Introducing Jotunheim R, the first and only direct-drive ribbon headphone amp

[The Computer Audiophile]

Just in from Schiit Audio, a new amp for the Raal/Requisite SR1a headphones. I love the price, especially because I've been looking at a pair of Stax with amp recently. Perhaps the Raal headphones with this $799 amp would be good. 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

Hey all,

 

It’s time for Schiit’s first product of 2020: the Jotunheim R, the first and only direct-drive ribbon headphone amplifier. Designed exclusively for ultra-low-impedance ribbon headphones like the Raal/Requisite SR1a, Jotunheim R eliminates the need for a speaker amp and impedance converter box, delivering a single-box, direct-drive solution for ribbon headphones. 

 

With 13A per channel at clipping, the Jotunheim R delivers the current necessary for ultra-low impedance ribbon headphones, offering what many listeners have said is superior performance to many high-dollar speaker amplifiers. Combined with a small, desktop-friendly form factor and accessible price, Jotunheim R is a compelling offering for ribbon headphone users. 

 

Jotunheim R features Schiit’s unique, discrete Nexus™ gain stage, together with an ultra-high-current design and professional-level temperature and overcorrect protection. Switchable baffle compensation ensures compatibility with possible future circumaural ribbon headphones, and switchable passive preamp output offers convenience for integrating with powered monitors. 

 

Jotunheim R product page: https://www.schiit.com/products/jotunheim-r

 

Jotunheim R press release: https://www.schiit.com/about/news/jotunheim-r-introduced

 

Jotunheim R chapter: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-happened-the-story-of-the-worlds-most-improbable-start-up.701900/page-3731#post-15428967

 

The Jotunheim R is available today at schiit.com for $799 as an amp alone, or $999 with the internal True Multibit™ DAC module. Jotunheim R purchasers can also add Schiit’s all-new Bifrost 2 at the discount price of $600.

 

All the best,

 

Jason Stoddard

Mike Moffat

 

Co-Founders

Schiit Audio

 

 

[PAR]

3 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I love the price, especially because I've been looking at a pair of Stax with amp recently. Perhaps the Raal headphones with this $799 amp would be good. 

To be frank if I was the kind or person with  enough spare money to spend circa. 4k ( $, £ or €) on a pair of cans I doubt whether the amp to drive them cost 799 or 1799 or even more would be a major consideration for me. I would probably be able to go with whatever it takes. in fact I wonder how many people might feel that matching a 4K headphone with a 799 amp would not be some kind of compromise, however irrational that may be?

[exdmd]

Torq has as much experience listening to the SR1a's through the Jotunheim R as anyone and it is becoming his preferred amp, besting speaker amps costing more than $3000 in sound quality.

 

Quote

I was pleasantly surprised when Jotunheim R made relatively short work of the amplifiers I tested up to about the $3,000 mark. We’re nearly double that with the Linn and Chord amps here, and the Jotunheim R is still competitive - trading blows back and forth depending on the point of evaluation - while being 1/7th the price (or less).

 

Sure if you can afford the SR1a you may already have a powerful speaker amp. But it is a gift from Schiit that Jason loved the SR1a so much he built a direct drive amp for it that is outstanding value at $799 (amp only, no DAC card.)

[4est]

Perhaps I am just biased, but there is a reason why everyone compares to Stax... 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Just now, 4est said:

Perhaps I am just biased, but there is a reason why everyone compares to Stax... 

Agree 100%.

 

I'm considering a pair right now as my new reference headphones. 

[KDinsmore]

On 1/22/2020 at 2:06 PM, The Computer Audiophile said:

Agree 100%.

 

I'm considering a pair right now as my new reference headphones. 

I trust your assessment of equipment and would love reading about what you hear through these. 

[4est]

On 1/22/2020 at 3:06 PM, The Computer Audiophile said:

Agree 100%.

 

I'm considering a pair right now as my new reference headphones. 

Not to belabor things, but to me it is basically bass vs transparency. I bought my Stax as a fidelity reference and would recommend them for the same. It is easy to get lost in the woods, and these strip back variables.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Guys - I spent the day yesterday talking to a few people about Stax and the Raal SR1a headphones. I need a new pair of reference cans and it came down to these two. I was worried the SR1a were a gimmick, but after talking to people it turns out these are the real thing. 

 

I ended up ordering a pair of the SR1a for a few reasons. A big reason is the price of the Stax SR-009S and a good amp is insane. Sure I can get accommodation pricing but even after that the price is still very high. Given that my main focus my is two channel listening room, I can't justify Stax money right now. 

 

The SR1a is supposed to be excellent. I have several amps I can use with them, given the ribbon / amp interface box. I'm also working on a Schiit Jotunheim R review sample.

 

I have my fingers crossed these will be up to the Stax quality. Much more to come. 

[KDinsmore]

Excellent. Looking forward to reading your impressions/reactions.

[exdmd]

Great choice! Doubt you will regret it.

[TubeLover]

On 1/24/2020 at 10:38 AM, The Computer Audiophile said:

Hi Guys - I spent the day yesterday talking to a few people about Stax and the Raal SR1a headphones. I need a new pair of reference cans and it came down to these two. I was worried the SR1a were a gimmick, but after talking to people it turns out these are the real thing. 

 

I ended up ordering a pair of the SR1a for a few reasons. A big reason is the price of the Stax SR-009S and a good amp is insane. Sure I can get accommodation pricing but even after that the price is still very high. Given that my main focus my is two channel listening room, I can't justify Stax money right now. 

 

The SR1a is supposed to be excellent. I have several amps I can use with them, given the ribbon / amp interface box. I'm also working on a Schiit Jotunheim R review sample.

 

I have my fingers crossed these will be up to the Stax quality. Much more to come. 

Great timing Chris! I'm very interested in these headphones too, as well as pairing them with the Schiit amp. I've been researching them  also, and have been told by my old Head-fi contacts (some of the top people in the headphone world) that these are indeed amazing cans.  I will be extremely eager to see your upcoming review,and any prior thoughts.

 

JC 

[The Computer Audiophile]

6 hours ago, TubeLover said:

Great timing Chris! I'm very interested in these headphones too, as well as pairing them with the Schiit amp. I've been researching them  also, and have been told by my old Head-fi contacts (some of the top people in the headphone world) that these are indeed amazing cans.  I will be extremely eager to see your upcoming review,and any prior thoughts.

 

JC 

The headphones arrive Thursday! Full review coming. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

The SR1a has landed. 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

New SR1a thread -