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New Yggdrasil - First (and second) Impressions

Okay, so I’ve finally (on order over 2 months) received my Schiit Yggdrasil. The unit arrived in exactly perfect condition (i.e. well packaged).

Upon first (and second) listening through all sources/inputs, I would need a stethoscope to discern any difference among my current components and connectivity. I also cannot detect any difference using the phase inversion button.

I suppose the aforementioned is a testament to how good my current system (before/without Yggy) already sounds. :)

I can easily A-B test because the Yggy is hooked in via balanced and my other components are also hooked directly to amp via RCA or USB.

Also, obviously I have NOT let the unit "burn in" for days because I just got it, however, it has come to full operational temperature after being powered on continuously over 24 hours.

System configuration: (Yggdrasil > XLR > Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amplifier > Golden Ear Triton Reference speakers )
all cables blue jeans cables "best" offering

Emotiva ERC-3 CD player > AES/EBU > Yggdrasil
Oppo UDP-205 blue ray player > coax > Yggdrasil
Samsung SMT-C5320 cable box > optical > Yggdrasil
Gateway NV79 Windows 10 64-bit computer > USB > Yggdrasil

I’ll be patient, but if there are any suggestions to "try" in order to hear *some* audible difference, that would be great. Appreciate any feedback you have.

Thanks.
128x128gdhal
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bcgator
355 posts
 
I couldn't hear any difference in dacs up to $2500, through perfectly respectable speakers, electronics and cables.  I tried, it just didn't happen.   So I'm not the least bit surprised that you're not hearing it either between the Oppo and Schiit.   Might things "change" over the next month or so, sure, but you'll never know if it's the placebo effect and your mind trying to justify the expenditure.  So you have two choices - if the money means nothing and you really love just collecting gear, keep both.  I own 4 sets of speakers, so you wouldn't be alone there.  Or, if you can find something better to do with the $2K - home improvements, weekend getaway, funding a philanthropic endeavor, whatever - return the Schiit and find yourself holding $2K you'd already mentally said goodbye to and do something else with the money.     But it's a safe bet that if you haven't already had your "wow" moment, it's not going to happen.
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
I recall when the Benchmark DAC1 came out. I could hear a significant difference between the DAC and other gear but a friend of mine could not. It was on my system so I think I had an advantage being familiar with the sound. Subsequently he got a hearing aid and I felt very bad for him as he loves music. I just hope my ears don’t go too fast and I can still enjoy the sound!

Another thing I have found is that if you run things through the same preamp then to a certain extent much of the benefits of a higher grade DAC are completely lost. A lot of the A+ sound is from the lower noise power supply and higher quality analog output stage in an A+ DAC - so the same chip on a Class B product may not sound as good as that on an A+.

My Benchmark DAC3 can output about 18 volts!!! A far cry from 1 to 2 volts that most consumer grade devices put out. So as you can imagine, connecting this DAC to a preamp that is limited to 1 or 2 volts is seriously compromising the major benefits of a Class A+ device.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal OP
1,641 posts
 
@bcgator

Your previous post is well stated. I appreciate your sincerity, and I am rather inclined to agree with you. Fortunately, and in my particular case, while the expenditure certainly isn't something I would want to just "piss away", this particular cost of $2400 or so is well within my means. I prefer it sitting on my salamander audio rack as opposed to sitting in a long term CD at 3% or thereabouts.

That said, I am also taking into consideration the many folks who suggest more time is needed.

Yet another avenue I am exploring is to enlist the listening ears of some other audio aficionados. Stay tuned....
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gdhal's avatar
gdhal OP
1,641 posts
 
@bacobits1 

Thanks for your encouraging post. I have heard and read so much about having to leave it on continually and the fact that the break in period is many hours/days/weeks after initially powered on. I am hopeful it works out for me the way you describe.

As to why I am not hearing a difference already, I attribute this to two things. One, I already have good digital. Many folks here have confirmed it is difficult to distinguish among good digital. Second, my own hearing *could* be inadequate to discern the particular subtleties involved.

Unless a real metamorphosis takes place I can't understand at this early juncture what all the hype over this piece is. However, and as I've stated before, I am open to theoretical advantage. Meaning, if this multibit DAC truly is bit perfect (or closer to perfect than delta sigma) with redbook, that in itself should equate to "better quality sound", irrespective of whether or not I can "hear" or perceive it as such. 

I'll also add that I intentionally stopped well short of purchasing the myriad of DACs that are available in excess of 10K for this reason. I knew the expenditure was to some extent, a "gamble". Since it cost a lot to win, and even more to lose, you and me bound to spend some time wondering what to choose.
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