New Yggdrasil - First (and second) Impressions

From Schiit:
Instead, they rely on precision, multibit ladder DACs, like the Analog Devices AD5791. This allows them the bit-perfect precision they need for critical applications, rather than the guesswork of a delta-sigma. We chose this same critical technology for Yggdrasil. Following these unique D/A converters are sophisticated discrete JFET buffers and summers.

The Analog Devices AD5791 that’s in the Yaggy is single ended output only.
http://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/AD5791.pdf
If they used two of them, one for each channel, then the balanced output is false and just tacked on, and the SE should sound better with shielded interconnects up to around 3mts
If they however they used used 4 of them then they can get real balanced from the AD5791’s all the way to the outputs. And will have less noise if using interconnects over 5mts.
Schiits are built to a price they may not have splurged the extra dough on it just to get real balanced, maybe the proof is to open it up and count how many AD5791’s there are.

Cheers George

George thanks for the info very well explained.

The Analog Devices AD5791 that’s in the Yaggy is single ended output only.
http://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/AD5791.pdf
If they used two of them, one for each channel, then the balanced output is false and just tacked on, and the SE should sound better with shielded interconnects up to around 3mts
If they however they used used 4 of them then they can get real balanced from the AD5791’s all the way to the outputs. And will have less noise if using interconnects over 5mts.
Schiits are built to a price they may not have splurged the extra dough on it just to get real balanced, maybe the proof is to open it up and count how many AD5791’s there are.

@georgehifi 

I shouldn't assume you have checked the Yggdrasil specifications, so as a courtesy I thought I might copy/paste a snippet from their website. This seems to address the balanced issue.
--------------------------------
D/A Conversion IC:

Analog Devices AD5791BRUZ x 4 (2 per channel, hardware balanced configuration)

Analog Stages:

Fully discrete JFET buffers for balanced output and discrete JFET summing stages for single-ended output, direct coupled throughout
----------------------------------

That’s good, 2 x AD5791 per channel one for - and one for + they didn’t cut any corners with the balanced.

But one thing I would have done, forget the balanced, and parallel the two dacs per channel and only have single ended outputs, the sound of this dac may have jumped to another level again.

Cheers George

*** THIS JUST IN ***

SCHIIT HAS INTRODUCED AN UPGRADED ANALOG BOARD. THE MSRP HAS INCREASED $100 FOR A NEW YGGY UNIT.

1.) The cost to upgrade is $550. Due to the need for firmware and hardware updates, this upgrade must be done by Schiit, or by an authorized service center such as Electromod in the UK. Because of this, there is no self-install option, sorry.

2.) We've provided a convenient scheduling system that allows you to keep your Yggdrasil until we’re ready to upgrade it immediately. Just place your order, and follow the steps in the series of emails. You’ll be notified when your order is accepted, when to send in your DAC, when the work is performed, and when it’s shipped back to you, for complete transparency.

3.) Yggdrasil Analog 2 includes many refinements, including all-new Class A, DC-coupled discrete FET buffer stages and completely different internal board structure. The result is increased line driving capability, slightly lower noise and distortion, and…most importantly…significantly better sound!*

*Yeah, that’s subjective. Yeah, we’re biased. So sue us.


Benefits of Yggdrasil Analog 2:

a. Significantly reworked discrete buffers
b. Completely different internals
c. Increased line driving capability (600 ohm OK)
d. Slightly lower noise
e. Sounds better!

Is this really a worthwhile upgrade to do?
While we can’t comment on what you’ll hear, Mike Moffat says, “Hell yes!� Take that for what it’s worth.

Four years and you can’t find a different D/A converter to use?
Right. You find us a better 20+ bit multibit D/A. Hint: there aren’t any. Nor are there any we know of in development.

What about discrete ladders?
Again, find us a discrete ladder spec’d for INL and DNL over a wide operating temperature range, and we’ll consider it. We haven’t found any. Nor could we make one, without heroic stuff like ovens to set operational temperature and individual trimming of drivers. And maybe not even then.

So will this thing drive 600 ohm loads now?​
Yes