Schiit Vidar Review - You Don't Know the Power of the DARK Side!

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
  • Schiit Vidar bit.ly/3kUrzdD
    Emotiva A2 bit.ly/2WW5qmF
    Emotiva XPA Gen 3 bit.ly/2WW5qmF
    Bluesound Node amzn.to/3zNFfgT
    SMSL SU8s amzn.to/3zRxiY2
    Schiit Modius bit.ly/3BHXvIY
    Amazon Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
    www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
    High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
    Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
    Test Track Playlist:
    music.amazon.c...
    Satanic Panic Playlist:
    music.amazon.c...
    Leg Warmers Playlist
    music.amazon.c...
    cheapaudioman
    If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
    If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
    Recommended Speaker List
    Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
    Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
    Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
    Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
    Around $200
    Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
    Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
    Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
    JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
    Around $400
    Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
    Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
    Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
    Around $500
    SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
    Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
    Around $600
    Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
    Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
    Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
    Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
    Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
    Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
    Recommended Amp List
    Under $100
    Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
    Around $130
    SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
    SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
    Around $250
    SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
    Around $400
    Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
    Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio...
    Recommended DACs
    Ifi Zen DAC amzn.to/2T3wuyY
    FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
    SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
    Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips....
    Subs
    Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
    Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
    SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc

КОМЕНТАРІ • 270

  • @cheapaudioman
    @cheapaudioman  3 роки тому +5

    Schiit Vidar bit.ly/3kUrzdD
    Emotiva A2 bit.ly/2WW5qmF
    Emotiva XPA Gen 3 bit.ly/2WW5qmF
    Bluesound Node amzn.to/3zNFfgT
    SMSL SU8s amzn.to/3zRxiY2
    Schiit Modius bit.ly/3BHXvIY
    Amazon Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9

    • @carlsitler9071
      @carlsitler9071 3 роки тому

      When you do your amp comparison, please, as a side note, a/b the Aiyima A07 with the A2 and/or Vidar and share your opinion. I use mine with the Sanskrit 2 and Asgard 3.

    • @lalypaly
      @lalypaly 3 роки тому +1

      Being a channel for audience on budget, I have never seen you review any Yamaha receivers. Are they so mediocre that they don’t make it to your list or is there any other reason? As a novice I see Yamaha as a good brand, decently priced, easily available. How good they sound and what value for money they offer compared to others is something you can guide us.
      I have Yamaha RN 303 and KEF Q150.

    • @shitsandwich1983
      @shitsandwich1983 3 роки тому +1

      @@lalypaly i loved my yamaha avr's.

    • @charlieevett
      @charlieevett 3 роки тому

      Really looking forward to the comparison video. I just ordered an Emotiva XPA Gen 3 to drive my decades-old Magnepans and I thought long and hard about trying the Vidar first.

    • @kyler7535
      @kyler7535 3 роки тому

      Love the channel. I enjoy the reviews of the separates. I'm just a simple man and I keep getting drawn to the more simple integrated amps. I would love to see a review of the Parasound newclassic 200 integrated or the emotiva basx ta1 integrated vs ta100.

  • @jonuiuc
    @jonuiuc 3 роки тому +85

    Dark Vidar, works well with all Sith Audio components and accessories.

  • @carravagio16
    @carravagio16 3 роки тому +40

    I just like having companies like Schiit around because they seem to bridge the gap between entry and high-end and do it with style.

  • @neilfisher7999
    @neilfisher7999 3 роки тому +19

    Schiit makes some awesome "stuff" for the money! And I think it is okay to say it is "musical" to describe the character of the sound. I want my gear to sound like music, not like a clinic.

  • @Rickzolla
    @Rickzolla 3 роки тому +13

    My system consists of the Gungnir Multibit, the Freya, and a Vidar. Using a Bluesound Node as a source, and driving Magnepan .7s and Harbeth 30.2s.
    As a system, it's the Schiit.

  • @jsackett42160
    @jsackett42160 3 роки тому +12

    "Return of the Jedi". When the shuttle was landing on Endor.

    • @arena_rock_man9030
      @arena_rock_man9030 3 роки тому +1

      You mean when the shuttle was moving through the security line as they were approaching the planet to land 😉

  • @epi2045
    @epi2045 3 роки тому +9

    Man I love this channel. Very humble and down to earth.

  • @onepieceatatime
    @onepieceatatime 3 роки тому +7

    Vidar to Loki: "Loki, *I* am your father. Search your feelings, you know it to be true."

  • @jamesbennett1634
    @jamesbennett1634 3 роки тому +8

    There are so many good speakers around $500 to $600 these days it makes you want to try several of them. But don't underestimate the importance of the power amp. Skip that next set of speakers you were thinking about and get a good power amp. It will make all of the speakers you have now sound better.

    • @joeslacker1020
      @joeslacker1020 2 роки тому

      How is an amplifier going to help the sound though the signal comes from the preamp

  • @ChicagoRob2
    @ChicagoRob2 2 роки тому +5

    I have my Vidar paired with a Parasound Zpre3, which has full remote control, digital inputs, sub-out, etc. The sound is amazing. I’ve had more expensive systems than this, but none that sounded this good.

  • @marksilgalis9400
    @marksilgalis9400 3 роки тому +5

    Thanks for the review. I feel like the Vidar always gets thrown in as a side-note next to the Aegir or something else. If my receiver (Marantz NR1200) isn't going to be enough to power my next speakers (Wharfedale Evo 4.2 or KEF LS50 Meta), this is for sure on my list.

  • @mentok3027
    @mentok3027 3 роки тому +5

    This is just the schitt I was looking for this morning! Once RCR uploads my Monday reviews will be complete with BROWN and SCHITT!

  • @Rugbymax59
    @Rugbymax59 3 роки тому +4

    They say Schiit flows downhill. I’m like Randy, finally it has rolled down to the level of my wallet. Thanks for the review.

  • @JR-ho5qm
    @JR-ho5qm 3 роки тому +6

    I’m looking forward to seeing the comparisons of the 3 amps

  • @ginom407
    @ginom407 3 роки тому +5

    This would be a great addition to my collection of Schiit!!! Looking forward to the Amp Shootout! 👍👍👍

  • @davidpetersen7091
    @davidpetersen7091 3 роки тому +4

    I think "most" people can't hear the difference(s) once you get to this level. You are right on! Schiit makes very good products and will stand behind what they make. I enjoy your videos and your sense of humor.
    Mr. Pete---------->
    aging hippie

  • @dougg1075
    @dougg1075 3 роки тому +4

    Review that old Yamaha receiver, or whatever that is.

  • @jamesbennett1634
    @jamesbennett1634 3 роки тому +4

    All these great little dac/headphone amp/amps that are out now. They're fantastic for the money, tempting to buy several. But skip a few and save up money for a good power amp.

  • @jlmain5777
    @jlmain5777 3 роки тому +4

    Good one Randy. Interesting that you loved the Vidar/Node combo. Thanks for this.

  • @a3marketing991
    @a3marketing991 2 роки тому +5

    I recently purchased a second Schiit Vidar and using as monoblocks along with a Schiit Freya Plus. What I noticed was more clarity, bass extension and a more holographic sound. It was well worth the upgrade.

    • @kenstewart7811
      @kenstewart7811 2 роки тому

      What speakers are they driving in mono?

    • @a3marketing991
      @a3marketing991 2 роки тому +1

      @@kenstewart7811 ELAC - Solano FS287 Tower Speakers

  • @decoryder
    @decoryder 3 роки тому +12

    I have the Vidar and the Aegir; the Vidar has more power, the Aegir sounds much better - both are great amps.

    • @andrewfurst5711
      @andrewfurst5711 2 роки тому

      In what way(s) does the Aegir sound better than the Vidar? Thanks.

    • @decoryder
      @decoryder 2 роки тому +3

      @@andrewfurst5711 The Aegir has more resolution; the entire frequency band is rendered much more naturally and life-like. In comparison, the Vidar sounds dull and recessed. For the Aegir to work though, you need speakers with 91db sensitivity or better, otherwise bass becomes flabby and indistinct, and the whole presentation can sound much less dynamic.

    • @tallpaull9367
      @tallpaull9367 2 роки тому

      @@decoryder I would imagine 89 dB or higher

    • @joeslacker1020
      @joeslacker1020 2 роки тому

      @@decoryder For a speaker that doesn't like a more warm amp (Such as the Aegir like you're describing) such as the JBL studio 570 and 530. What would you recommend for those speakers. Or even so what would you recommend for the Aegir for bookshelf speakers or floor standing speakers? Thanks man

    • @decoryder
      @decoryder 2 роки тому

      @@joeslacker1020 Hi Joe. The Aegir is not a 'warm' amp, that's a misconception - in fact most well done class a amps are actually more revealing than their class a/b counterparts. The best combination I found for the Aegir is a pair of ZU Audio DWII's, and that combination is absolutely stellar. I ran some JBL Studio 590's with my Aegir, and I didn't like the sound, but that was a result of running the 590's not the Aegir.
      If you want a 'warm' amp, meaning an amp that will attenuate treble somewhat, look at the Vidar - it has gobs of power, and is an all-around great amp that you can run with pretty much anything:)

  • @fletchermunson6225
    @fletchermunson6225 3 роки тому +4

    I just got a Freya+ and two Aegirs to run in mono. Beautiful sound. I have the Gungnir DAC but a combo with the Bitfrostm, Vidar. and a Saga would be great combination. That little touch of tube is really nice. They get a lot out of the Criton.

  • @skeen267
    @skeen267 2 роки тому +3

    I recently purchased a Vidar and a Saga S. Very impressed with the sound quality and the build quality. People worried about the lowish rated damping factor - don't. Bass quality and tightness are very good, better than my previous Rotel RB1050 amp.

  • @AlarusOne
    @AlarusOne 3 роки тому +3

    Randy love your reviews so much! So far you've convinced me to invest in a pair of Aperion Supertweeters (used your link) and a TubeCube. I'm super pleased with them. I've had a Schiit Vidar for nearly a year now and I love it. Just as you say it's super clear, crystalline actually. I'm feeding it with the Schiit Saga plus (and a lot of other Schiit gear) and I couldn't be more pleased. Great review and great American products (world class actually) for not a huge amount of money. Keep up the good work!

  • @JuanGarcia-kv7yv
    @JuanGarcia-kv7yv 3 роки тому +2

    Special Vidar is…
    Clean Power you will have …
    Smile it will create …
    Wallet it will not hurt !!!
    May the Cheap Audio Man be with you !!!
    This comment sponsored by BOB at Whataburger ….

  • @1mctous
    @1mctous 3 роки тому +8

    Between the Vidar, Aegir, and Ragnarok integrated amp, the 3 Schiit power amps serve different needs. If you don't need the Vidar's power, the Aegir is an excellent alternative.

    • @damiankirkwood7924
      @damiankirkwood7924 3 роки тому

      why are the aegir more expensive than the vidar?

    • @1mctous
      @1mctous 3 роки тому +3

      @@damiankirkwood7924 Class A operation requires a much bigger power supply for a given output. In addition Schiit has a proprietary biasing system.

    • @damiankirkwood7924
      @damiankirkwood7924 3 роки тому

      @@1mctous thanks!

    • @YuengsNwings
      @YuengsNwings 3 роки тому +1

      Aegir also has those massive filter caps which are undoubtedly more expensive than those used in the Vidar. Plus throw in a few bucks for the standby switch on the front.

  • @sidesup8286
    @sidesup8286 3 роки тому +1

    Just got back from Whole Foods. Just kidding. There's a Whole Foods right in between a Burger King and a Milkshake Palace I go to. The roof comes up to a point and has a big eight foot cherry on top. Next to the Milkshake Palace there's another health food store; GNC. Those health food nuts are gonna' look pretty stupid one day, lying in a hospital bed, dying of nothing. A lot more old people are shopping in those places. Shouldn't they be looking to eat more preservatives instead of less? Football season starts soon. I figure I'll lose a few pounds in front of my TV set cheering for my favorite teams. Everybody is put here for a purpose. Maybe a lot of peoples purpose is to watch television. A long time ago a reviewer in Stereophile completely out of the blue, asked the readership, who looks better, Jennifer Lopez or Angelina Joline? Which was strange. I don't know what the purpose of it was, maybe he was showing that he could choose well and thought most people would agree with his choice. Here are some A or B questions. Maybe there are no right or wrong answers.
    A. A cheap turntable or. B. An expensive compact disc player.
    A. Homer Simpson or. B. Peter Griffin
    A. The Beatles or B. The Rolling Stones
    A. floorstanding speakers or. B. small speakers and a subwoofer
    A. working out. or B. always putting it off till the day after tomorrow
    A. Buying used equipment on ebay. or. B. trusting a thrift store who says its been checked out.
    A. potato salad or. B. cole slaw
    A. collecting valuable record albums or. B. collecting valuable Beanie Babies
    A. watching audio equipment review channels on youtube or. B. watching youtube sites with woman with big breasts. (Some of them are up to nearly 200,000 views per episode, and they haven't even taken anything off yet)!

  • @Poraqui
    @Poraqui 3 роки тому +2

    Benchmark AHB2. It would be interesting how the Vidar stacks up against "the one". Especially if you can get a good deal on a pre-owned or demo AHB2 (1400€)

  • @welderfixer
    @welderfixer 3 роки тому +2

    Randy, Did you feed the 1TDX speakers with this Bad Boy? I'm betting that would be great!

  • @moonytheloony6516
    @moonytheloony6516 3 роки тому +2

    That chamber in The Empire Strikes Back allows Darth Vader to exist safely without having his helmet on. He often meditates that way.

  • @mikesagephoto
    @mikesagephoto 3 роки тому +2

    Really looking forward to seeing your comparison of the Vidar and the Emotiva A2.
    Thanks all your videos.

  • @latle111
    @latle111 3 роки тому +2

    Cheap audio man is slowly becoming decent audio man.

  • @odwatchguy
    @odwatchguy 3 роки тому +9

    Thanks for the great review. Your statement that the Vidar could be most people's end game amp makes so much sense to me, how much improvement could those extra thousands of dollars really get you. I will never know because I wouldn't spend above this to find out.

  • @alexandrospavlakis1537
    @alexandrospavlakis1537 3 роки тому +2

    The new Lokius and this might be an awesome pairing for an old school approach with eq:)

  • @jeffsloane8628
    @jeffsloane8628 3 роки тому +2

    If there was ever a product that lets our puns cut loose, this is it. Nerd Alert!!

  • @gatticusfpv3174
    @gatticusfpv3174 3 роки тому +8

    Very interesting. Not many other reviewers mentioned how neutral the Vidar actually is. I picked one up to compare to my Crown XLS amp to see if class AB was the bees knees like everyone says and honestly they sound almost identical. Both the crown and Vidar have stupid good bass, pleasant highs and I felt the midrange was a touch dry on both but with the Vidar having ever so slight an edge. Not sure it's worth the extra power draw but dang is it pretty in a Sith way. I got the black as well lol.
    They are both input to output amps with very little coloration. Everyone is always saying most DACs should sound the same and not add coloration but every single DAC I've heard sounds noticeably different regardless of cost. Meanwhile it would take a lot of listening for me to pick out the ultra cheap class D amp from a class AB that is over twice the price.

    • @Sevs563
      @Sevs563 3 роки тому +2

      Awesome to read your insight and comparison to the Crown. I love my crown and have debated for some time as whether I should get a Vidar. Class D for me is more impactful with presence and any class AB I have ever had. Class AB has always been more laid back. Of course the elephant in the room is that midrange in the class D… add a tube buffer and there is the fix most desire.

    • @gatticusfpv3174
      @gatticusfpv3174 3 роки тому +1

      @@Sevs563 Yeah I currently am using a tube headphone amp as a pre amp I originally got to pair with the Crown. With the 1002 being around $300 I can't really think of a better deal on an amp for those that need the power.

  • @rigorhead01
    @rigorhead01 3 роки тому +2

    Love the "...and Justice for All" poster you have back there! That was the first cassette tape I ever bought. I was probably 8 to 10 years old. I literally played that tape thousands of times, and so began my love of music.

  • @TheDoozie43
    @TheDoozie43 3 роки тому +2

    Love those MODULAR XPA amps and the fact you can add channels up to 7 total and different wattage outputs of your choosing. Send the amp to Emotiva and they’ll load it however you want depending what you started with. I have the 3. Good review sir!

  • @charleskatz2606
    @charleskatz2606 3 роки тому +1

    Somebody send Randy an egir or two (20/80 Class A) to compare to Vidar and the Emotiva then we would be truly Schiit-ly informed.

  • @riccitone
    @riccitone 3 роки тому +2

    Great review…nice to hear honest impressions on the Vidar, not to mention some good reminders on how many ways to preamp it these days! I was considering some different power amps to add juice through my existing integrated pre outs. Not super into ht, but would still love to hear some Star Wars space explosions on 2 ch system 👍🏼

  • @bigdreams5554
    @bigdreams5554 2 роки тому +1

    Got the Emotiva A3 for the home theatre, need a power amp for the living room, was going to get the A2, but maybe Vidar is better to power 4ohm speakers (Emo T1+)??. T1+ sounded great w/ the A3 debating whether the Vidar would be better for the living room. Thoughts???

  • @joseph-ow1hf
    @joseph-ow1hf 11 місяців тому

    I've had my Vidar 1 for about a month.....maybe a bit more. I bought a Saga S (didn't need the tube buffer, as I have a Decware buffer) because I liked the small form factor for my desktop rig. However, the Vidar sounds much better with my trusty old Mapletree Ultra 4 se tube preamp. The Saga is basically a buffered attenuator. It is unity gain. I think the Vidar needs a bit of voltage kick to get it to sing. Obviously just my opinion. Oh....I'm running Merlin TSM-MMe on desktop. source is macmini feeding a Bifrost 2. The single Vidar runs out of gas pretty quickly trying to power my new Maggie LRS. It just can't deliver the required current. Those will rock when I get one of my Odyssey Stratos monos repaired, as I accidentally shorted the output when a speaker wire came loose. The Vidar is a decent amp, but for a bit more money, I'd pick up an Odyssey Khartago.

  • @sidesup8286
    @sidesup8286 3 роки тому +1

    For you apartment dwellers who have to turn your loud music off around this time, there is a good horror film marathon on the Scared The Bejeezus Out Of Me Channel. The night kicks off with a movie that Chicken Audio Falcon Hawk might have produced:
    Poultrygeist: Attack Of The Oval Shaped Unborn Unhatched Zombies. (they roll).. Then at:
    11:18pm Attack Of The Killer Lawnchairs
    12:12am Attack Of The Killer Refrigerators (I don't know which one came first, refrigerator, lawn chairs or maybe it was even the eggs. But I think you'll be able to follow the plot anyway.
    1:16 am. Ghost In The Invisible Bikini
    2:29am. Hillbillies In A Haunted House
    3:46am. Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes. (I'm glad they are showing that one last. We've all seen that one dozens of times. Yawn.

  • @bsbabcock
    @bsbabcock Рік тому

    I am literally just now pulling the trigger to try your idea of a Node X for streamer/DAC/preamp into a Vidar 2 powering yes a pair of Criton 1TDX’s.

  • @christopherhachet8204
    @christopherhachet8204 3 роки тому +3

    I own one, in black like the one shown. Got up at three in the morning to listen to music....if that says anything like the amplifier. Very happy with it. It sounded better once it had broken in about 50-60 hours, and better again after a thousand hours or so.

    • @shitsandwich1983
      @shitsandwich1983 3 роки тому +1

      what does the rest of your setup consist of?

    • @christopherhachet8204
      @christopherhachet8204 3 роки тому +1

      Fluance RT 82 Turntable, UMC 200 Emotiva Pre Amp, Sony CD player utilizing a Schiit Modi DAC for additional clairty, PAradigm floor standing speakers.

  • @christopherhachet8204
    @christopherhachet8204 3 роки тому +1

    I won't let you disaude me from the freya...

  • @BFArch0n
    @BFArch0n 3 роки тому +1

    Mine constantly when into protect mode eith my elac uf52
    My emotiva xpa7 gen 3 however caused one of the crossover caps to explode
    Freaking goldy locks speakers
    But they do sound good when they work. Lol

  • @christopherhachet8204
    @christopherhachet8204 3 роки тому +1

    This is my endgame amplifier. However, I am going to also play with tube amps. I purchased a BoyuuRange MT-34 MKII EL34 after waching yoru video, and plan on switching between the amps based on what I feel like running.

  • @andycon67
    @andycon67 2 місяці тому

    I did try to find the comparison vid but could not find it, could you do a best power budget amp for a Wiim ultra please Andy C from uk

  • @Psyphonyx_Life
    @Psyphonyx_Life 3 роки тому +1

    AGREE .. I love their naming. Great review.. really nice product. =)

  • @ericnortan9012
    @ericnortan9012 10 місяців тому

    A pair of these (Vidar 2), or another $1600 on a pair of Tyrs? Paired with my Freya +N.

  • @sensiblelou9686
    @sensiblelou9686 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the review. I ordered the vidar and saga + back in May. Still waiting.

  • @captboomers589
    @captboomers589 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks Randy! Just placed my Schiit order!! MTFBWY

  • @ChihuAudioMan
    @ChihuAudioMan 2 роки тому +1

    A smaller form factor of this with 50w into 8, and 100w into 4, would be amazing.

  • @jman24961
    @jman24961 Рік тому

    Very helpful video. Wish I had watched this a long time ago.

  • @thegluefactory
    @thegluefactory 3 роки тому +1

    Would be keen to see a comparison with some of these enthusiast Class D amps (like audiophonics, Internet of Music, Hypex) with NCore boards that are popping up now. PS. Love the channel!

  • @mikeleeser328
    @mikeleeser328 11 місяців тому

    Is Vidar just overkill for sensitive speakers like Klipsch Forte IV or Heresy?

  • @TheBrigar
    @TheBrigar 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the look at the Vidar with bonus Freya commentary. Looking forward to the amp shootout!
    Re the Node, it can learn remotes. I repurposed a DVD remote to that end and it works great. The Node is brilliant kit.

  • @breedluv1
    @breedluv1 3 роки тому +1

    "It's an older node, but it checks out". That made me LOL. Love it!

  • @lpspinners8736
    @lpspinners8736 3 роки тому +1

    A truly GREAT review! The best Schiit Vidar video I have seen to date!

  • @toai2
    @toai2 8 місяців тому

    I asked the bot at Schiit it advised against pairing the Magni with the Vidar amp

  • @NightFlight1973
    @NightFlight1973 2 роки тому +1

    I think its a build quality density factor that Schiit has tapped into.

  • @ben23a31
    @ben23a31 3 роки тому +1

    Dude, big thanks for covering H.T. products and definitely "power amps" that won't break your pockets ! 👍🏽

  • @mikejames-drummerreginacan1386
    @mikejames-drummerreginacan1386 3 роки тому +1

    MADE IN CALIFORNIA vs C H I N A......USA.

  • @WhiteBubblySoup
    @WhiteBubblySoup 3 роки тому +2

    Not having a power switch on the front or a 12v trigger is a problem for me.

    • @MRPC5
      @MRPC5 3 роки тому +1

      Same here, no trigger is a deal killer for me.

    • @YuengsNwings
      @YuengsNwings 3 роки тому

      That’s part of getting it at the $700 price tag. This amp is essentially feature-less, including no pre-outs for a sub, voltage input switching (110v220v), and the aforementioned rear switch and lack of 12v trigger.

    • @WhiteBubblySoup
      @WhiteBubblySoup 3 роки тому

      @@YuengsNwings It doesn't save any money putting the power switch on the back. Its just schiit's thing not to have a power switch on the front.

  • @willyhaug549
    @willyhaug549 Місяць тому

    Topping B200 better?

  • @backrack01
    @backrack01 3 роки тому +1

    Though your not keeping the freya +... Im assuming u tried it with the ares 2 and bifrost 2? If my assumptions are true...curious what the freya + brought to the table with either dacs. Is there a unexplained synergy with the freya and bifrost?

    • @shitsandwich1983
      @shitsandwich1983 3 роки тому +1

      i believe he said the ares ii + freya was a bit thin, and that the bifrost ii + freya gave a meatier presentation.

    • @backrack01
      @backrack01 3 роки тому

      @@shitsandwich1983 ur correct. I had to re-watch it. Thank you.

  • @OsborneCox.69.420
    @OsborneCox.69.420 3 роки тому +1

    6-8 weeks out on their website. BRUTAL …

    • @alanmodimages
      @alanmodimages 2 роки тому

      That's nothing compared to DJ equipment. The industry stopped taking orders for mixer... they are talking June or July...

  • @EvanZamir
    @EvanZamir 2 роки тому

    I have a Marantz NR1608 and just bought a Vidar so I can hook up the preamp outputs to it for the front L/R. Rock on!

  • @Finn-McCool
    @Finn-McCool 3 роки тому

    Wants to retire, but hasn't "quite'n" got there.
    HAHA you're killing me Smalls.
    Edit,
    PS: I'll take that Freya+ off'n your hands for ya. Lemme know. 😉

  • @sidesup8286
    @sidesup8286 3 роки тому +3

    WHAT FAMOUS AUDIO PEOPLE HAD TO SAY ABOUT THINGS & A QUESTION.
    The question first. This is not a criticism and I am not the first to wonder about this in the comments section. But what is meant by; "This is too good for me right now?" Something that unravels the tapestry that we call music, is what most audio fans are looking for. You can follow the lead singer and the prominent instruments fairly clearly even on an inexpensive table radio. Anything that unravels the layers of detail and exposes instruments behind instruments, two guitars playing in close unison, when before it sounded like just one guitar, hearing stuff further back in the soundstage, hearing clearly, instrumentation that before sounded buried in the mix; that's what audiophiles are interested in. Unless it's a case of too many recordings are exposed that are not that good. Flaws where you couldn't hear flaws before. Cleaner sound compensates for this, the nasties may be more frequent but they're not as nasty sounding. Unless someone is one of those guys that are detail chasers and concerned themselves only with detail retrieval and chose equipment that has peaks in the frequency response, which can sound harsh. If added detail brings you pain instead of pleasure, there is usually something wrong with your frequency response. Evening it out somehow or lowering distortion is the answer. Even room acoustics could be a factor. Any mirrors or glass, especially large sections should be lessened or removed, if you're really serious about your sound.
    What a lot us, who have high end audio leanings, but usually end up with cheaper stuff, would really find interesting, is how does stuff like Schitt Audio compare with high end stuff of yesteryear, which you can get for a lot less now that it's old and not so much in the limelight. For instance how does the Schitt preamp compare to a circa 1991 Audio Research SP 11, which back then Harry Pearson said "Make no mistake, this preamp comes trailing clouds of glory." What would be really interesting to us is; has technology progressed to the point where something reasonably priced of today compare to something like that? Surely there must be some people on here who have stuff like that, but tune in to this channel to see what's good and cheap for a 2nd or 3rd system. It would be good for some of them to let us know. There could be thousands of people seeking and trying to find vintage stuff like that, where maybe, just maybe, there's the possibility that newly made reasonably priced stuff right under their nose offers a similar performance level.
    WHAT SOME FAMOUS AUDIO PEOPLE BOTH PAST & PRESENT HAVE SAID:
    IVOR TIEFENBRUN (head guy at Linn Audio said decades ago), "The best equipment of our time is only capable of around 12% of the sound quality of live music. We are kidding ourselves to think it's any more than that.
    JULIAN HIRSCH: As head reviewer and electronic tester of a major audio magazine, in my 50 years of reviewing, what impressed me the most is the electrostatic loudspeaker.
    JOHN BEDINI: You can have a roomful of amplifiers and there will be just something about a Bedini amplifier which captures your imagination and gives you wonderment.
    ANDREW JONES (famous speaker designer). Don't believe speaker impedence ratings. They are given leeway as to what they state as their minimum impedence, sometimes it could be 15% lower than stated
    BILL LOWE (head man at Audioquest). The saying that a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link, may be true of chains; but not audio. Anything that makes an improvement, improves the sound.
    KONDO SAN (late former top guy at Audio Note). True High End Audio is based on the truth that everything matters. Everything in the signal chain, what materials are used both inside and out. Everything.

    • @shitsandwich1983
      @shitsandwich1983 3 роки тому +1

      that would be cool to see those comparisons from vintage top shelf to modern entry level.

    • @sidesup8286
      @sidesup8286 3 роки тому +2

      @@shitsandwich1983 I do know that a Marantz 7C tube preamp from 1961 or so, is still a very formidable sounding preamp. It was still going strong with no repairs ever needed, 50 years after it was bought. Same for the model 8 tube power amp. The Audiophiliac recently compared a late 1980's Spectral preamp with a current Pass Labs preamp. He said even though the Pass excelled in certain areas, the Spectral just sounded more like musicians in the flesh playing music. Most people who use tube amps say that NOS 1950 tubes sound better usually, than modern ones. The one time I compared, that's the result I got too.

  • @gilbertrios5283
    @gilbertrios5283 3 роки тому

    You look like Tex Cobb or he looks like you 😁! ... Like the Star Wars references!

  • @carlsitler9071
    @carlsitler9071 3 роки тому +1

    Don't forget the Asgard. It is an awesome preamp that adds a pinch of magic to the dac signal.

    • @YuengsNwings
      @YuengsNwings 3 роки тому

      I haven’t seen too many people who are using the Asgard for volume control of their main system. I own one but only use it as volume control for my mini desktop speakers when not using headphones. Have you tried a passive pre? From what I have read, the headphone amplifiers tend to collapse the soundstage when used as preamps for power amps.

  • @simianinc
    @simianinc 3 роки тому +1

    Be curious to see your review of the Aegir. $100 more but less powerful, Word on the street (and from Schiit) is that it sounds better...

    • @DickCarr
      @DickCarr 3 роки тому

      But it’s all a matter of system matching and synergy.

    • @YuengsNwings
      @YuengsNwings 3 роки тому +1

      People talk about sound with the Aegir vs Vidar all the time, but not enough about the disadvantage of Class A - the heat it throws. If Class A fits your lifestyle then I’ve no doubt the Aegir is a better amp for you.

  • @scottlowell493
    @scottlowell493 2 роки тому

    Emotiva and especially outlaw are lower on the food chain. The Vidar and freya are successful because they use quality parts and don’t have a bunch of junk in the audio path. Outlaw by compare uses bargain bin parts and lacks Vidar quality. Schiit audio has a company name that sounds like a joke. The products are no joke. Any guys that can make a 2 ohm stable amp to drive apogee speakers can design a killer amp.
    The Vidar and freya sound cleaner than any outlaw or emotiva combo.

  • @dinsy512
    @dinsy512 3 роки тому

    Hey! I like my QXDA-01 Mk II! How dare you! Unsubbed 😂🤣😂 no, just kidding. You’re right, it’s a piece of crap. The Vidar is far superior.

  • @kevinsetterlund
    @kevinsetterlund 2 роки тому

    So can i use my marantz SR5015 simple 5.1 but run the Vidar for the front channels, using receivers preouts? Will this blend well together? 🤔

  • @DarenLee
    @DarenLee 3 роки тому

    Hi there. I have been a fan of your videos when you did cheap bookshelf comparison speakers at your backyard. And what also interest me you are cheap audioman “cheap” affordable where majority target audience can afford looking into the start of audio.
    But seems like your stuff are getting more and more expensive.
    Thanks for the journey all these while. Now I am into Chi-Fi IEM. Surprising quite a big market and community growing. Hope to see you reviewing some chi-fi IEM as in cheap stuff for the cheap audioman. ;)
    Also every month they are new product launch.

  • @overbuiltautomotive1299
    @overbuiltautomotive1299 2 роки тому

    cool look nice first i herd of this brand but i ant looking at new audio crap as my old stuff works and i am cheap ass will never pay what that stuff costs i assume last i seen a made in usa on a amplifier it was 1200.oo may be more.. if i got to shell out that ill get something weird and use it like a mint peavey CS-800 .,or old Yamaha rack mount unit just because i miss that way to big Peavey unit sounded great to me got the cops called and blew a speaker lol

  • @orwhat24
    @orwhat24 3 роки тому

    This voice in my head keeps saying “Vidar and LRS.” Weird.
    PS - love your price sensitivity.

  • @bsbabcock
    @bsbabcock 2 роки тому

    Looks like I've got a 3-piece band in mind.. CSS Criton 1TD-X superior crossover, driven by a Bluesound Node into the Vidar. Yeah? Ya think? I'm kinda digging the idea.. Something to pull over my Roku, wifi stream, USB hard drive stream, and drive some killer 2-ways.

  • @Raptorace225
    @Raptorace225 3 роки тому

    This looks interesting. But I am not going to wait 2 fricken months to get one. Screw that. I'm getting the XTZ Edge instead. Smaller and most likely better anyway.

  • @dechrysen
    @dechrysen 3 роки тому +1

    It build different

  • @bretspangler8717
    @bretspangler8717 2 роки тому

    I am looking at getting a pair of these and running them mono, looking to upgrade my speakers too, possibly Martin Logans, Maggis or Tektons.

  • @buffal0bilious
    @buffal0bilious 3 роки тому +1

    The Vidar looks awesome. Would be cool if the Aegir's stand-by button trickled down for the next iteration (assuming there is one). I see a lot of really positive customer reviews for the Parasound NewClassic 275v2 and 2125v2 power amps, both of which are in the same general price ballpark. Never heard them myself though.

    • @YuengsNwings
      @YuengsNwings 3 роки тому +1

      I own a 275V2. Really enjoy this amp for the money. It can be purchased new at reduced price for $520 or found open box for even less, which is a killer deal for 90 WPC. They are also very heavy like the Vidar thanks to the massive transformer, and run very cool compared to other class AB amps. I think it struggles a bit once you start pushing it out of the class A bias which is probably quite low to keep the heat loss down. However, I tend to listen around 65 db so I’m hardly ever pushing it and in that regard it definitely suits my needs. The low heat means I can safely stack components on top of it without fear of overheating. Overall I give it a thumbs up, and when my toddler grows up enough so that I can reinstall my center channel into my home theater I am going to pick up a nicer amp and keep the 275V2 to power the center speaker.

    • @YuengsNwings
      @YuengsNwings 3 роки тому

      I would like to add that the topology of the amp is not elegant because it’s crammed into a half-height chassis compared to larger amps. I suspect the channels could have the potential to bleed into each other since they are so close to one another. Still, no complains at my listening levels.

  • @aceofspades6667
    @aceofspades6667 3 роки тому +1

    BF2 -> Freya S -> vidar or aegir would be a sweet stack

    • @ChicagoRob2
      @ChicagoRob2 2 роки тому

      I have the Modi Multibit, Parasound Zpre3, and Vidar. It’s my end game setup. Total satisfaction.

  • @GreyTileGaming
    @GreyTileGaming 3 роки тому

    I almost made a rookie move and was going ask if you could compare it to a Crown XLS1502 or SMSL AO200/DA-9 and should have watched the whole video first...

  • @RedLegion
    @RedLegion 2 роки тому

    Took me a minute to figure it out, but are you pronouncing it "Shciit" to prevent the video from being demonetized?

  • @ben23a31
    @ben23a31 2 роки тому

    Randy, can you review and compare the Vidar and others to a pair of the Outlaw Audio pancake mono blocks?

  • @stonefree1911
    @stonefree1911 3 роки тому

    Cheapaudioman....Star Wars edition..
    I would be interested in the Vidar IF it had trigger capability. I'm a lazy audiophile and don't want to have to get up to listen to music.

  • @micheld7220
    @micheld7220 2 роки тому

    Just would like to know what the difference is between hooking up the vidar to the marantz or to the freya + for music.

  • @don7680
    @don7680 3 роки тому

    Cooling fins? Heat sinks would be the proper technical description.

  • @robvermeulen
    @robvermeulen 3 роки тому

    "Vidar... change one letter and it becomes Vader" made me chuckle :D, but for the rest, nice review!

  • @vannk73
    @vannk73 3 роки тому

    I don't see the same deal when I click on the Amazon Music link. Is that for new subscribers only? I've had it in the past but went back to Spotify.

  • @asadabbasmirza9519
    @asadabbasmirza9519 Рік тому

    How will they perform with ESL63 and would it melt?

  • @ericpauls3535
    @ericpauls3535 3 роки тому

    How do you think this would pair with Cambridge Audio 851N?

  • @johnnixon2504
    @johnnixon2504 3 роки тому

    Yeah I’m finished with my main system (for now). Just finished it off by getting my bifrost off backorder and it added body to the system I was looking for.
    iPad>bifrost2>saga+>Vidar>b&w CM09s2 plus a klipsch sub.
    If I go above this stuff it is gonna cost manny thousands so I’m gonna have to stop here for the next few years.

  • @luckyjinxer
    @luckyjinxer Рік тому

    Not to mention, you can step it up and make it a fully balanced mono block if you get two of them.

  • @jeffjefferson7384
    @jeffjefferson7384 3 роки тому +1

    No, I will deal with the Node Myself...

  • @ben23a31
    @ben23a31 3 роки тому

    Let's not forget the Chromecast Audio ! I have one connected to a crown amp xls for my large outdoor speakers. Works like a charm. Still can't get why Google killed that device smh.