What a pile of Schiit

@ cjveltman

Thomas Crapper, the Brit who invented the flushable loo way back in the day, might have a thing or two to say about this company.

Another, far more contemporary, enthusiast for what Schiit manufactures is Randall Messman, whose "brain housing unit" (that’s how Randall himself describes the seat of his thought processes) inspired him to become "The Cheap Audio Man." He is a big proponent of GOOD-VALUE-FOR-MONEY, INEXPENSIVE audio gear. Schiitt occupies a prime place in the top echelon of his recommendations. His many YouTube reviews are well worth watching: here’s one sample of his art: Room Treatment Doesn’t Work... Sometimes, Grunge Music is the Best, and Ron is BACK!!!!!! - YouTube

Randall’s reviews are a lot of fun to watch, and he has a great way of lightening up our sometimes-all-too-serious audiophile discussions.

Several months ago I purchased the Schiit Magni+ headphone amplifier. The only headphone amp I owned was the Fiio Montblanc E12, which I purchased to use with the X5II DAP, primarily for use when I'm away from home. It does a fine job for that purpose, but being battery powered it isn't ideal for home use.

So I did some research and bought the Magni+; a great reputation and only $100.

Their website states it is "all the amp you'll ever need for any headphone."

However, I was very disappointed to discover that the unit would suffer consistent 30 second dropouts, so I emailed the company. I explained the various methods I had used to connect the device to my Sennheiser RS180 wireless headphones, including what interconnects I was using, etc.

They responded by telling me I wasn't connecting it correctly and recommended alternate methods. Same result. 

So they sent me a new unit. Same results. 

When I emailed again, they responded by telling me that the Magni+ does not work with wireless headphones, and there would be a restocking fee should I choose to return it.

I replied asking them how they could charge me a restocking fee when their website says it is for "any headphone." They did not reply to me, but they did issue a full refund.

I bought a Monolith Spark for the same price, and I am pleased with it.

Schiit's website still makes the same false claim as to the Magni+'s compatability with "any headphone."

Thought I would give it one more try.  Most everyone deserves a second chance, right?

So I inquire about the return policy for the Lyr 3 with a phono card as the web site in not perfectly clear on that.  Also question the restocking fee for gear with options installed.

This time Savanna is on the case.  Her email:  "not sure how modifications work."

That was it.  No more.

Clearly Schiit has a take it or leave it approach.  I have not doubt some of their gear may sound great for the money.  But if you need any help...well, don't plan on them being there for you.  Clearly, they don't give a Schiit.

@highway_chile - I think that 'compatible with any headphone' has more to do with marketing than anything else. I doubt they'd expect anybody to think that this $100 will sound great driving Susvara headphones, for example. It would drive them, yes, but the sound would be very poor. But yes, I'd think they should say something if it requires headphones with cables. 

Their customer service is not that bad. They've answered every question I've ever had, including just the other day when I asked if they had any clue what could be causing an incompatibility issue between a streamer I'd bought and my Yggdrasil. They responded at 11 on Sat night and gave a few possibilities, but ultimately said they'd have to work with the streamer manufacturer to solve such an issue. Exactly what the owner of the streamer maker told me, and that's a high-end company known for their customer service that starts with a "B". 

As I said above, this is my fourth product from Schiit, and I don't continue to spend my money with companies that exhibit poor customer service. I have no reason to stop buying this Schiit. (I know, groan, but everybody else was doing it)