Shiit Loki


Not many reviews yet so here ya go.

Bought one of these things because, as with lots of Shiit gear (none of which I owned…yet), it seemed relatively inexpensive for what it claims to be (also ordered a Freya but they're not shipping those for another week or so…hope I like that thing).  Like many Followers of the True Audio Geek Path I also have zero tone controls in my rig except maybe the levels on my subs, and that works for me "generally." However, some stuff needs a little adjustment and, well, I figured the Loki might work. So...It shows up yesterday, it's cute, I stick it between my preamp and amp and start looking hard for issues. The thing (in my reasonably noise free rig with good quiet cables, filtered power supplies, a Humbuster III…you get it) is dead quiet, even if I shut it completely off which they don't recommend…flip the bypass switch instead. This thing does exactly as described with four well selected bands of boost or cut and, again, no noise when switching it off and on. Amazing gizmo, built like a tank…the only mod I made to it was applying a little green magic marker to the somewhat too bright LED (hope that doesn't void the warranty). This thing makes low level listening mo bettah and, for example, I'm able to get more sparkle from a fave LP of Little Feat's "Last Record Album" that has a reticent high frequency content (always has)…the last knob on the Loki is a great cymbal revealer…all good…a very well done thing. You go Shiitsters!

wolf_garcia
I received my Loki yesterday and installed it in my second system between my preamp (CJ 16LSII) and Amp (CJ Classic Sixty SE) this morning.
I don't really have a need for it, however, it intrigued me and for the cost of it, curiosity got the best of me. I'm going to keep it and I can say that if one is in need of some tuning of the music due to a poor recording this little gem might work well for you. What I do like about it is that when using a decent pair of interconnects one can select the bypass mode of the Loki without hearing a degrade in the music. I'm not going into detail about it, the Shiit website has all of the specifications etc. It's obviously not going to be for everyone however if you are in need, I can vouch for it.
The fact that it's single ended seems to be its only "non starter" issue and that's for people who have balanced preamp to amp cables, and if anybody can hear when it's in or out of the system (assuming none of its knobs have turned) I'd be surprised, as nobody has reported that they can hear that.
I will likely use my Loki with my headphone system, though also try it with my secondary one between DAC and integrated. Mine is to be delivered by Tuesday April 3. Will get back on this.
Wolf, I totally agree with all the comments you made regarding the Loki. You really nailed it and I can't think of any other additions to add.
I do have a question for anyone using the Loki; On some rebook CD  recordings when I add the Loki and sometimes tune it for a specific CD I have actually noticed a more holographic soundstage. Has anyone else experienced this?