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New Yggdrasil - First (and second) Impressions

Okay, so I’ve finally (on order over 2 months) received my Schiit Yggdrasil. The unit arrived in exactly perfect condition (i.e. well packaged).

Upon first (and second) listening through all sources/inputs, I would need a stethoscope to discern any difference among my current components and connectivity. I also cannot detect any difference using the phase inversion button.

I suppose the aforementioned is a testament to how good my current system (before/without Yggy) already sounds. :)

I can easily A-B test because the Yggy is hooked in via balanced and my other components are also hooked directly to amp via RCA or USB.

Also, obviously I have NOT let the unit "burn in" for days because I just got it, however, it has come to full operational temperature after being powered on continuously over 24 hours.

System configuration: (Yggdrasil > XLR > Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amplifier > Golden Ear Triton Reference speakers )
all cables blue jeans cables "best" offering

Emotiva ERC-3 CD player > AES/EBU > Yggdrasil
Oppo UDP-205 blue ray player > coax > Yggdrasil
Samsung SMT-C5320 cable box > optical > Yggdrasil
Gateway NV79 Windows 10 64-bit computer > USB > Yggdrasil

I’ll be patient, but if there are any suggestions to "try" in order to hear *some* audible difference, that would be great. Appreciate any feedback you have.

Thanks.
gdhal
david_ten
2,509 posts
 
Being (somewhat of) a headphone guy, I like the Dot Guru site and their reviews, etc. 

I wish the reviewer had also used at least two other headphones (The Ether Cs are closed) with at least one being Open.

And I wish he had used an additional headphone amp - given his preference for tubes, his choice of the Questyle in dual mono balanced was surprising. In my opinion, more of a Like-Like choice. 
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I hve been thinking about buying a Ygg..
Some comments about this thread.
I had, years back bought a $2,400 DAC, highly praised by both Stereophile and TAS.
I returned it as it sounded no better than my old (bought for $250) Adcom DA700.
Up to now, I still use the Adcom.
But I had a chance to try a Marantz SA10 ($7000) for a few day at home.
The Marantz converrts CD data to DSD and decodes it as DSD.
I used another CD player via Toslink and found with this Marantz I could readily hear a difference, mainly in the treble. which with the Marantz is clean and lacking any digital haze. Grungy Rock music vocals are more distinct
I wish I had a chance to compare the Ygg with the Marantz!
(One could buy two or three Ygg with the cash the Marantz costs.

gdhal's avatar
gdhal OP
1,641 posts
 
Hi @elizabeth 

I wouldn't have suspected you listen to grungy rock music :) 

Seriously though, if you're in the market for a DAC and giving the Yggdrasil consideration, I would recommend it. Particularly if redbook PCM is your sole or primary source. Compared to other DACs I consider it good value (price/quality/performance), but of course there are plenty of other alternatives in the $2400 range. Schiit does allow a 15 day return policy. And while I'm not a big fan of their "support" model, I have had enough dialog with them and positive outcome to give them a thumbs up even in this regard. 

Here are some other sites you might find helpful

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-yggdrasil-impressions-thread.766347/

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/yggdrasil-refined-new-schiit-yggdrasil-analog...

If there is something more specific you would like me to answer, by all means, ask away.
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
1,962 posts
 
Gdhal in less than 24hrs, I will listen to four denafrips, and yaggy , border patrol, and Metrum onyx....can’t better than this...they will all be in Axpona....2018
gdhal's avatar
gdhal OP
1,641 posts
 
@jayctoy 

I know :) I've read your post(s) in David's Denafrips owners thread. I look forward to reading your (and other) impressions, take away, etc.  I've had a look at the exhibitors, http://www.axpona.com/exhibitors.asp and this is obviously a rather worthwhile and comprehensive event. And the price for the three day pass ($50 if bought online) is also very reasonable. I can only extend the proverbial "have a nice time" :)
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