The Lyr 3 and Jotunheim Multibit from Schiit Audio
New updates abound from out of Newhall, CA and the Schiit Audio factory. A double dose of the headphone amplifiers that put Schiit on the map have surfaced and are ready to ship in much of the same way Apple announces and jumps directly into the launch. On the burner this cycle is the balanced, solid state Jotunheim which now ships with the modular option for a multibit DAC section and the tube hybrid Lyr 3, also available with the same modular options.
In addition to the new multibit module, one can also order up a delta sigma 2nd gen AK4490 card or phono preamp. A bare bones amp with no card is also an option for those looking to save a few bucks. Hot on the feature set is also two new techs Schiit is calling Coherence and Continuity. Designer Jason Stoddard elaborates:
“Coherence™, is a new way to put tubes and transistors together which eliminates interstage coupling capacitors and controls everything precisely with an operational point servo. The second Continuity™, is a constant transconductance output stage that virtually eliminates one of the bugaboos of every Class AB amp—transconductance doubling.”
Both Jason and digital guru Mike Moffat took to the web in a live stream they call the “Schiitr Show” to give a bit more of a hands on experience with the new toys. You can check out the unedited video in the embed below, full pricing in the press releases after the jump.
“INTRODUCING JOTUNHEIM MULTIBIT
Schiit’s First Modular Desktop Now Offers Multibit DAC
March 20, 2018, Valencia, CA. Schiit announced the availability of a Multibit DAC card for the Jotunheim, creating the first all-in-one Multibit DAC/ balanced headamp+preamp. New production Jotunheims with the Multibit DAC card are available now at $599, and the Multibit DAC card is available as an upgrade for all current Jotunheims from $200.
“The availability of the Multibit DAC card creates a one-and-only product,” said Jason Stoddard, Schiit’s Co-Founder. “It’s the only do-all balanced desktop headphone amplifier and preamp to incorporate Schiit’s true multibit technology. It also delivers on our promise of modularity: all Jotunheims can be upgraded with the Multibit DAC card, rather than instantly becoming obsolescent.”
The Multibit DAC card combines the Analog Devices AD5547 multibit D/A converter with Schiit’s unique, Analog Devices Sharc DSP-based time- and frequency- optimized digital filter.
“It’s essentially a Modi Multibit with a single input—USB,” stated Mike Moffat, Schiit’s co-founder, and head of digital technology development. “One of the most popular orders at Schiit.com is a Modi Multibit and a Jotunheim. We’re now putting this capability in a single, convenient box.”
The modular Jotunheim can also accept two other modules, with one being a second-generation delta-sigma DAC module based on the popular AK4490 D/A converter, and the other being a phono preamplifier, both at $100.
“The availability of multiple modules allows customers to build Jotunheim to their needs,” added Jason. “They can purchase Jotunheim alone and use it as an amp/preamp, for only $399. Adding the phono module gives them a desktop solution for turntable listening, for $499. Adding the new ‘universal’ AK4490 DAC card makes a do-all digital desktop for $499. Finally, the Multibit DAC card brings our acclaimed true multibit tech to a single do-everything box for $599.”
Jotunheim with the Multibit DAC card, and the Multibit DAC card upgrade for all Jotunheims, are available now at Schiit.com.
SCHIIT INTRODUCES LYR 3
The First-Ever Modular Hybrid Headamp/Preamp
March 20, 2018, Valencia, CA. Today, Schiit Audio announced the introduction of its third-generation Lyr headphone amp/preamp. Using Schiit’s new Coherence™ hybrid single-tube/solid state architecture, new Continuity™ constant-transconductance output stage, the same modular design as Jotunheim, Lyr 3 is a significant advance in technology, versatility, and convenience. Lyr 3 is available now at schiit.com, starting at $499.
“This is a clean-sheet design,” said Jason Stoddard, Schiit’s Co-Founder. “Modularity means you can use the same cards as Jotunheim to create a single-box amp/DAC or amp/phono that’s very desktop friendly. But it’s a whole lot more than that. We developed a new tube/bipolar hybrid topology that we’re calling Coherence™, for the seamless way the tube and transistor work together. We also developed a constant-transconductance output stage, which we’re calling Continuity™, to address the most fundamental issue with a Class AB amplifier—and bring it closer to Class A performance.”
In addition to being a technology showcase, Lyr 3 is a versatile, powerful, and convenient solution for desktop listening via headphones and powered monitors.
- Versatile: Lyr 3 can be configured with a Multibit DAC, a AK4490 DAC, a phono preamp module, or with no module at all, so it can be tailored to the customers’ specific needs. In addition, Lyr 3 can be converted from a hybrid design to an all-solid-state amp by using Schiit’s Octal LISST (a solid-state tube product.)
- Powerful: Lyr 3 delivers its full 6W RMS of power at 32 ohms via the single-ended headphone jack, so there’s no need for balanced connections for high power.
- Convenient: Lyr 3 uses only a single tube, which means lower tube costs and no need for matched tube pairs.
- Lyr 3: $499
- Lyr 3 with AK4490 DAC or Phono Preamp: $599
- Lyr 3 with Multibit: $699
- Upgrade to new-production Tung-Sol Tubes: $25
- Add LISST (solid state tube): $45
About Schiit Audio
Founded in June 2010 by Jason Stoddard and Mike Moffat, Schiit has grown into a leader in affordable high-end audio, with a wide range of products spanning DACs, headphone amplifiers, and preamplifiers, from $49 to $2399.”