#31
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De nada.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components. |
#32
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It has been nearly a month since my Asgard 2 has joined the growing family of "all things headphone". I have kept it on and playing as much as possible throughout the days and even overnight. My DAC has 1 set of balanced and 2 sets of SE outputs so all three of my headphone amplifiers are typically on and playing all day long to help facilitate the break in of themselves and the 3 newer pairs of headphones.
In the last few days, the Asgard 2 has what I would consider "stabilized" and "blossomed". The sound signature has become anchored and consistent. So it is time to share my final opinion. Simplest way to put it. For $249 you can expect a very smooth, rich and slightly laid back presentation (depending on partnering headphones) from the Class A headphone amp. This is not in your face resolving and lightning speed transient response amplifier. It is however a very musical, engaging and non fatiguing amplifier with all the 4 pairs of headphones I have at hand to compare with. From the ultra resolving and incredibly detailed but natural sounding Utopia, to the slightly lusher and darker Elear, to the ultra lush HD600 and the slightly more open and neutral sounding HD650s, the Asgard 2 recreates music with emphasis on smoothness and musicality. That is not to say it is rolled off or lacking in resolution. It is all there but sounds natural and unforced. Pretty typical Class A sound if you are familiar. Asgard 2 is my go to headphone amp for discovering and listening to virtually any genre of music with various recording qualities. The better the source of music, the better the Asgard 2 sounds, obviously but at the same time, it is a bit more forgiving with its creamy and silky smooth mids. What the Asgard 2 does not do is, it does not assault the ears with any grain or cheap transistor sound. In fact one can be amazed at the level of refinement and listening pleasure one can derive from the this little "space heater" of a hard working, honest and classy sounding Class A product for what amounts to a measly $249 in the audio world. At this point, I can strongly recommend the Asgard 2 as a solid state, Class A headphone amplifier without any reservations to anyone who is looking for a smooth, musical sounding amplifier that can easily drive headphones of various impedances, sensitivity and has dynamic headroom left to spare. Well done Schiit Team. |
#33
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Another great review, Serge!
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components. |
#34
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Great job Serge. Could you do a comparison between the Asgard 2 and the Valhalla 2? Even in a limited version.
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Speakers........Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II Amp...............Pass Labs X150.5 PreAmp..........McIntosh C2600 Sources..........Music Hall MMF 9.3 Walnut w/ Goldring Eroica LX MC Cartridge Phono Pre...…..Sutherland Insight CD Player Rotel RCD-1072 Record Cleaning Machine...….Okki Nokki DAC................Bryston BDA-3 Headphones.....Drop + Dan Clark Audio Ether CX / Sennheiser HD-660S Headphone Amp.....Bryston BHA-1 Cables....Amp to preamp - Morrow MA4 Preamp to DAC - Morrow MA4 Preamp to Headphone Amp - Morrow MA2 |
#35
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Quote:
You're worth every penny they surely must pay you. Also looking forward to a couple of pros and cons of the 2 amps.
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Stereo: Hegel H590, Grimm Audio MU1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Burmester 948 - V3 & V6 racks, Vivid Audio G2 Giyas, REL Carbon Special (pair), Silent Angel Bonn N8 Ethernet Switch & Forester F1, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse IC and SE SC, Furutech Digiflux AV: Hegel C-53, Marantz AV8802A, Oppo BDP-203EU, Pioneer Kuro 60", Vivid Audio C1 & V1w's, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse, SE & E Second system (veranda): Halgorythme preamp and monoblocks, Burmester 061, Avalon Avatar, Sharkwire & Wireworld cables Last edited by bart; 11-25-2017 at 03:56 PM. |
#36
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Will do Jack.
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#37
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Quote:
No problem, I’ll do a brief comparison between the two. |
#38
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Serge does write a great review....as does Dan.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components. |
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