Review: Schiit Kara F Pre, Gungnir 2 DAC & The Rest Of The Gigastack
This our full review of the Schiit Kara F preamplifier, Schiit Gungir DAC and Wotan Stereo Power Amplifier in the context of the Schiit Gigastack package.
Does the budget-friendly, entry-level Schiit Audio brand have a “house sound”? The idea has never been that prevalent in the comment sections of Facebook or the general melee of the forums. From my own experience, their digital products do tend to vary some in tone, texture and “warmth”. These differences become especially noticeable when switching from some more of the modern DAC designs and their “ladder Multibit DACs” from just a few years ago. But in a way, the latest release of a 3 piece, do-it-all system called the “Gigastack” highlights a subtle trend for the company that they may be honing their sound design to a more singular destination.
The Gigastack consists of the option for a Kara F solid state pre or the tube-based Freya+ F pre and the Gungnir 2 DAC plus the new Wontan power amp we already reviewed here. Combined together, the asking price starts at $4.4k with the Kara. Having already reviewed the Freya, I opted for the tube-less version from Schiit. This is also where I started to hear some more consistency from the sound. In terms of Freya+, Schiit did not hold back on the tube-enabled richness. It is a nice option. Their tube sounds like a tube, and the solid state doesn’t. In a sea of options that cross this line in a much less obvious manner, it was good to have the definition of the product’s sound be so binary. Many tube options push for a sound that isn’t extremely analog, and some solid state options make attempts at very lush tonality. In any case, the Kara F in the Gigastack was a great option within the greater stack, allowing for a balanced tone and transparency for the rest of the components in the chain.
Schiit Kara F Preamplifier
The Schiit Kara F is an evolution of Schiit’s original Kara preamplifier, now upgraded with the “Forkbeard” control module that enables remote operation and integration with Schiit’s companion iOS app. Beneath its folded aluminum exterior, the Kara F is technically packed and yet focused at the task at hand. Schiit claims a fully discrete analog design, a new ±32V rail architecture, upgraded 48V power supply and a promised upgraded dynamic range with better drive capability compared to earlier iterations.
The Schiit Kara F offers three gain modes—one completely passive, and two active —making it friendly to a wide range of sources and amplifiers. Passive mode attempts to provide the most transparency when used with high-output sources, while the active modes introduce additional gain without noticeable coloration or distortion. Switching between gain settings and inputs is silent and immediate, which is particularly helpful for real-time comparisons and A/B testing. I did find the highest gain mode to be the most pleasing to my ears, paired with several speaker options including the 90dB efficient Super Linton by Wharfedale.
One of the more “higher end” features is the Kara F’s 128-step relay-based volume control, a design often reserved for more expensive preamps. Volume adjustments are executed via audible relays—clicks that may not appeal to everyone, but push to ensure more precise channel tracking and consistency across the range. The included remote control enables full volume and input operation, enhancing usability without interfering with Schiit’s minimalist aesthetic.
A full-size ¼-inch headphone output on the front panel provides a nice bonus for personal listening. Powered by the same revamped analog stage, the headphone amp is capable of delivering up to 1W into loads ranging from 32 to 300 ohms. It handles high-impedance models and planar magnetic headphones with confidence, though a faint hiss at maximum gain may be detectable with ultra-sensitive IEMs or headphones—not an issue in typical use and something that is actually quite prevalent with amps intended for full size headphones. Perhaps a better testament to the real world application here, a speaker setup with only Schiit components (and their included cables, yes cables can be added for an additional $150) did not produce an audible hiss from the listening position.
Sonically, the Schiit Kara F prioritizes transparency and neutrality. It does not inject warmth or artificial spaciousness, instead offering a clean, accurate, and tonally balanced presentation. Compared to Schiit’s Freya S, the Kara F distinguishes itself with improved control, a more robust headphone section, and the convenience of app-based adjustments. It lacks tube-stage options like those in the Freya+, but for listeners seeking precision and functionality in a compact, solid-state format, the Kara F is a strong contender—especially at its sub-$800 price point (standalone cost).
Gungnir 2 DAC
The Schiit Gungnir 2 is Schiit Audio’s latest iteration of their mid-tier separates DAC, and rather than relying on off-the-shelf chipsets, it employs a custom “multiform” architecture. At its core is the Texas Instruments DAC8812C—a quad 16-bit current-output DAC—paired with a SHARC DSP for digital filtering and reconstruction. Connectivity includes dual USB-C inputs, with one port offering full 384kHz PCM support. Though limited to PCM conversion, with no native DSD or MQA decoding (Schiit Audio rarely includes these proprietary formats), it does accommodate most modern digital audio setups with ease. Users with DSD libraries will need to rely on software-side transcoding, such as Roon’s PCM conversion, which the Schiit Gungnir 2 handles without issue.
In critical listening sessions, the Schiit Gungnir 2 proved to be sonically transparent with a slight emphasis on detail and crisp imaging. Some might observe a slight deviation from the mid-rich tones of the early Schiit Multibit DACs, but what has improved brings even more information and purity to the table. Like a good DAC should, the tone, resolution, and bass extension were all left fairly untouched. Soundstage depth and detail retrieval were convincing, underscoring Schiit’s emphasis on simplicity and a straightforward transfer from the digital domain to the analog.
What makes the Schiit Gungnir 2 particularly compelling is its innate ability to melt into the background. While some DACs aim for a “house sound,” the Gungnir 2 does showcase a high degree of neutrality that allows it to serve as a transparent conduit for the rest of the system. Its ability to resolve detail and maintain composure across complex passages lends it credibility as a fairly serious option for hard-core audiophiles. The inclusion of balanced outputs adds versatility for integration into balanced systems, while the modular analog board design provides an option for future tweaking, should the need arise.
Though it lacks some of the “fancy” features of streamers like front-panel displays or DSP tuning options, the Schiit Gungnir 2 delivers on what matters most: sonic accuracy, system compatibility, and some long-term upgradeability. For listeners focused on performance over convenience, it stands out as a reliable, future-proof DAC that can serve as a high-quality digital hub in both mid- and high-end audio systems. With the use of Schiit fancy new Forkbeard amp control, even more options are available to view (including a brand new “digital volume control” via an over-the-air update. In a way, Schiit has circumvented the need for an on-unit display in favor of one that appears directly on your phone. Of particular note, the resolution of the incoming signal can be seen to ensure you are getting exactly what you expect from the source.
Wotan Power Amplifier
The Wotan is Schiit’s most ambitious power stereo amplifier for a single box—a 54-pound dual-mono beast that delivers 200 watts into 8 ohms and doubles to 400 watts into 4 ohms. Its topology centers around Schiit’s new Nexus design. Unique to Wotan is a user-selectable feedback switch that toggles between global feedback (26 dB) and zero feedback (32 dB gain). It offers even more power in the usual full-size component footprint.
You can check out our full review and impressions of the Wotan in Part 1 of the Schiit Audio Gigastack review.
Of all the components listed out in the Gigastack, one could argue that the Wotan represents the biggest leap in a new direction for Schiit. High thrust and big power for meaty speakers is the name of the game for a lot of the high-end of two-channel audio, and a direction that Schiit doesn’t tread too often. The highlight here is, of course, that the big meaty power amps of the high end often cost a pretty penny more than the current asking price of $2k for the Woton. With so many options for pres and DACs out there (including Schiit’s own lineup) the Wotan seems steps out as the crown jewel of the package. It could really elevate the value of the Gigastack to the next level for some, depending on your speaker needs.
Final Thoughts On The Schiit Gigastack
So what of the Schiit “house sound”? The idea trickles about the internet less than many other brands in terms of the way they present their overall approach. The litany of HiFi gear offered from the Texas-based company does provide a heavy focus on custom Schiit technologies and tangible Schiit features, at least as tangible as one can make in audio. Companies that produce less models and product lines will occasionally hone in on a sonic presentation they feel has worked for them in the past. This is especially true for speaker makers. On the front end of things, the effect is more subtle but still apparent if you know where to look. Aside from the previously mentioned unique multi-bit offerings, the ture “sound of Schiit” might be even more elusive. However, with the Gigastack you get the sonic influence of their acoustic intentions 3X. So if you find the subtle tonal influence of Schitt gear appealing then the Gigastack should be on a very short list for you to audition. If there ever was a “house sound” for Schiit, this is where you might find it. If you are looking for separate components (for versatility or other reasons) this will give you an entry-level doorway a huge leap in compatibility and usability. It is the setup of the high end, without all the extra cost associated with playing in the deep end of the pool.
More info: : Schiit Audio Kara F | Gungnir 2 | Wontan | Gigastack
If you would like to hear Schiit Audio founder and analog designer Jason Stoddard talk more about the Forkbeard and also what is new at Schiit Audio, check out his recent interview on the audiophile show The Occasional Podcast. The episode is available to listen direct from the embed below or by subscribing via the major podcast platforms including iTunes, Android, Google, Deezer, Spotify, iHeartRadio, etc.
If you would like to hear Schiit Audio founder and digital designer Mike Moffat, check out this interview .