Schiit are a company well-versed in high-end personal audio with a focus for value and commitment to outstanding desktop products.
The Yggdrasil, the focus of this review, has undergone various iterations with their first product garnering many audiophile acclaim from across the globe. This was soon updated to the Yggdrasil Analog 2 DAC with modular capability. Finally, Schiit have released the Yggdrasil+ under a umbrella of their latest ‘Thunderdome’ project. Available in three different variants (OG – $2699), More Is Less ($US2449) and Less Is More ($US2299), Schiit have approached this with the intentions to retain their best-selling.
With the OG Version, Schiit still preserves the original quad AD5791 20-bit DAC chips (arriving via TOSLINK, coax or ‘Unison’ USB) into analogue signals – that output via RCA or XLR. The OG also still features Mike Moffat’s digital filter and Analog 2 board. With the ‘plus’ version – users are also treated to a sleeker chassis, remote control and new ‘NOS’ mode.
Box and design
The Schiit products come well packaged in a large cardboard box. As with all Schiit products, the white cardboard features minimal packaging which exudes class and sophistication. The stack comes with each of their respective power cords (UK, US, Australian or Euro) and a user manual.
It is nice to see that the Schiit Yggdrasil + arrives in well protected foam layering which safeguards it during transits. Part of the inherent charm of the company is its no-fuss and nonchalant style – particularly when its comes to the industrial packaging and FAQs on their website.
Other accessories included are the power supply and the new remote control allowing easy access of the device.
Internals
All of Yggdrasil+ versions make use of their True MultiBit architecture with their unique digital filter optimised to retain all original sample material and perform true interpolation. This has taken Mike Moffat, head of Schiit’s digital side, many years of iterations to perfect this DSP-based digital filter allowing for true interpolation. The use of a medical defence grade multi D/A converter is also integrated as part of the device.
The Yggdrasil+ also offers 5 digital inputs, including their Unison USB interface with complete electromagnetic and electrostatic isolation. The DAC also features absolute phase inversion and NOS mode allowing one to optimize for their own systems and recordings.
The Yggdrasil+ is also a modular design – this is quite unique and allows every board (from input to output) to be easily replaced. This allows for unique reconfiguration and allows for future expandability and is a solid way to future proof the design of the product.
Build & Features
Front
The aesthetic of the new Yggdrasil + is much more streamlined compared to the original Yggdrasil and Yggdrasil Analog 2. At the center of the device is an input select button which can cycle through USB, AES/EBU, BNC, Coax & Toslink. At the far left of the device, there is a mute button which allows users to mute output. Besides this are two light LEDs with the further left indication a ‘Low Quality Source’ and the LED besides this turning on when the Mute button is on. Besides this, is a panel of input LEDs which show what input you have selected.
On the far right, there is a ‘Phase & Mode’ button which allows users to switch from absolute phase to NOS mode. Besides this are two LEDS which light up when either the phase is inverted and NOS mode is on. The panel of LEDs besides the center button indicate the Sample Rate of the format coming into the Yggy – indicating either 44.1K or 48K plus the multiple (1,2,4 or 8x).
Rear
On the rear of the Yggdrasil, there are 2 sets of single-ended outputs which are said to retain much of the same prowess as the balanced portion of the DAC. Adjacent to this, are the balanced outputs which can be connected to other sources with XLR cables. The USB, AES/EBU, BNC & Toslink inputs together with the switch and power input can be found on the right half of the DAC.
Power Supply
The Yggdrasil uses one transformer for the digital power supply and one for the analogue power supply. It is also said to carry “12 separate local regulated supplies for DACs and digital sections”. The total power consumption of the DAC is 35W.
Sound impressions
The Yggdrasil + OG delivers a very capable bass which is big bodied and full – retaining the elements of both macro-dynamic prowess as well as the incision of the original Yggdrasil. There is a good layer of smoothness with a sound which invokes both clarity and depth while also being faithful to a natural and organic sound.
Coming on to the midrange, the Yggdrasil + OG offers a beautifully textured midrange with excellent detailing and realness particularly with respect to acoustic instruments. One of the critiques of the original Yggdrasil was that it could come across as a tad incisive depending on the nature of the track. With the plus OG version, there is some sweet overtone added to the midrange which certainly makes it more forgiving compared to prior iterations.
The Yggdrasil offers outstanding imaging in the way of soundstage dimensions with a centered and holographic staging. Sonic cues here are projected both wide as they are deep. The Yggdrasil as well as other Schiit products have an excellent black backdrop amidst ultra-low distortion.
All in all, the Yggdrasil OG offers outstanding tonal balance with exquisite imaging. While other DACS can sound overly analytical, the OG infuses detail with musicality which forms the basis of Schiit’s modern DACs. There is also a thicker note presentation which prevents
All in all, the Analog 2 possesses outstanding tonal balance with exquisite imaging. While other DACs which are overly analytical can be considered too shrill, the Analog 2 infuses detail with musicality which allows users to just lay back and enjoy music for what it is without critically analysing. Like vinyl, the Analog 2 has even more ebb and flow than the original with a thicker note weight leaning more to the original Gen V.
The Yggdrasil + OG offers outstanding technicality – with the DAC rendering excellent micro and macro-level detailing. On the dynamic front, the DAC is very capable handling both micro and macro dynamic swings with ease. In addition, there is a good amount of punch and slam.
An important point to comment upon is that, in my opinion, like the original, the Yggdrasil Analog 2 sounds best after 24 to 48 hours of burn-in once the components have reached their thermal equilibrium. Mike Moffat also recommends leaving the unit on 24/7 to achieve the best sound, although a cold start is still proficient.
Conclusion
Overall the Yggdrasil OG Plus offers a True Multibit architecture which uses multibit D/A converters – this time with the convenience of a remote control and switchable NOS mode to deliver an immersive experience. Like the Analog 2, the $2699 Schiit Ygddrasil OG Plus is a sizeable investment which delivers a flagship level of performance capable of driving top-level headphones and IEM sets alike.
Schiit have done well to future proof the device with the option to retain a fully modular platform allowing for replaceable parts and a uniquely configurable chassis for future expandability. The 5 year warranty and durable chassis are just icing on the cake making the Yggdrasil OG Plus a highly recommended end-game purchase for the serious audiophile.
Schiit Yggdrasil OG Plus DAC
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