Article: Review | Schiit Audio Jotunheim R

[The Computer Audiophile]

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[rando]

@The Computer Audiophile could you tell me what C.A.S.H. is an acronym for?  

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Just now, rando said:

@The Computer Audiophile could you tell me what C.A.S.H. is an acronym for?  

 

Computer Audiophile Suggested Hardware. 
 

No need to change it just because we are now Audiophile Style. 

[rando]

Is there an active C.A.S.H list where we can find all current items?  

[The Computer Audiophile]

2 minutes ago, rando said:

Is there an active C.A.S.H list where we can find all current items?  

It’s undergoing a revamp. 
 

 

[Ben-M]

That's quite the rave review, Chris. I am one of those fence sitters for the SR1A, but we'll see how that goes down the road. I want to head further down the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC path for a while before thinking about the SR1A and maybe the Jotenheim R. 

 

You mentioned that the Jotenheim R is ~$3000 less than the nearest direct drive/no RAAL Interface Box amplifier, but I'm not sure what product that is not how the performance compares. Could you tell me the model and if you've heard anything about it?

[The Computer Audiophile]

1 hour ago, Ben-M said:

That's quite the rave review, Chris. I am one of those fence sitters for the SR1A, but we'll see how that goes down the road. I want to head further down the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC path for a while before thinking about the SR1A and maybe the Jotenheim R. 

 

You mentioned that the Jotenheim R is ~$3000 less than the nearest direct drive/no RAAL Interface Box amplifier, but I'm not sure what product that is not how the performance compares. Could you tell me the model and if you've heard anything about it?

Hi Ben, later in the review I mentioned it. It’s easily missed, so no worries. 
 

“One last note about selecting an amp for the RAAL-requisite SR1a headphones. RAAL-requisite offers its own direct drive amp called the HSA-1b that sells for $3,900. I haven't heard this amp yet, but Audiophile Style contributor austinpop is scheduled to receive a review sample very soon. ”

[bluesman]

Now that’s value, Chris!  My wife bought me a pair of SRX-IIIs for my 30th birthday, and I loved them for years. But they needed rebuilding after a long life, and I was too cheap - so I sold them.  I showed her this article and am now living in hope that she’ll do it again for my next birthday.  Ain’t technology wonderful?..

[ted_b]

Great review, Chris.  I have been waiting for this, as the Jot-R is the only experience I have with my SR1a's and wanted to know what you thought of its strengths and limitations.  I have since purchased the interface box (dealer was nice enough to sell me at combo price) and will try it with my Perla monoblocks first.   I'll report back in the SR1a thread. 

[Jud]

All for objective data, but room response for a headphone amp review? 😀

[The Computer Audiophile]

3 minutes ago, Jud said:

All for objective data, but room response for a headphone amp review? 😀

Hi Jud, I like to put it all out there and give people an idea of what I listen to when using my main system. If I say that I listen to headphones 50% of the time now, since purchasing the SR1a, and think the sound is fantastic, a little context never hurts. Moving from a Kenwood receiver to the SR1a 50% of the time means one thing. Moving from a Wilson/Constellation system that's dialed in and measures like mine, is a whole different thing. 

 

I know you get this, so my explanation is more for others who are just stopping by :~)

[bbosler]

as I explore a possible purchase I see this amp is offered with a built in DAC which is appealing... does anybody have any feedback on that option? 

[The Computer Audiophile]

10 minutes ago, bbosler said:

as I explore a possible purchase I see this amp is offered with a built in DAC which is appealing... does anybody have any feedback on that option? 

I believe in the video Jason said the DAC is equivalent to a multi-but Modi - https://www.schiit.com/products/modi-1

[Ben-M]

On 8/12/2020 at 5:27 PM, The Computer Audiophile said:

Hi Ben, later in the review I mentioned it. It’s easily missed, so no worries. 
 

“One last note about selecting an amp for the RAAL-requisite SR1a headphones. RAAL-requisite offers its own direct drive amp called the HSA-1b that sells for $3,900. I haven't heard this amp yet, but Audiophile Style contributor austinpop is scheduled to receive a review sample very soon. ”

Haha, I figured it had to be in there. I read over it once again before posting, but I guess I didn't give it my all. 

 

I did go find some pictures, just FYI for anyone else wondering what $3,900 is going to look like from RAAL for a dedicated amp:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

32 minutes ago, Ben-M said:

Haha, I figured it had to be in there. I read over it once again before posting, but I guess I didn't give it my all. 

 

I did go find some pictures, just FYI for anyone else wondering what $3,900 is going to look like from RAAL for a dedicated amp:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I should also note, the HSA-1a is $3,900 and the HSA-1b is $4,500. 

[bbosler]

If you have efficient speakers the RAAL HSA-1 amp would make an interesting system since you can use it for the headphones and as your integrated amp. Add a nice DAC and you are all set. That takes the sting off of the $4k if that is an issue, but at 10W your speaker choices are limited

[Ben-M]

15 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I should also note, the HSA-1a is $3,900 and the HSA-1b is $4,500. 

I wasn't sure if you were kidding or not. FYI to anyone else who didn't know what tthe HSA-1b was, it's another dedicated, direct drive amp for the SR1a, but it also has outputs for a standard dynamic or planar headphones too. Certainly makes it more interesting. 

 

I'm excited to see these dedicated amps coming out for the SR1a. Hopefully Schitt has some competition soon or they just might take up all the orders themselves.