[Kagelou]

Hi all,

Been a while since I came to this section in headfi, as I was quite content with what I have.
However, I believe I have contracted the all to familiar "upgradetitus", and this time its a severe case.

I am now looking for what will probably be my end game setup (or at least a long term setup) since I plan to get married soon.
Currently planning to center the setup around the HD800S, as I will be using this solely with my desktop computer for both listening to music and gaming (probably a 7:3 ratio).

To accompany the HD800S, I am also looking to get a nice amp and dac.
After looking around head-fi and reddit, I have read good reviews on the below amp/dacs as well as some comments that address synergy with the HD800S.
※I currently live in Japan, so would need to consider shipping + tax for Schiit; I can get the Fostex locally

Schiiit Audio Jotunheim (AMP + AK4490 DAC)
・$685 total
　⇒Jotunheim: $500
　⇒Shipping: $55
　⇒Taxes: $30
　⇒Transformer: $100

Schiit Audio Bifrost 2 + Valhalla 2
・$1320 total
　⇒Bifrost: $700
　⇒Valhalla: $350
　⇒Shipping: $105
　⇒Taxes: $65
　⇒Transformer: $100

Fostex HP-A4BL
・$400 total
　⇒HP-A4BL: $400

Marantz HD-DAC1
・$700 total
　⇒HD-DAC1: $700

TEAC UD-505-B
・$1200 total
　⇒UD-505-B: $1200

I am leaning towards the Bifrost + Valhalla combo, but the additional $170 from shipping and taxes is making me think I might be able to get something better locally for $1200. Same goes for the Jotunheim, I feel that the HP-A4BL would just be a safer choice considering shipping, taxes, and ease of return if anything goes wrong.
(I do like the fact that all of the Schiit devices look simple and elegant; sound is most important, but I do want my desk looking crisp.)

I am open to any other suggestions, especially if I can get my hands on it easily in Japan.
Budget would be around $500~$1200 and yes I understand its diminishing returns after around $300.


Some other points I am trying to get answers to, would be great if anyone can give their insight.
・If I get the Jotunheim or the HP-A4BL, should I also consider going balanced on the HD800S? (would probably cost an additional $150 or so)
・I dislike the fact that the Jotunheim and Valhalla both have the power switch on the back, hence if I decide on one of them, I was thinking of leaving the power switch on and controlling the power via the outlet; any reason this should not be advised?
・I am not really considering the Jotunheim Multibit unless the difference is substantial; should I even consider it?
・If I get any of the Schiit devices (115V), will I need to get a step-up transformer to use them in Japan (110V)?

Looking forward to comments and suggestions, have always appreciated the feedback from the members on head-fi!

Sincerely,
Kagelou
_________
5/24 edit: Added Marantz HD-DAC1, TEAC UD-505-B, added cost of transformer

 

[Armament]

I've heard really good things about either of those Schiit combos. I personally run a Mjolnir 2+Gungnir Multibit and I feel like it couldn't get any better. In all honestly it probably sounds the same as the gear you listed. I just went this route so i could preamp studio monitors as well. Did you buy the HD800S yet? It already comes with a voucher that will get you balanced cable from their store for free. I would personally go for the Jot since it can run planars if you end up going that route down the line. As far as the difference between D/S and Multibit goes.. apparently D/S is more accurate but Multibit sounds better. Don't ask me how.

EDIT: Always turn off the amp via the switch lol.

 

[etroze86]

Hi all,

Been a while since I came to this section in headfi, as I was quite content with what I have.
However, I believe I have contracted the all to familiar "upgradetitus", and this time its a severe case.

I am now looking for what will probably be my end game setup (or at least a long term setup) since I plan to get married soon.
Currently planning to center the setup around the HD800S, as I will be using this solely with my desktop computer for both listening to music and gaming (probably a 7:3 ratio).

To accompany the HD800S, I am also looking to get a nice amp and dac.
After looking around head-fi and reddit, I have read good reviews on the below amp/dacs as well as some comments that address synergy with the HD800S.
※I currently live in Japan, so would need to consider shipping + tax for Schiit; I can get the Fostex locally

Schiiit Audio Jotunheim (AMP + AK4490 DAC)
・$585 total
　⇒Jotunheim: $500
　⇒Shipping: $55
　⇒Taxes: $30

Schiit Audio Bifrost 2 + Valhalla 2
・$1220 total
　⇒Bifrost: $700
　⇒Valhalla: $350
　⇒Shipping: $105
　⇒Taxes: $65

Fostex HP-A4BL
・$400 total
　⇒HP-A4BL: $400


I am leaning towards the Bifrost + Valhalla combo, but the additional $170 from shipping and taxes is making me think I might be able to get something better locally for $1200. Same goes for the Jotunheim, I feel that the HP-A4BL would just be a safer choice considering shipping, taxes, and ease of return if anything goes wrong.
(I do like the fact that all of the Schiit devices look simple and elegant; sound is most important, but I do want my desk looking crisp.)

I am open to any other suggestions, especially if I can get my hands on it easily in Japan.
Budget would be around $500~$1200 and yes I understand its diminishing returns after around $300.


Some other points I am trying to get answers to, would be great if anyone can give their insight.
・If I get the Jotunheim or the HP-A4BL, should I also consider going balanced on the HD800S? (would probably cost an additional $150 or so)
・I dislike the fact that the Jotunheim and Valhalla both have the power switch on the back, hence if I decide on one of them, I was thinking of leaving the power switch on and controlling the power via the outlet; any reason this should not be advised?
・I am not really considering the Jotunheim Multibit unless the difference is substantial; should I even consider it?
・If I get any of the Schiit devices (115V), will I need to get a step-up transformer to use them in Japan (110V)?

Looking forward to comments and suggestions, have always appreciated the feedback from the members on head-fi!

Sincerely,
Kagelou

I can't answer all of your questions but like you I live in Japan and I own a schiit magni 3. You will have to get a step up transformer, if you don't there will be a very loud feedback sound.

 

[Kagelou]

I've heard really good things about either of those Schiit combos. I personally run a Mjolnir 2+Gungnir Multibit and I feel like it couldn't get any better. In all honestly it probably sounds the same as the gear you listed. I just went this route so i could preamp studio monitors as well. Did you buy the HD800S yet? It already comes with a voucher that will get you balanced cable from their store for free. I would personally go for the Jot since it can run planars if you end up going that route down the line. As far as the difference between D/S and Multibit goes.. apparently D/S is more accurate but Multibit sounds better. Don't ask me how.

EDIT: Always turn off the amp via the switch lol.

Mjolnir and Gungnir would be out of budget, but as you mentioned, I think the Jotunheim or Bifrost + Valhalla combo should suffice my needs.
Nope, I have yet to get the HD800S and was not aware of the voucher, thanks for this heads up! I assume you use the HD800S with the balanced XLR?
Thanks for the input on D/S vs Multibit and amp on/off too.

I can't answer all of your questions but like you I live in Japan and I own a schiit magni 3. You will have to get a step up transformer, if you don't there will be a very loud feedback sound.

Ah, so that's an additional cost to getting any of the Schiit products...Don't have a transformer yet, could you share which one you use as reference?

 

[etroze86]

Mjolnir and Gungnir would be out of budget, but as you mentioned, I think the Jotunheim or Bifrost + Valhalla combo should suffice my needs.
Nope, I have yet to get the HD800S and was not aware of the voucher, thanks for this heads up! I assume you use the HD800S with the balanced XLR?
Thanks for the input on D/S vs Multibit and amp on/off too.




Ah, so that's an additional cost to getting any of the Schiit products...Don't have a transformer yet, could you share which one you use as reference?

I bought this one on Amazon.
VCT VT-1000J - Japanese Step Up/Down Voltage Transformer Converts Japan 100 Volts To 120Volts OR Vice Versa -1000 Watt,black

 

[Kagelou]

I bought this one on Amazon.
VCT VT-1000J - Japanese Step Up/Down Voltage Transformer Converts Japan 100 Volts To 120Volts OR Vice Versa -1000 Watt,black

Thanks for the share!
That is quite an expensive converter though, an additional $250...

 

[etroze86]

Oh wow I ordered on US Amazon and it was $69.

 

[etroze86]

 

[Kagelou]

Oh wow I ordered on US Amazon and it was $69.

Amazon Japan has it up for 27,807 JPY which is around 250 USD =/
Just to confirm, seems like this transformer converts between 100V and 120V (both ways), no issues with running the 115V Schiit products?

 

[etroze86]

It converts both ways and it's on my vanatoos right now working perfectly. I would look at making a US account and ordering that way.

 

[Kagelou]

It converts both ways and it's on my vanatoos right now working perfectly. I would look at making a US account and ordering that way.

I actually found a step-up transformer (1 input and output, 100V⇒120V) for around 30 USD and one of the reviews mentions that it works with the Magni 3.
If I get a Bifrost + Valhalla, would I need to get 2 of these transformers or can I connect a power strip to the transformer and connect the Schiit to the power strip? (100V wall outlet ⇒ 100V to 120V transformer ⇒ power strip ⇒ Schiit）

 

[etroze86]

Yes you should be able to run it with a power strip. My personal preference would be to find one with 2 outlets if it's possible.

 

[Kagelou]

Yes you should be able to run it with a power strip. My personal preference would be to find one with 2 outlets if it's possible.

My power strip has 4 outlets so no issue there, and I think it can withstand up to 125V so should have no issue.
Also found another review in the $35 transformer that states it works without issue with the Valhalla 2; I'm surprised so many people are buying these transformers just for Schiit products!

Now I just need to decide whether the Schiit suite is worth the shipping, tax, and transformer (total $200 for the Bifrost + Valhalla).
I found another possible amp/dac that might go well with the HD800S, can easily get my hands on it in Japan as well.

Marantz HD-DAC1
・$700 total
　⇒HD-DAC1: $700

 

[HBen]

As I've often mentioned at this point a lot is about preferred sound signature, hearing, music type and of course matching between all the components of the chain . ... so it's not easy to give good advice. System matching is even more important for the HD800(S), since it's a headphone whose sound signature is more system dependent than other headphones.

Generally speaking: matching a bright headphone with a bright amp and DAC is not a very good idea unless you're looking for a bright and sterile sound.

The Jotunheim is on the neutral/bright side and I personally didn't find it a good match with the HD800's, especially with the Delta-Sigma DAC ...

My recommendation would be trying to find a used HDVA 600 which can usually be found for around 700$ and DAC that is on the more euphonic side to pair with your HD800S, for example one of Schiit's multibit DAC's. I've tried a lot of different combinations with the HD800s and still stick with this one until today.

Best of luck and have fun

 

[Kagelou]

As I've often mentioned at this point a lot is about preferred sound signature, hearing, music type and of course matching between all the components of the chain . ... so it's not easy to give good advice. System matching is even more important for the HD800(S), since it's a headphone whose sound signature is more system dependent than other headphones.

Generally speaking: matching a bright headphone with a bright amp and DAC is not a very good idea unless you're looking for a bright and sterile sound.

The Jotunheim is on the neutral/bright side and I personally didn't find it a good match with the HD800's, especially with the Delta-Sigma DAC ...

My recommendation would be trying to find a used HDVA 600 which can usually be found for around 700$ and DAC that is on the more euphonic side to pair with your HD800S, for example one of Schiit's multibit DAC's. I've tried a lot of different combinations with the HD800s and still stick with this one until today.

Best of luck and have fun

Thank you for the input.
Yep, definitely understand the fact that the HD800S are relatively picky in terms of source/the entire line up from source to HD800S.
I did look for a used HDVA600 and HDVD800 as well but could not find any locally =/

Noted on the Jotunheim, I read comments that since its bright, it might not fit well with the HD800S but also read comments that the combo was on-point.
Still not entirely convinced on Multibit vs D/S, but Bifrost only comes in Multibit so if I go that route, I should be fine.

Would you recommend a tube amp to go with the HD800S instead of a solid state?
Also, may I ask what combination you have stuck with? (HDVA600 + Schiit Multibit Bifrost?)

※Noticed I can get the TEAC UD-505-B for around $1200 in Japan so added in first post