finishes from Schiit. For thermals and the Bifrost 2, I really would not be concerned with stacking it below the Jotunheim 2. The way the Bifrost 2 is designed is done to withstand high temperatures (which is why Schiit constantly advertises it as a stack). There's no harm in being too safe, but I wouldn't discourage anyone from using it underneath their amplifier. Anyways, awesome video man! Really enjoyed the review :)
Honestly, your Audio review is better than most of the dedicated channels on UA-cam. Well done. I've been looking at the Asgard 3. The Jotenheim has a little too much power for my gear. I liked how you avoided the typical audiophile buzz words.
I adore you and your channel. I am 66 years old, and I'm sure these are very nice products but this video made me laugh until I was in tears and my face actually hurt - yes, I'm probably going senile because my sense of humor has reverted to that of an 8-year-old, but seriously - how you were able to talk so sincerely and earnestly about products with the name "Schiit" is a UA-cam feat to be respected and admired for all time. I damn near lost bladder control every time you said "Schiit". Thank you for making this video on behalf of senile Americans everywhere and 8-year-olds. "The Schiit Stack" - Priceless
The XLR and USB connections are upside down because the parts/cards are (user) removeable for future upgrades, so the cards are upside down for space saving inside the box. That's what the micro SSD card if or too, firmware.
I've got a Bifrost 2, Jotunheim 2 (just arrived today), and Arya (original version). Can't use 'em until my cables arrive (should've ordered them earlier). Once they arrive, I'm going to see how these three play with classical, which is what I've mostly been listening to this year. Thanks for your commentary on heat. That's something most reviewers wouldn't touch on, but I found it extremely helpful. Finally, I can attest that the black BF2 and Jot2 have a similar finish and look gorgeous.
Comrade, I LOVE your reviews: your artist's background provides us with a fresh approach, with no compromise whatsoever of the things that make a technological review worth watching: kudos!
Great video my man, and the way you described PLINI I thought I'd check them out and.....WOW! I'm buying the Jotunheim 2 in a couple of days, thanks again I'm a new subscriber!
Just not long swapped my Asgard 3 out for a Jotunheim 2, have it paired with a Bifrost 2, and I use a Focal Clear MG primarily, but often use a Focal Radiance and occasionally give my old Sundara and HD58X a spin, all with Balanced they sound great on this stack, they all sound great Single Ended too. Jot 2 is definitely a more punchy Amp, it's a deeper and cleaner punch, and just higher quality sound across the board, but the Asgard 3 is definitely still kickass and better if you don't want that heavy punch.
They just brought out a headphone amp that has no distortion, gain for iem’s and hard to drive headphones, all for 100 bucks. An American company making a product cheaper than the Asian equivalents . That’s amazing . Well done schiit audio.
You positively nailed it. I am a proud owner of the Jotunheim 2, the Bifrost 2, a Lokius, an LCD-X and the FOCAL Clear. When I am listening to something dynamic, that is the gear I gravitate towards. I do EDM on the Jotunheim and have had wonderful listening sessions. When I am doing classical or jazz, I cut over to the very capable Magni Heresy and Modius. I am a Schiit Head, no doubt. Well done sir. Loved that review.
I currently use the LCD-XC 2021 as my main pair of headphones. I might get another higher-end Audeze in the future. I have the Modi+/Magni+ stack. What would you recommend for end game DAC/AMP for those headphones? - Jot with DAC? BF/Jot? BF/Lyr? - I'd appreciate any feedback.
@@eLcHiNoChannel Happy to help. If you stay with Schiit Audio, and why not/they are awesome, I would stay away from the DAC cards available for the Jotunheim 2. My Jot 2 is outfitted with their Multibit card and I regretted that decision when I got a Bifrost 2. In this case, you get what you pay for and it is a considerably better DAC. Soundstage, separation. timbre, macro dynamics and clarity are all significantly better. I recently picked up a Mjolnir 2 and I now see the value of using a tube hybrid amp approach. It adds a very slight degree of 3D dimensionality to listening. Not massively so, but noticeable on certain tracks.If I were you, I would get a Bifrost 2/64 & a Lyr+ and never look back. Hope that helps.
@@TheIpadfanatic I appreciate your detailed reply and recommendation. This is exactly the kind of guidance I was looking for. I've been eyeing those DAC/AMP pairs for a while now. Even after watching/reading many reviews, I was hesitant to pull the trigger. This is the nod in the right direction I needed. There is a Bifrost/Lokius/Lyr stack in my future. Thank you.
@@eLcHiNoChannel When I bought my Jotuheim 2, I was upgrading from a Magni/Modi stack and I added the multiunit DAC card as an option with zero experience with it. I went to the Schiitr here in So Cal to listen to some of Schiit's other gear and I auditioned the Bifrost 2 and was blown away. Then I got buyer's remorse and started saving for a BF 2. The instrument separation is what hits you first. Everything prior was more or less a wall of sound sometimes. Suddenly the instruments were more distinct. Like I said, blew me away. I am glad I was able to impart some of my experience. Take care!
@@TheIpadfanatic It looks like I was heading in the same direction if not for your advice. People like you, sharing your experience, is part of what makes this community of audio enthusiasts great. I can imagine walking into the Shiitr like a kid into a candy store. I'll be placing my order tonight! Thank you again.
Oh they know it - they play on that joke endlessly. And FYI, they're actually based in the US, they're just going with that "german" sounding name to imply quality. Hagen Daas does the same thing, they're also an American company
Better late than never for this review., As of February 2nd I purchase both these Schiit items. I will come back to your channel and give my feedback of my experience with the components. I just now need to find a set of headsets between 700.00 and 1,000 dollars to match.
Starting from scratch with a £3500 (say $4000) budget, in your opinion - what would be the best use of the funds to get the best possible sound? From my research so far - I'm thinking: Denafrips Ares II > Burson Soloist 3X > Hifiman Arya (plus some balanced cables). But is that the best way to split my budget? Maybe I should spend more on the headphones and less on the DAC and amp (or vice versa 🤯)?? I'm looking for a natural, organic, live sound. Erring on the side of warm/rich (but still clean). Big, deep and immersive soundstage. Really engaging, musical and evoking. I'm less focused on analytical/reference level detail retrieval. Punch/slam would be nice but not important. I want to avoid a shrill, metallic or flat signature. I suppose I want to feel like I'm at a live performances, rather than analysing a recording in a studio - particularly with singer/songwriter acoustic, folk and jazz. Thanks for your help. 👍
If you haven't already made a decision, from what I know a dedicated DAC is always better, the Jot 2's internal DAC is supposed to be pretty good, but none of Schiit's Modular Amplifier's internal DACs are as good as the Bifrost 2 or what is now only sold as the Bifrost 2/64. I haven't used any of those internal DACs myself, but I have a Jot 2 and a Bifrost 2/64 and they are excellent.
In regards to the finish, it may be dependent on which factory that it’s coming from. They have a location in Texas and another in California, I do believe. They may even have two separate teams designing the chassis at each location.
Having been in the industry, I can tell you that anodized finishes are very batch dependent. And one vendors finish can vary greatly from another. I'm sure Schiit could insist on better conformity, but that would come at a considerable cost premium.
Have you ever had experience with the Rupert Neve RNHP? I've just read over and over that the BF2/RNHP combo is really good. Just wondering if the lower price, more power, and xlr out would put the edge for the Jot2 (I already have a RME/A90 setup for clean analytical)
Yeah the RME is a powerhouse but it definitely is very dry and clinical - I’m actually waiting on the Soncoz SHD1 DAC - very excited to see how it pairs with the Jot2 & thx-789 It’ll also give me the chance to compare the Bifrost 2 with something more neutral I’m curious about that because there’s a definite soundstage difference between the thx-788 and 789 - and my thoughts are that it might be due to the DAC portion of the mix As for the Neve RNHP, I’m gonna look into it - thank you for the suggestion
Hey Adam, I've got a question for you, do you have a "on the go" setup? Like, do you just put on some Bose headphones or are you the portable amp and wired headphones kinda guy?
On the go is my AirPods - and not the pros, not a fan Apart from my wired headphones, I also have two wireless headphones, Corsair Virtuoso SE and Arctis 7’s
I’m sorry I didn’t understand I listen to mostly house music, disco, R&B, salsa and Latin jazz are these two units any good or not good for this style of music? For headphone I have HD 6XX, HD 580 and HiFiMan 4xx.
I've flirted with the Burson Soloist 3XP and other dacs. There is nothing that beats Schiit in my opinion. The Bifrost 2 and Jotunheim 2 combo is amazing. I also have a Mjolnir 2 and Gungnir Multibit combo that is excellent.
Did you find a good DAC match for the Soloist? I own the Bif2 and Jot2 but because I do not like how they sound with electronic music with most of my headphones I am concidering purchasing the soloist but I am not sure how it will pair with the Bif2 and which DAC would be a better pair with it
@@itayoron I found the Burson to be cold and harsh even with the supercharger power supply, and the bifrost 2 is a warmer richer leaning DAC. But I doubt a swap of DAC would ever have made me prefer that amp to any of my tube amps or my jotunheim 2 or even my ef400.
Hey Adam, will you ever get your hands on the new Macbook Pros with M1 Pro/Max to compare its built in amp/DAC and compare it to this Schiit stack? The new Macbook Pros can support high impedance headphones of up to 1k ohms. I fear this may render my $1200 setup obsolete should I get my hands on these laptops in the future.
My god--does this guy drone on and on and... You can skip around looking for whatever brought you here--you might have better luck than I did (I just wanted an opinion: would adding a Bifrost to my Jotunheim vI really make a difference/change my listening environment--headphones and powered monitors). What I got instead sounded like a wine and cheese tasting party and a flash back to my first grade teacher warning me about running with scissors. Everything and anything but a solid yes, no, or maybe. I don't want to sound cruel, but this is about him, not about Schiit's components. No that I think about it, maybe you have some wine BEFORE watching this video...
![SingXer SA-1 vs Jotunheim 2 vs A90 vs THX AAA 789 [ Solid State Showdown Pt.1 ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/429AMOXdYZY/mqdefault.jpg)
![SingXer SA-1 vs Jotunheim 2 vs A90 vs THX AAA 789 [ Solid State Showdown Pt.1 ]](/img/tr.png)
Ordered these after viewing - can't wait to try them out :)
You're an audiophile as well?
Ayyy
Oh my god
bruh
A small correction with the finishes and heat. The Jotunheim 2 is actually using the older Schiit finish while the Bifrost 2 is using the newer one. For whatever reason, Schiit just decided to reuse the same finish of the original Jotunheim when designing the Jotunheim 2. The Bifrost 2 and Lokius are both using the newer, smoother finishes from Schiit.
For thermals and the Bifrost 2, I really would not be concerned with stacking it below the Jotunheim 2. The way the Bifrost 2 is designed is done to withstand high temperatures (which is why Schiit constantly advertises it as a stack). There's no harm in being too safe, but I wouldn't discourage anyone from using it underneath their amplifier.
Anyways, awesome video man! Really enjoyed the review :)
Honestly, your Audio review is better than most of the dedicated channels on UA-cam. Well done. I've been looking at the Asgard 3. The Jotenheim has a little too much power for my gear. I liked how you avoided the typical audiophile buzz words.
Thanks for taking us on the journey. New in to Hifi and appreciate your story telling / examples.
I adore you and your channel. I am 66 years old, and I'm sure these are very nice products but this video made me laugh until I was in tears and my face actually hurt - yes, I'm probably going senile because my sense of humor has reverted to that of an 8-year-old, but seriously - how you were able to talk so sincerely and earnestly about products with the name "Schiit" is a UA-cam feat to be respected and admired for all time. I damn near lost bladder control every time you said "Schiit". Thank you for making this video on behalf of senile Americans everywhere and 8-year-olds. "The Schiit Stack" - Priceless
The XLR and USB connections are upside down because the parts/cards are (user) removeable for future upgrades, so the cards are upside down for space saving inside the box. That's what the micro SSD card if or too, firmware.
Man you know your audio! Impressions were spot on.
This is a exquisite channel! Thank you so much for the detailed review of the Jotunheim 2 and the Bifrost 2, Oh man, i got more Schiit to buy!
Haha! I see what you did there.
I've got a Bifrost 2, Jotunheim 2 (just arrived today), and Arya (original version). Can't use 'em until my cables arrive (should've ordered them earlier). Once they arrive, I'm going to see how these three play with classical, which is what I've mostly been listening to this year.
Thanks for your commentary on heat. That's something most reviewers wouldn't touch on, but I found it extremely helpful.
Finally, I can attest that the black BF2 and Jot2 have a similar finish and look gorgeous.
I’ve got that same combo but v2 Arya - just a great setup! Enjoy!
@@Mark-fs7ok I thought I had the v1 Arya, but turns out it's the v2, lol. Wish HiFiMan would just label them as such.
just bought a bifrost 2 to pair with my asgard 3... happy to see that focal clear synergy as they are my daily drivers
I just bought the same stack! I can’t wait to get it!
Comrade, I LOVE your reviews: your artist's background provides us with a fresh approach, with no compromise whatsoever of the things that make a technological review worth watching: kudos!
this is one of my favorite companies for affordable audio gear and really great electronics from japan they pair amazing with my Audeze LCD-2C
Great video my man, and the way you described PLINI I thought I'd check them out and.....WOW! I'm buying the Jotunheim 2 in a couple of days, thanks again I'm a new subscriber!
Thank you
Just not long swapped my Asgard 3 out for a Jotunheim 2, have it paired with a Bifrost 2, and I use a Focal Clear MG primarily, but often use a Focal Radiance and occasionally give my old Sundara and HD58X a spin, all with Balanced they sound great on this stack, they all sound great Single Ended too. Jot 2 is definitely a more punchy Amp, it's a deeper and cleaner punch, and just higher quality sound across the board, but the Asgard 3 is definitely still kickass and better if you don't want that heavy punch.
I just found your channel and your video reviews are awesome. Please give us more audio product reviews!
Definitely more coming, thank you!
hugs bro)
They just brought out a headphone amp that has no distortion, gain for iem’s and hard to drive headphones, all for 100 bucks. An American company making a product cheaper than the Asian equivalents . That’s amazing . Well done schiit audio.
Ordering this setup to go with my new LCD 2’s 🙏😎
OH MY GOD THE CAMERA MOVES. AND IT'S NOT TOO MUCH GODAMN
hehe, I'm glad you enjoy that :)
really like your content !
You positively nailed it. I am a proud owner of the Jotunheim 2, the Bifrost 2, a Lokius, an LCD-X and the FOCAL Clear. When I am listening to something dynamic, that is the gear I gravitate towards. I do EDM on the Jotunheim and have had wonderful listening sessions. When I am doing classical or jazz, I cut over to the very capable Magni Heresy and Modius. I am a Schiit Head, no doubt. Well done sir. Loved that review.
I currently use the LCD-XC 2021 as my main pair of headphones. I might get another higher-end Audeze in the future. I have the Modi+/Magni+ stack. What would you recommend for end game DAC/AMP for those headphones? - Jot with DAC? BF/Jot? BF/Lyr? - I'd appreciate any feedback.
@@eLcHiNoChannel Happy to help. If you stay with Schiit Audio, and why not/they are awesome, I would stay away from the DAC cards available for the Jotunheim 2. My Jot 2 is outfitted with their Multibit card and I regretted that decision when I got a Bifrost 2. In this case, you get what you pay for and it is a considerably better DAC. Soundstage, separation. timbre, macro dynamics and clarity are all significantly better. I recently picked up a Mjolnir 2 and I now see the value of using a tube hybrid amp approach. It adds a very slight degree of 3D dimensionality to listening. Not massively so, but noticeable on certain tracks.If I were you, I would get a Bifrost 2/64 & a Lyr+ and never look back. Hope that helps.
@@TheIpadfanatic I appreciate your detailed reply and recommendation. This is exactly the kind of guidance I was looking for. I've been eyeing those DAC/AMP pairs for a while now. Even after watching/reading many reviews, I was hesitant to pull the trigger. This is the nod in the right direction I needed. There is a Bifrost/Lokius/Lyr stack in my future. Thank you.
@@eLcHiNoChannel When I bought my Jotuheim 2, I was upgrading from a Magni/Modi stack and I added the multiunit DAC card as an option with zero experience with it. I went to the Schiitr here in So Cal to listen to some of Schiit's other gear and I auditioned the Bifrost 2 and was blown away. Then I got buyer's remorse and started saving for a BF 2. The instrument separation is what hits you first. Everything prior was more or less a wall of sound sometimes. Suddenly the instruments were more distinct. Like I said, blew me away. I am glad I was able to impart some of my experience. Take care!
@@TheIpadfanatic It looks like I was heading in the same direction if not for your advice. People like you, sharing your experience, is part of what makes this community of audio enthusiasts great.
I can imagine walking into the Shiitr like a kid into a candy store.
I'll be placing my order tonight! Thank you again.
Got this combo on the way now with a pair of the Audeze MM 500s can't wait. Will get a pair of Meze Empyreans down the road.
I know that Schiit is probably a German last name but I can't help laughing at "Schiit audio"
Oh they know it - they play on that joke endlessly. And FYI, they're actually based in the US, they're just going with that "german" sounding name to imply quality. Hagen Daas does the same thing, they're also an American company
Better late than never for this review., As of February 2nd I purchase both these Schiit items. I will come back to your channel and give my feedback of my experience with the components. I just now need to find a set of headsets between 700.00 and 1,000 dollars to match.
Starting from scratch with a £3500 (say $4000) budget, in your opinion - what would be the best use of the funds to get the best possible sound? From my research so far - I'm thinking: Denafrips Ares II > Burson Soloist 3X > Hifiman Arya (plus some balanced cables).
But is that the best way to split my budget? Maybe I should spend more on the headphones and less on the DAC and amp (or vice versa 🤯)??
I'm looking for a natural, organic, live sound. Erring on the side of warm/rich (but still clean). Big, deep and immersive soundstage. Really engaging, musical and evoking. I'm less focused on analytical/reference level detail retrieval. Punch/slam would be nice but not important. I want to avoid a shrill, metallic or flat signature.
I suppose I want to feel like I'm at a live performances, rather than analysing a recording in a studio - particularly with singer/songwriter acoustic, folk and jazz.
Thanks for your help. 👍
+1
I have the original Jotunheim with the Bifrost 2. I use them with my Focal Clears. Excellent for Rock/Metal/Electronic/Pop music.
I had the LCD-X with this setup before... was not as impressed. Ended up selling them because they were so uncomfortably heavy.
Hi Adam, should I upgrade to Bifrost2 from my jotu2 multibit if I am looking for separation and soundstage? Thank you.
If you haven't already made a decision, from what I know a dedicated DAC is always better, the Jot 2's internal DAC is supposed to be pretty good, but none of Schiit's Modular Amplifier's internal DACs are as good as the Bifrost 2 or what is now only sold as the Bifrost 2/64. I haven't used any of those internal DACs myself, but I have a Jot 2 and a Bifrost 2/64 and they are excellent.
In regards to the finish, it may be dependent on which factory that it’s coming from. They have a location in Texas and another in California, I do believe. They may even have two separate teams designing the chassis at each location.
Maybe, although the materials should technically match - that would make sense
Either way - it’s a minor issue
Having been in the industry, I can tell you that anodized finishes are very batch dependent. And one vendors finish can vary greatly from another. I'm sure Schiit could insist on better conformity, but that would come at a considerable cost premium.
I'm not an audiophile but after this review I may invest in that Schiit
Appreciate the insights ✌️
Have you ever had experience with the Rupert Neve RNHP? I've just read over and over that the BF2/RNHP combo is really good. Just wondering if the lower price, more power, and xlr out would put the edge for the Jot2 (I already have a RME/A90 setup for clean analytical)
Yeah the RME is a powerhouse but it definitely is very dry and clinical - I’m actually waiting on the Soncoz SHD1 DAC - very excited to see how it pairs with the Jot2 & thx-789
It’ll also give me the chance to compare the Bifrost 2 with something more neutral
I’m curious about that because there’s a definite soundstage difference between the thx-788 and 789 - and my thoughts are that it might be due to the DAC portion of the mix
As for the Neve RNHP, I’m gonna look into it - thank you for the suggestion
Hey Adam, I've got a question for you, do you have a "on the go" setup? Like, do you just put on some Bose headphones or are you the portable amp and wired headphones kinda guy?
On the go is my AirPods - and not the pros, not a fan
Apart from my wired headphones, I also have two wireless headphones, Corsair Virtuoso SE and Arctis 7’s
@@AdamDuffArt Interesting, I'm not judging, i really just wanted to know :3
I love your camera work
Very succinct. How much knob turn on lokius did it take until distortion using bf2 and jot2 at your normal listening level? halfway? less? full?
Great review! Would I be able to get away with JOT 2 and Modius as a pairing with the LCD 2 Cs for electronic music?
I’m sorry I didn’t understand I listen to mostly house music, disco, R&B, salsa and Latin jazz are these two units any good or not good for this style of music? For headphone I have HD 6XX, HD 580 and HiFiMan 4xx.
I've flirted with the Burson Soloist 3XP and other dacs. There is nothing that beats Schiit in my opinion. The Bifrost 2 and Jotunheim 2 combo is amazing. I also have a Mjolnir 2 and Gungnir Multibit combo that is excellent.
Did you find a good DAC match for the Soloist? I own the Bif2 and Jot2 but because I do not like how they sound with electronic music with most of my headphones I am concidering purchasing the soloist but I am not sure how it will pair with the Bif2 and which DAC would be a better pair with it
@@itayoron I found the Burson to be cold and harsh even with the supercharger power supply, and the bifrost 2 is a warmer richer leaning DAC. But I doubt a swap of DAC would ever have made me prefer that amp to any of my tube amps or my jotunheim 2 or even my ef400.
Hey Adam, will you ever get your hands on the new Macbook Pros with M1 Pro/Max to compare its built in amp/DAC and compare it to this Schiit stack? The new Macbook Pros can support high impedance headphones of up to 1k ohms. I fear this may render my $1200 setup obsolete should I get my hands on these laptops in the future.
Have you used the bifrost with tubes? If so how’s the sound?
Nice got a little asmr in the begining very nice video
Is this Jotunheim 2 ess or multibit ?
Which one is better for soundstage
aaayyyy
Even if they name their product Jormungandr, it STILL will be easier to pronounce than anything that the majority of tech companies make.
My god--does this guy drone on and on and... You can skip around looking for whatever brought you here--you might have better luck than I did (I just wanted an opinion: would adding a Bifrost to my Jotunheim vI really make a difference/change my listening environment--headphones and powered monitors). What I got instead sounded like a wine and cheese tasting party and a flash back to my first grade teacher warning me about running with scissors. Everything and anything but a solid yes, no, or maybe. I don't want to sound cruel, but this is about him, not about Schiit's components. No that I think about it, maybe you have some wine BEFORE watching this video...