What a pile of Schiit


Sorry, most of us just can’t resist.

So I was looking at the Schiit Asgard and wanted it with a phono card. The web site does not provide the phono option on the drop down even though the owners manual clearly states this is an option. The only way to get it is to order it separately . When you do that, not only does it cost more but it voids the return policy even though Schiit installed it! Now if I ordered the phono card separately, and did a self install, I could return it. But, here again, you are not given an option on the site of purchasing it that way. Note the other preamps have drop downs that allow the option of factory or self installation of these cards at $50 savings either way. Insane.

So I emailed Schiit and Laura dogmatically states there is nothing that can be done, that’s the way it is.

 

Anyone else had similar experience with this company?

Has anyone listened to this phono card option on any of their modular headphone amps?

corelli

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)

@shooter41   " I have no reason to stop buying this Schiit. (I know, groan, but everybody else was doing it)"

LOL.  It is hard to resist, isn't it.

So I thought I was Schiit out of luck.  But I actually received a follow up note from Schiit regarding my questions.  Laura gave a professional and helpful answer. So I amend my last post.  It seems they are capable of assisting their customers.