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
My philosophy is if there is not at least a tiny bit of sound improvement ( whatever you consider an improvement) when you first use, breaking in is not going to make things better for you.


@aberyclark

I agree. However, as I've reported, I now do and have been hearing a distinct difference. I don't believe it was on account of break in. Instead, I wasn't using the optimal type of music to discern a difference and I wasn't necessarily aware of what to listen for. It's night and day. Delta-sigma from my Oppo and Emotiva sound great, but the multibit from the Yggy makes then sound digital by comparison.


@anzaanimalclinic

The Yggy can do PCM up to 24/192 for all inputs, and 24/192 is certainly hi rez. I do not believe the Yggy "rolls" off on any end. Also, the Wyred 4 sound is using an older ESS 9018 chip and my Oppo has the latest ESS 9038. I'm no longer interested to listening to the Sabre chip as I prefer the Yggy, however, I agree that preference and not merely better or worse can guide that decision.
I heard the Oppo UDP 205 yesterday and in no way does it sound like the Yggdrasil. In fact I would prefer my Marantz SA15s2 I had to it in sound every way being a different purpose piece. I don't care for ESS chips configurations. The Oppo is a great machine for what it is. Mostly for Home Theater applications which I'm not into or use at all. All are personal decisions on what you would like to hear and where you use it. All these micro descriptions between equipment gets tiresome, don't like don't buy it.
All are personal decisions on what you would like to hear and where you use it. All these micro descriptions between equipment gets tiresome, don't like don't buy it.
@bacobits1 

I agree in principal with what you are stating. However, often is the case that one must purchase (or commit something) in order to make a decision as to whether or not you like a product or not. Further, and perhaps more importantly, the micro differences in this hobby (between equipment), although subtle and not without diminishing returns at the higher levels, are sought after nevertheless.
If you don’t hear any difference returned it back !
It happened to me in the past and I returned the dac to my dealer with no regrets and didn’t use dac anymore , however 3 years ago I bought the McIntosh d100 and wowwwww the effect was huge the dynamics are vicious, many new details that couldn’t hear before appeared suddenly, huge soundstage, great seperation between instruments and everything is more natural really remarkable dac.
I strongly recommend you try other dacs till you find what you are looking for.
Sometimes it’s just a matter of synergy between components maybe this the Yggdrasil is not what your system need .Or maybe your system is fine as it is and you don't need a dac at all .
or maybe the Oppo is really, really good

- could you list a couple of the best recorded/mastered source recordings you used in the test?