More Disruptive Schiit (Vidar)

[The Computer Audiophile]

Now this seems down right disruptive (in a great way for consumers). 

 

Yeah, I know, you’re probably thinking, “Didn’t I already get an email from Schiit today?” In short, yep. But here’s another big announcement: Vidar is here.

 

Vidar is our true no-excuses power amplifier—for $699.

 

Yes, I said, “No excuses.” No Class D. No switching supplies. No coupling caps. No DC servos. We’re talking a fully discrete, fully complementary, dual-mono-back-to-the-transformer, power-doubling-into-4-ohms, stereo-or-mono, intelligent microprocessor-managed power amp. Think 100W RMS x 2 into 8 ohms, 200W RMS x 2 into 4, and 400W into 8 ohms mono.

 

Sounds like we left a zero off the price tag? Nope. Welcome to the value revolution. Vidar is available for purchase now at schiit.com.

 

Product Page: http://schiit.com/products/vidar 

Press Release: http://schiit.com/news/news/no-compromises-power-vidar

All the best,

 

Jason Stoddard

Mike Moffat

 

Co-Founders

Schiit Audio

[The Computer Audiophile]

I'm going to ask Jason and Mike if I can review a cost no object, top of the line, Schiit system. I have the Yggrdrasil, but need the amps and pre. 

 

Prices

Freya: $699

Vidar: $699 (x2 for monoblocks)

Yggdrasil: $2299

 

Total: $3697 ($4396 if using mono amps)

 

 

Amazing.

 

 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Damn!

[The Computer Audiophile]

Seriously. I had to check to make sure it wasn't true.

 

Edit: I know this is just audio and these are inanimate objects, but the Schiit Audio components for such reasonable prices are something worth Schitting yourself about :~)

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Franz - I'm willing to bet you can find a cheaper 100 watts, if that's what you're trying to do. What exactly are you trying to do with this comparison?

 

It cool to find the competition, let's just make sure we are comparing apples to apples.

[The Computer Audiophile]

3 hours ago, franz159 said:

 

Until now I was oriented to buy a NordAcoustic amp.

This was based on more than positive user feedbacks read on various sites (probably also here on Computer Audiophile)

 

The need is in short to power in the appropriate way a pair of "hungry" Elac UB5

https://www.elac.com/product/ub5/

 

Now, knowing that Vidar is finally available and considering that (as mentioned by gmgraves) one single Vidar is probably enough for my need, I am actually re-considering my options.

 

The main remaining reason in favour of the Nord Acoustic MP amp is probably just its flexibility in terms of power input (auto-switching between 115V and 230V) which is somehow relevant to me because I would be using the amp in US initially, but possibly needing to bring it back to Europe with me in the future.

 

 

 

That's a tough one, given the possible requirement of a different input voltage. 

 

The NordAcoustic being Class For is a bit more of a risk in my experience. Some Class D is awesome, while some Class D sucks. If you've done your homework, there's probably nothing to worry about. 

 

On the other hand, I'm willing to bet the Vidar will be very good because of who built it and the tech used. The proof is in the listening once connected to the actual speakers you have. 

 

For what it's worth, ELAC speakers and Alchemy electronics pair very well. If the Schiit is more like Alchemy, that may be a data point. Or not :~)

[The Computer Audiophile]

What speakers @Johnseye?

[The Computer Audiophile]

Can't wait to hear these things. 

 

My TAD CR1s are 4 ohms. I guess that rules out using two Vidars, due to the 8 ohm limit on a mono pair. Using a single Vidar, I have to use single ended RCA cables. Not a deal breaker, but less than desirable. 

 

Anyone know if a single Vidar is going to be enough to power the CR1s?

 

 

Performance Data

Frequency response: 32Hz to 100kHz

Crossover frequencies: 250Hz and 2kHz

Appropriate amplifier power: 50W to 200W

Sensitivity: 86dB (2.83V @ 1m free space) 

Nominal impedance: 4Ω

[The Computer Audiophile]

1 minute ago, Speed Racer said:

 

Are his speakers inefficient? Does he need more than 200 watts per channel? I could level my house with just one Vidar!

 

Wattage is a funny thing though. My Pass Labs XA160.5 amps could level my block and heat the house simultaneously. Other amps with much more wattage, can't even drive my speakers satisfactorily. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I'd love to run such tests during a review. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I heard back from Schiit about my review proposal. They are onboard, but I will have to get in line behind the paying customers. What a great company. Make those of us in the industry wait behind people who spent their hard earned money. Schitt has its priorities in the right order. I love that. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

4 minutes ago, Ralf11 said:

Great news!

 

 

can you also ask them if they will put curved tops on their components to hold my Shakti Stones and Himalayan salt crystals

 

They said only if you switch to crystals from the great Salt Lake because they are made in the USA. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

1 minute ago, soares said:

Any dealers in NY?

Thank you,

 

Jorge

 

 

http://www.schiit.com/faq/dealers

[The Computer Audiophile]

The Vidars arrive Monday. I have three pairs of speakers coming in to test with them as well. 

 

Some from Dynaudio, Focal, and Sonus Faber. Based on the comment above I want to get a pair of electrostats now.

 

Not sure I can accommodate it, but if I can, any recommendations?

[The Computer Audiophile]

1 hour ago, Ralf11 said:

I also vote for the Magnepan 3.7i - do you know Wendell at all?

I've had the personal tour of Magnepan from Wendell. I'll look into getting a pair. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

The Schiit has arrived. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

1 hour ago, HTaylor said:

Will you be doing a review or providing impressions of the Vidar Individually?  There haven't really been any reputable impressions yet. 

 

I'll be doing an extensive review of a Schiit reference system Yggdrasil, Freya, and Vidar(s), paired with several different loudspeakers. I have three loudspeakers on the way here and am researching an electrostatic pair to round out the field. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

1 minute ago, Speed Racer said:

What tubes are you going to use in Freya?

 

I'll start with the stock tubes.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Interesting. Are there any tube suppliers that provide review samples? I've never gone down this road. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Connected the complete Schiit system to my 4 ohm rated TAD CR1s (measurements) this morning and have been listening ever since. Good stuff.

 

Sonore Signature Rendu SE > Yggdrasil > Freya > Monoblock Vidars > CR1s. 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Speaking of speaker cables and Vidar.

 

I have a question for those in the know. I have no clue what's going on, but I found something that works. Please help me figure out what's up.

 

When I first connected the Vidars to my TAD CR1s, the amps went into protection mode within seconds (after outputting fairly loud distortion). 

 

After Jason from Schitt offered some suggestions, I tried different speaker cables. Still had the same problem. Then I pulled some speaker cables out of storage, connected them to the Vidars, and they worked perfect. 

 

1. First brand of cables was high end with spades and roughly 8 feet.
2. Second brand of cables was high end with bananas and roughly 8 feet.
3. Third, and working, brand of cables is Monster Cable Z Series from the late 1990s, covered in dust from storage, with banana plugs, about 15 feet in length.

 

Question: Anyone have a clue why the 3rd pair of cables solved my issue? Jason said the Vidars are great at finding system issues.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Thanks a ton for the information @JSeymour

[The Computer Audiophile]

@esldude Any idea what might be happening with my Vidar cable experience?

[The Computer Audiophile]

I disagree. I disconnected and reconnected the same two sets of cables multiple times to make sure they caused the shut down. Plus, this also happened on both left and right channels at the same time (with monoblocks).

 

I have a fourth pair of cables on the way as another test. Plus, how can I keep a straight face if I review this system using Monster Cable :~)

[The Computer Audiophile]

Too good @rando