Schiit Asgard 2

[Puma Cat]

De nada.

[PHC1]

It has been nearly a month since my Asgard 2 has joined the growing family of "all things headphone". I have kept it on and playing as much as possible throughout the days and even overnight. My DAC has 1 set of balanced and 2 sets of SE outputs so all three of my headphone amplifiers are typically on and playing all day long to help facilitate the break in of themselves and the 3 newer pairs of headphones.

In the last few days, the Asgard 2 has what I would consider "stabilized" and "blossomed". The sound signature has become anchored and consistent.

So it is time to share my final opinion.

Simplest way to put it. For $249 you can expect a very smooth, rich and slightly laid back presentation (depending on partnering headphones) from the Class A headphone amp.

This is not in your face resolving and lightning speed transient response amplifier. It is however a very musical, engaging and non fatiguing amplifier with all the 4 pairs of headphones I have at hand to compare with.

From the ultra resolving and incredibly detailed but natural sounding Utopia, to the slightly lusher and darker Elear, to the ultra lush HD600 and the slightly more open and neutral sounding HD650s, the Asgard 2 recreates music with emphasis on smoothness and musicality. That is not to say it is rolled off or lacking in resolution. It is all there but sounds natural and unforced. Pretty typical Class A sound if you are familiar.

Asgard 2 is my go to headphone amp for discovering and listening to virtually any genre of music with various recording qualities. The better the source of music, the better the Asgard 2 sounds, obviously but at the same time, it is a bit more forgiving with its creamy and silky smooth mids.


What the Asgard 2 does not do is, it does not assault the ears with any grain or cheap transistor sound. In fact one can be amazed at the level of refinement and listening pleasure one can derive from the this little "space heater" of a hard working, honest and classy sounding Class A product for what amounts to a measly $249 in the audio world.

At this point, I can strongly recommend the Asgard 2 as a solid state, Class A headphone amplifier without any reservations to anyone who is looking for a smooth, musical sounding amplifier that can easily drive headphones of various impedances, sensitivity and has dynamic headroom left to spare. Well done Schiit Team.

[Puma Cat]

Another great review, Serge!

[Jack in Wilmington]

Great job Serge. Could you do a comparison between the Asgard 2 and the Valhalla 2? Even in a limited version.

[bart]

Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington

Great job Serge. Could you do a comparison between the Asgard 2 and the Valhalla 2? Even in a limited version.

Indeed another splendid review Serge.
You're worth every penny they surely must pay you.
Also looking forward to a couple of pros and cons of the 2 amps.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington

Great job Serge. Could you do a comparison between the Asgard 2 and the Valhalla 2? Even in a limited version.

Will do Jack.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by bart

Indeed another splendid review Serge.
You're every penny they surely must pay you.
Also looking forward to a couple of pros and cons of the 2 amps.

Pay me at these prices???
No problem, I’ll do a brief comparison between the two.

[Puma Cat]

Serge does write a great review....as does Dan.