New Schiit Yggdrasil Options for 2021

[The Computer Audiophile]

Word of the new Schiit Audio Yggdrasil options has leaked online. 

 

Yours truly just may be taking part in the double-blind testing mentioned below :~)

 

 

“Yggdrasil Less Is More. Uses four (yes, 4) TI DAC8812 stereo 16-bit DACs and integrated differential amplification afterwards. Because it’s 16 bits, and because the DACs cost less than the other options, it is less expensive than any other version. It also measures a bit better than the Yggdrasil OG (!) despite being down 4 bits. This is the wonder and magic of dither. $2199

 

Yggdrasil More is Less. Middle priced. Uses four TI DAC11001 20-bit DACs and integrated differential amplification afterwards. These new DACs really push the limits of measured multibit performance. Although they are true 20-bit multibit architecture DACs, their integrated sample-and-hold provides measured performance near the top of today’s DACs. $2349

 

Yggdrasil OG. Also known as what you ordered or Yggdrasil Analog 2. Uses four Analog Devices 20-bit DACs and discrete analog buffering and summing afterwards. The only discrete Yggdrasil model, and the one that everyone has known and loved for the past few years. $2599, your price $2449. We are sorry that we do not have reviews or measurements available to help you decide yet, but before we ship the flavor boards, we intend to have a double-blind listening test with multiple reviewers and complete APx reports for both of the two models.”

[AudioDoctor]

Interesting...

 

[PeterG]

I'm thinking this is Schiit's very smart response to the worldwide chip shortage.  Let's hope the new ones are almost as good

[AudioDoctor]

7 minutes ago, PeterG said:

I'm thinking this is Schiit's very smart response to the worldwide chip shortage.  Let's hope the new ones are almost as good

 

It is, I followed this link and found another to head-fi where Jason Stoddard says just that.

 

edit: here it is:  Head-Fi

[The Computer Audiophile]

But Yggdrasil never used AKM chips, so the Yggy updates seem unrelated. 

[AudioDoctor]

52 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

But Yggdrasil never used AKM chips, so the Yggy updates seem unrelated. 

 

Yep, the link on Head-Fi isn't about the Yggy at all.

[Exocer]

Very interesting. I suppose the other options will be available as "side grades" for those with the OG who are interested in experimenting with a new sound.

 

Looking forward to the listening tests.

[The Computer Audiophile]

1 hour ago, Exocer said:

Looking forward to the listening tests.

I’m heading to California Monday, for the blind test on Tuesday at Schiit. I hope to have much to report. 

[firedog]

Sounds like clever customer oriented marketing to me.

My only caveat is that Schiit seems to market multiple versions of something and then quickly pull versions that don't sell well. 

That kills the resale value.

[PeterG]

14 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I’m heading to California Monday, for the blind test on Tuesday at Schiit. I hope to have much to report. 

So you're flying halfway across the country to listen to two products that are slightly modified, presumably less good, versions of what you already own?  Just to listen and learn?

 

That's hardcore.  I love it.

 

ENJOY!

[Norton]

14 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I’m heading to California Monday, for the blind test on Tuesday at Schiit. I hope to have much to report. 

Slightly OT Chris, but it would be good if you were also able to report back on the intended release date for the Schiit CD transport, if that is still planned. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Headed to lunch with Schiit this afternoon. Will hopefully get some details for everyone. 
 

Listening tomorrow. 

[Exocer]

24 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

Headed to lunch with Schiit this afternoon. Will hopefully get some details for everyone. 
 

Listening tomorrow. 

Excited for your feedback. Interested in your impression of the Yggdrasil More is less in particular. I have seen a lot of interest in the TI DAC11001 for good reason.

[feelingears]

Fascinating, and frustrating. After years of reading how Yggy's AES is the best input and its balanced outs better the single-ended, I finally got my streaming and amp-ing to connect up this way with minimal sonic trade-off (read: Schiit Lokius). And, dammit, the reports are 100% true (to my ears). There is magic in them thar Schiity combo-burritos (reference to the name of their DAC filter tech), but only if you use the right ingredients (AES in, balanced out, and a Shunyata Venom NR power cable and PS Audio power regenerator as well).

 

Now I have more Yggy choices? Aaargh! But I will not just go and buy a Denafrips instead (my listening to a Pontus suggests an active output is more desirable for me, in my system, but I do wonder what a Venus would sound like).

 

I was curious what Schiit would do for Yggy v.3. What could they step "up" with? OTOH, it's not clear if the sonic difference of the lower cost models are intended to compete with OG/A2. Well, back to listening and waiting for Spotify hi-fi.

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Had lunch with Jason and Denise from Schiit today. Great people. 
 

I was surprised at how much thought is going into this double blind test Tuesday. The Yggdrasils are there warming up now. There are no identifying marks on them. The person from Schiit in the listening room will also have no idea which Yggy is which, including Mike Moffat who will also take the test. 
 

I brought music with me so I’m familiar with what I hear. There is no time limit. We can stay and listen as long as we want. 
 

I’m looking forward to it. 

[matthias]

12 hours ago, feelingears said:

Fascinating, and frustrating. After years of reading how Yggy's AES is the best input and its balanced outs better the single-ended, I finally got my streaming and amp-ing to connect up this way with minimal sonic trade-off (read: Schiit Lokius). And, dammit, the reports are 100% true (to my ears). There is magic in them thar Schiity combo-burritos (reference to the name of their DAC filter tech), but only if you use the right ingredients (AES in, balanced out, and a Shunyata Venom NR power cable and PS Audio power regenerator as well).

 

Now I have more Yggy choices? Aaargh! But I will not just go and buy a Denafrips instead (my listening to a Pontus suggests an active output is more desirable for me, in my system, but I do wonder what a Venus would sound like).

 

I was curious what Schiit would do for Yggy v.3. What could they step "up" with? OTOH, it's not clear if the sonic difference of the lower cost models are intended to compete with OG/A2. Well, back to listening and waiting for Spotify hi-fi.

 

 

I am just curious, did you compare Yggy AES vs. Yggy Unison USB?

BTW, waiting for Spotify Hifi as well.

Thanks

 

Matt

[The Computer Audiophile]

Just got back to my hotel from spending 8 hours with the Schiit heads. Only joking about the 8 hours, I mean Schiit heads. We listened for about 2.5-3 hours and talked about the DACs extensively afterward. It was both a blast and really informative. 
 

I took five pages of notes while listening to  my favorite music. It’s kind of funny that my conclusions reached in the first 30 seconds, held all the way through the 2.5-3 hours. 
 

Anyway, the listening was truly double blind and it was a blast. I will write up the whole story for a front page article to be published as soon as I get the go-ahead from Schiit to publish it. 
 

I’m excited for old and new Yggy!

[LarryMagoo]

Well I run my Yggy A2 with AES input and balanced outputs as well and loving how it sounds!

 

Looking forwards to read what Chris has to say about his visit and listening experience!   

[Exocer]

The Yggy sounds fabulous with Unison USB input and a quality source as well! Of course with balanced outputs. 

[JoeWhip]

Personally, I have found the Unison out to the best.

[jacquesr]

On 8/30/2021 at 11:00 AM, The Computer Audiophile said:

Headed to lunch with Schiit this afternoon. Will hopefully get some details for everyone. 
 

Listening tomorrow. 

What did you have? 

[The Computer Audiophile]

My article about the whole Yggy blind listening experience goes live at 12 midnight central US time. Prepare to check your preconceived notions at the door :~)

[AudioDoctor]

22 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

My article about the whole Yggy blind listening experience goes live at 12 midnight central US time. Prepare to check your preconceived notions at the door :~)

 

Setting my alarm.