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Hi all, I have recently acquired a set of Sennheiser HD650's and have been thinking of what to get as for a Headphone amp and what to get for a DAC.. The output will go into whatever headphone amp I get (most likely a Bottlehead Crack) as well as a Pioneer SA-708. What do you think I should get for roughly $500? I have been thinking of getting the following. Schiit Bitfrost 4490. Musical Fidelity V90 Dac. Used Musical Fidelity M1 DAC. Also does anyone know of a good dac capable of DSD playback under about $800 which has a noticeable difference between PCM and DSD but also plays pcm well? Heres a list of some music that I like to listen too: http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/topic/49243-need-suggestions-on-tracks-for-home-stereo-demo-testing/?p=1508624 Thanks, Ted.

I've already reviewed the Ragnarok in my "Addicts Guide" thread but it made such a positive impression on me that I thought it deserved a thread all of its own. I'll cut and paste the review and the contents of a few following posts to make this first post a summary of the Ragnarok experience and then I'll continue with my cable and preamp experimentation here. Schiit Ragnarok. I’ve wanted to try something by Schiit for a while now but...well… I didn’t really need another DAC or pre and I don’t own a decent set of headphones, so it didn’t happen. Until Schiit decided to manufacture an integrated amp (the loyalists seem to view it as a headphone amp that just happens to be so powerful it can run a pair of speakers, but to me it looks a lot like an integrated amp) now we were talking! The first thing I noticed was that the amp runs slightly hotter than your average pie warmer, not only should it not be placed in an enclosed cabinet I wouldn’t even place it under a shelf. However, if placed on a surface with plenty of space above and around it then it does seem to be pretty happy with running hot (in other words my custom cooling fan is not actually required). The second thing I noticed was that its gain settings are slightly lower than I am used to, 9 o’clock on the volume dial on most amps will require the Ragnarok to be turned to between 12 and 1 o’clock. It isn’t really a big thing, but it is something you will definitely notice. On the specs front we have 5 inputs, 2 balanced and 3 RCA and one of each for the preamp output stage. 60wpc into 8 Ohms should drive 98% of speakers so no great concerns there (and I’ve found 3 separate cases on the web where testers have used the Ragnarok to power KEF LS50s, they require serious current, so this figure may well be on the low side of the actual number of watts on tap), nicely done Schiit. I also notice that Schiit do not list an input impedance for the Ragnarok, odd, but again, no big thing. I was using my Consonance cd120 as a source, feeding into the Ragnarok via Aurealis R1 interconnects and then into my Lenehan/ETI S2R speakers via Redgum speaker cables. Highs: Trumpets are nice and raspy without being hard or harsh, triangles and piano twinkle gloriously and delicately, cymbals and brushes are very crisp but not harsh. One of the best top ends I have yet heard on an integrated amp. 9.0 Mids: Clean, clear, uncluttered and beautiful to behold. Every instrument feels like it is happy to play its part and is given its own space to do so. Acoustic hang time feels very natural. It is just fun to listen to! 8.5 Bass: Very well behaved, articulate and defers to the mids and highs as required. Also clean and smooth with nice detail. 8.0 Vocals: Female: 9.0 The most natural and pleasantly real vocals I have heard from an integrated amp. Male: 9.0 Personally I’d rather be listening to the ladies than the guys but the Ragnarok makes not such distinctions. The vocals are given an ever so slight preference over the instruments, the vocals floated just slightly above the centre of my system and none of the instruments was allowed to get too close to them. The effect was very much like placing the singer out in front and then wrapping the band around them in a semi-circle. It was a very convincing effect. 2D Soundstaging: 9.0 The instrument separation also extends to stereo effects and placement within the soundstage. None of the instruments feel like they are locked into place it just feels like they are floating very still. Overall Performance Integration: Brilliant clarity and a good sense of rhythm combine with the soundstaging, the vocals, the imaging and the clear top end to present the impression that this amp not only knows how to spell words like “enunciationâ€, “iambic pentameter†and “spatial differentiation†it also understands what they mean and why they are important. This is one piece of audio componentry that has been put through a very prestigious finishing school. 9.0 Ability to Emote: Once you start to listen it’s got you, you can stop listening if you want to, but why would you do that? 8.0 (as a minimum, it rates higher once the ladies start to sing) Electric Guitar Test: 8.0 It’s good, don’t get me wrong it is very good, but it needs the soul of a rebel to do any better than this and it is too refined to be that rebellious. 80’s Rock Test: 8.0 Again, it’s very good but it’s calm and collected enough that it won’t go above an eight. The Ragnarok has impressed me greatly, it is a very detailed amp without a single trace of harshness to its sound. The vocals are clean, natural and a joy to listen to and instruments are very true to life without being fatiguing. Could I live with the Ragnarok long term? Hell yes! I've also been playing about with the Ragnarok as a preamp. I had a session with it feeding the ME580 last night and it was pretty good, more prominent bass (of course!) and a top end that didn't seem to lose anything at all but the vocals just didn't retain their magic and the more prominent bass got in the way (if only slightly) of the mid and upper treble. I swapped ICs between the Rag and the 580 from Aurealis to Furutech Alphas and got some more breath into the vocals and a little more mid range flesh but I didn't like the effect on the bass or the slight softening of the top end. All in all it was not a bad combo but not as well put together as the Ragnarok on its lonesome, the boys at Schiit did a very good job of matching the pre and power stages on this puppy. I've also got the Exposure Classic 28/Ragnarok to try. The Exposure/Schiit combo is very interesting, reminds me of a more refined Sansui 5900 in many ways. It's got that velvety exposure warmth and more breath to the vocals but the instrument separation just isn't there. It loses some detail and the delicate frequency balance is thrown out too, even so, it is quite more-ish! Sounds a little too much like vinyl to me, but I'm sure some would like it. One thing I have definitely noticed is that the volume dial position is only slightly above where I expect it to be when the Ragnarok is used as a preamp so it seems the power amp section of the Rag' has slightly lower gain than most. As I've said before it isn't really an issue but it is something that is easily noticed. I'm running the Ragnarok with my Halcro DM38 right now and the results are astounding, I'll get to the details later but for now let's just go with astounding. I've found this combo to be quite cable sensitive so it is taking some time to fine tune. I've yet to get to the Burson Timekeepers, but I will. Then I'll have to try some different sources too.

I've recently acquired a Sennheiser HD650 and I'm currently looking for a headphone amp under the $1k mark. The source of my desktop system is an iMac27. Ideally I'd like a DAC+Pre+Head amp to be able to drive my active Audioengine A5+ speakers as well. I'm considering a Schiit Bifrost USB Gen2 & Uber upgrade ($705 at Addicted to Audio), SOtm sHP-100 ($999 at Addicted to Audio), or a 2nd Burson. Any suggestions?

Schiit - Saga Pre Amp This pre amp has been a fantastic introduction to tubes. The sound really opens up when the gain is introduced and makes it a pleasure to turn it up. OTK 6H8C tube. This unit is flawless the only marks on it are to the top left corner of the remote as shown in photos. Selling as I have just purchased a home theatre amp and am using my 2ch amp in the chain. Don’t have original box but can post in another Schiit box for same sized product with all protective packing. Location - Berwick 3806 NO PAY ID !!!! Cash only if picking up PayPal EFT I have linked some reviews for you to read instead of me trying to tell you how good it is. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-schiit-saga-tube-pre-amp.6520/ https://www.theaudiophileworld.net/2018/08/schiit-saga-my-first-new-preamp-it-is.html?m=1 See less

Further Information: Schiit Magni 3+ headphone amplifier Legendary headphone amp that sets the bar for affordable quality listening. In as-new condition in the box with all accessories and papers. Collect from Melbourne CBD or Frankston. Audition in Frankston only. Official Description Magni 3+ raises the bar even higher for affordable headphone amps, with by far the highest output power in their price class–at least 200% higher than any competitor. At the same time, they provide the cleanest measured performance of any Magni, ever. Not Just a “Starter Amp” Magni 3+ is all the amp you’ll ever need, for any headphone. It has the power, performance, low noise, and versatility to meet all your needs. You’re set from IEMs to hard-to-drive planar designs. With a full 2400mW into 32 ohms, the Magni has tremendous power reserves. Combined with low distortion, an exceptionally low noise floor, and switchable gain, both Magnis perform far beyond their price. Your Choice: High Performance…or Even Higher For Magni 3+, we pulled out all the stops in designing the highest performing discrete Magni ever, by any metric—power, distortion, or noise floor. Choose Magni 3+ for the ultimate expression of an affordable all-discrete current-feedback headphone amp. It’s now seriously like a mini speaker amp, right down to the driver stage and Vbe multiplier. Magni 3+ is in our traditional silver and gray chassis. Versatility Comes Standard Both Magnis include preamp outputs. This means you can connect either one to your desktop powered monitors for a complete system—or even connect it to a speaker power amp and use it as a preamp. With its built-in time-delayed start-up and instant shut-down, there’ll be no glitches or pops through either headphones or speakers, either.

Item: Schiit Gungnir DAC w/ USB interface Location: TAS Price: SOLD Item Condition: Mint, like new Reason for selling: Upgraded Payment Method: Paypal, Bank deposit Extra Info: Re-listing of 230V Schiit Gungnir DAC purchased from Addicted to Audio. Original owner. Buyer to cover PP fees and postage via Registered Post w/ insurance. I have 100% positive feedback for transactions at Head-Fi.org. Please note this version is $1039 from Schiit's only Australian distributor. Schiit do not sell to Australia directly. Pictures: Images from the Schiit web site. My unit is identical.

Item 1: Schiit Bifrost DAC (Non-USB version - ready to upgrade with Schiit’s USB input and/or uber analogue card) (RELISTED ON ITS OWN) Location: Sth Gold Coast Reason for selling: Time to try something else. Payment Methods: Paypal, Cash - Pickup, or EFT. Buyer to pay any Paypal charges. Pictures: At the bottom Condition: Used but cosmetically as new and has functioned flawlessly since I bought it from an SNA'er 20 months ago. It was a review unit so had little use prior to that. Only thing is I have reattached the rubber feet with double sided tape. Will be posted in original packaging. Extra Info: This is the only DAC I have ever really used and have always thought highly of it as have others. The DAC has been used with a SBT and dedicated laptop and has been a real asset. Current retail is a shmig under $500. Item 2: Audio-gd Digital Interface (DSP with TCXO chip) with external linear PSU (SOLD) Condition: Used but cosmetically very good. Some signs of age with a few scratches here and there and slight wear on terminals - face is unblemished and still a pretty clean unit overall. Has functioned flawlessly since I bought it from an SNAer 4-5 months ago. Again feet attached with double sided tape. Extra Info: It’s an early version which I believe has the upgraded TCXO chip – please see pics. I used a HiFace Mk2 previously and preferred the Audio-gd which I think has brought a worthwhile improvement whenever included between source and DAC. I used the BNC output to the DAC on Kingwa’s recommendation so am including the BJC cable below. Please note the PSU runs pretty hot which according to Kingwa is normal as it’s a Class A power supply. Item 3: Blue Jean Cables – BNC to RCA 75 ohm digital cable (solid conductor) (SOLD) Condition: As new with probably 50hrs. Happy to answer any questions.

Item: Schiit Asgard headphone amplifier Location: Clayton, Melbourne Price: $250 posted within Australia Item Condition: Great Reason for selling: Not needed Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, Direct Deposit Extra Info: Purchased from Addicted to audio in late 2012 and hasn't seen much use since then. I'm not really using headphones anymore so I thought I'd move this on. It's in fantastic condition and comes in the original box with all accessories. Probably has the balance of warranty too. Postage to Australia included in the asking price. Pics: Not my pic.

Item: AKG 701 + Schiit Lye Amp + Squeezebox Touch Location: Richmond Vic Price: $700 + postage Item Condition: Excellent Reason for selling: I'm still very new to headphones and it's time to see what else is out there. Payment Method: Cash, COD Extra Info: I've had this gear for for close to 4 months now and it hasn't skipped a beat (purchased from a SNA member, see below). This is all fairly well known gear and has been well looked after, the squeezebox has only been used twice as I just don't have the room on my desk (I've got that little room) so it's been sitting safely in its box all this time. This would be a great setup for anyone new to headphones. If you have a computer and a wired or wireless network you will have everything (source, DAC, AMP & headphones). Comes with all packaging so I can post at buyers expense. Previous sale, http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/59481-relist-and-price-drop-akg-701-schiit-lyr-amp-squeezebox-touch/?hl=%2Bsqueezebox+%2Btouch Pictures:

Further Information: Purchased new direct from Schiit Audio USA 16/7/2022. 230V model for AUS. I did enquire with Addicted to Audio but they told me not to bother and just order from Schiit Audio as they had customers waiting up to 12 months for Schiit Audio products and that Schiit seems to prioritise orders direct from their website. Pricing was $1049 USD + $113 USD shipping which converted to $1804 AUD. Then when it landed in Aus I had to pay GST and a customs fee totalling $260 so total outlay to import this was $2,064 AUD. Fantastic affordable preamp. Tube mode is a lot of fun. The XLR inputs and outputs in addition to unbalanced ins & outs, plus the three different modes of operation (passive/differential/tube gain) make this such a versatile piece and its a nice looking unit. I purchased this at a point when I was integrating my 2 channel system with TV/AV sources and I needed extra inputs and a remote to control volume for all sources. Not long after, we made an unplanned purchase of a new home and now I have my 2 channel system set up in its own dedicated room and I no longer need the preamp (I run my source with volume control straight to power amp). It comes with Aus power cable, remote, original packaging, tubes etc. Only has about 25-30 hours on it in total, probably 20 hours on the tubes. Link to details, specs and reviews; https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-n

Further information: Up for sale is the excellent Schiit Asgard 3 headphone amplifier/preamp, with inbuilt USB Multibit DAC card. It's stupidly powerful with 5 Watts per channel, and sounds terrific with its mostly Class-A topology (it slides into Class A/B under heavy conditions). It's built like a tank, looks like new, and is in perfect working condition. It's also a terrific-sounding preamp, and will work well upstream from a power amp or powered speakers. It has two selectable gain settings, and can also accept line-level RCA analogue inputs. I have the Jontunheim 2, so it's no longer getting any use. It will be sold in the original Schiit packaging. Photos: PLEASE READ If you include any reference to pricing whatsoever in this section (excluding RRP), your ad will not be approved If you are advertising multiple items, you must post one bulk price only, or post seperate ads for each item If you don't include photographs of the actual item being sold, your ad will not be approved You understand that a reasonable donation for selling fees is expected upon successful sale of your item - if you have previously sold items and not made a donation, your advertisement may not be approved.

Further Information: Schiit Modi 3E DAC in excellent condition. Working perfectly with no marks or scratches on the case. Bought directly from Schiit in April 2022, this DAC sounds incredibly good for the price. Has USB, optical, and coaxial inputs. Now discontinued (replaced by the Modi +). See reviews here: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/schiit-modi-3e-review-and-measurements.12091/

Looking to elevate your headphone audio experience? Look no further than the Schiit Magnius Modius stack DAC AMP! RRP$969 Excellent condition Unparalleled clarity and power for high-end headphones Pristine condition with no marks Original shipping boxes included E Available for pick-up in Croydon or shipping at buyer's cost Comes with a spare cover for Modius Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity. Get your hands on the Schiit Magnius Modius stack DAC AMP today!

As New! Bought from A2A about three months ago. You get the DAC, usb cable, receipt but no box, or manual. barely used - probably less then 5 hours, this is the last part of my headphone system - using my Edifiers speakers 100% of the time now.

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Hello SNA'ers Clearing out equipment to fund my desktop computer. So this has to go. A bit sad really, but there are priorities in life which need to be done. Great sounding DAC, with original box and receipt. Reviews are all over the net, and 99% of them are positive. Powered by USB, so a great addition to a computer audio system and I've had it for about four months. Current RRP is $171. Item: Schiit Modi DAC Location: Kilsyth South Price: $110 including freight Item Condition: Next to new Reason for selling: Funding a desktop computer Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal,

Hello! Here's my Schiit Lyr for sale.. I'm selling it because I need the money for a desktop. It's in mint condition, and anyone that's bought gear of me can vouch for the condition of my kit! Has pre-outs as well. Price includes shipping anywhere in Australia. Includes original box and receipt Here's the review! http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/schiit/9.html Item: Schiit Lyr Location: Melbourne, Kilsyth South Price: $470 Item Condition: Near perfect Reason for selling: Need the cash for a computer Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal,

Hello! Up for sale is my Schiit Valhalla, mint condition, about 10 hours of use.. Selling alot of my kit to fund a new desktop.. Anyone that has bought items from me can vouch for the condition of my gear. $380 including shipping. Here's a review! http://www.audioexcursions.com/files/schiit-audio-valhalla-triode-tube-otl-desktop-headphone-amplifier-review.html Item: Schiit Valhalla Location: Melbourne, Kilsyth South Price: $380 which includes shipping to anywhere in Australia Item Condition: Near spotless, barely used, all packaging included and receipt Reason for selling: Need to buy a computer Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal,

Further Information: I purchased this modius e which is the current model. It's an amazing Dac for the money. But I had the opportunity to get something better and took it so I am letting this DAC go. It barely has a couple of hours on it. Has the box and paper work that came with it. I purchased it direct from Schiit.

Item: Schiit Bitrost DAC Price Range: Bitfrost AK4490 - up to $630, depending on hours used. Bitfrost Multibit - up to $850 Bitfrost Uber - up to $500 Bitfrost with out USB gen 2 - Up to $ 370 Item Condition: New, Ex Demo or Used Extra Info: If you have a new Bitfrost I will be willing to pay a bit higher.

Hi there Looking for a Schiit stack comprising of the Modi and the Magni for sale. If you have one for sale, or would be willing to sell yours, please message me or reply to this post Thanks

Hi folks, Im still on the look out for a Schiit Bifrost or Modi DAC. If someone may have recently upgraded to some new schiit or looking to sell their old schiit, please let me know. Or if you have a similar quality Dac (preferably in silver, you know gotta keep the gear all matching ) please also let me know. Many Thanks