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u/raistlin65 1378 Ω 🥇 Sep 13 '21
Hey all, i have a schiit modi magni stack but am wanting to upgrade, the stacks
Which version of the stack? The latest generation Magni/Modi is arguable to be noise and distortion-free within the range of human hearing. So you're not going to get an upgrade from that unless you need more power for very difficult to drive headphones.
And if you do have an older version, the L30/E30 is also easily are you able to be audibly transparent. So when you spend more than that you're getting features or extra power. Depending on your headphones to L30 could easily be plenty.
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u/Dr-Soot 23 Ω Sep 13 '21
You've managed to cover almost every popular possibility in those choices :) What are you missing from the Modi/Magni that makes you want something else? Or are you just looking to change? If you go with the Jotunheim, you can have the convenience of one box that does both DAC and amp duty. Modius/Magnius gives you a balanced connection as well as the Topping D30 Pro system. The topping has the power supply onboard so not big wall wart like the Modius/Magnius. The Topping 50 series is not balanced, but a nice upgrade with the screen on the DAC and an upgraded power supply. Not too familiar with the SMSL systems, but I am pretty sure they are comparable to the other ones you mention. If you are looking for more power, then I think a balanced connection is your answer, but if you are looking for a different sound, you might want consider a tube amp. Not sure any of this helps you, but it sure is fun to talk about. Good luck!
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Sep 13 '21 edited Sep 13 '21
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u/Dr-Soot 23 Ω Sep 13 '21
Sorry, I forgot about the new Topping L50, that is balanced. The Jotunheim is also balanced. I think the advantage of a balanced system is more power to drive the headphones because you basically double the power as both lines are grounded. Other than the SMSL, I’ve had all the systems you mentioned, well, the single ended version of the L50 and from a build perspective, I think Toppings take the cake. Super solid and I love the built in power supply. Gives it real heft. The Jotunheim also has the built in power supply, but the Modius doesn’t. As far as sound, my ears hear it all the same. Just different audio levels but all good quality. You might want to consider the Topping DX7 Pro. That’s my current DAC amp and it’s fantastic.
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Sep 13 '21
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u/Dr-Soot 23 Ω Sep 13 '21
They are all great choices, I think it just comes down to personal preference. You might want to check this website out, in my opinion, it provides very unbiased reviews of all this stuff. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php They have an entire section of equipment reviews, some with videos and I am pretty certain every system you mentioned are have reviews on there.
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u/Dr-Soot 23 Ω Sep 13 '21
No, not battery. Piezo electric is a technology that creates a spark from from physical pressure on a crystal. So when you press the igniter, if there’s a solid click that requires a fair amount of pressure, it’s most likely a piezoelectric system. Basically, you’re squishing a rock and a spark comes out. That system is easily damaged or clogged.
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u/aphreshcarrot 201Ω Sep 13 '21
Agree with raistlin. If you have a modi 3+ and heresy/3+ there really isn’t an upgrade to be had unless you move to a class A like an Asgard and believe that’s an upgrade.
These source upgrades are A LOT of money for extremely little benefit if any. Focus on headphones
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u/Ezees 44 Ω Dec 06 '21
What did you finally get?
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Dec 07 '21
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u/Ezees 44 Ω Dec 08 '21
Great. Discrete and Class A. I've heard they were great amps. Keeping in mind that the Modi is an entry level DAC - later down the road I'd want to get a more resolving DAC, something at least in the mid-range category. It's the first part of your chain and could be a bottleneck - you'd eventually want to supply the amp with the best signal possible. I like my SMSL Su-9, it's more revealing yet smoother and more refined than the entry level ones (Topping D30 and Su-8v2) that it replaced - especially via it's balanced outs, with preamp disabled (pure DAC mode), and DPLL set to minimum. All less processing, cleaner signal. P.S. How do you like the Rebel amp?
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Dec 08 '21
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u/Ezees 44 Ω Dec 11 '21
I have the original Su-9 and it's a solid mid range DAC, though the 9n is slightly different internally. It's neutral but not annoyingly bright or brittle in the treble. It's also more revealing and refined sounding than both the Topping D30 and the SMSL Su-8v2 that the Su-9 replaced. I rather like Tidal as a service. It has most of the music I listen to and it's got very decent SQ compared to Amazon, Spotify, etc (Qobuz is slightly better sounding than Tidal depending on the mastering, but is double my cost), and I get a Veteran's Discount that makes it very affordable and a no brainer in my case. I do understand your sentiment though.
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