2. amps-preamps
  3. 195089-1604

Giga Stack vs Integrated amp ($8k-ish)

I have had a few questions on DM about the Schitt Wotan amp. So, I am creating this thread.

Review: Schiit Kara F Pre, Gungnir 2 DAC & The Rest Of The Gigastack - AudioHead

I have this setup except I use the, Schitt Yggi+ OG DAC or the Schitt Yggi+ MIB DAC in place of the Giga Stacks DAC, Gungnir 2. The Gungnir 2 DAC is considered by some to be better than the almost 2x more expensive MIB DAC I own.

This setup is as good as 2 integrated amps I owned. The CODA CSiB (almost latest) and the latest KRELL DUO 300i. These 2 amps were really good, but they cost 2x more than the Schitt stack.

I think all 3 are about the same sonically, each has some slight advantages sonically. The KRELL and Schitt stack (using Forkbeard) also have some very useful features.

The Schitt DACs are also unmatched at their price points, and for my ears, well above.

yyzsantabarbara
4 responses Add your response
yyzsantabarbara OP
5,123 posts
 

I will eventually replace the Kara F preamp with a second Benchmark HPA4 preamp. I tried it on the setup, and it improves the sound a lot, but the $800 Kara F preamp is good enough for a few more years (a bit of faint praise).

I also tried the Schitt Mjolnir v3 preamp. This is a better preamp than the Freya+ and warm sonically and to the touch (actually Class A hot). The Kara F is more convenient since it has a remote.

BTW - the Wotan amp took 30 days of very hard playing before some top end hardness went away. Now it is totally fatigue free and a keeper.

jl35
4,219 posts
 

Did you compare the Wotan to the Tyr ?

yyzsantabarbara OP
5,123 posts
 

Jason Stoddard, the designer of both amps, said on Head-fi that the Tyr are a more relaxed sound. While the Wotan has more bite to it. I think he said the bass was stronger on the Wotan.

A new version of the Tyr is coming out soon, so that is why the clearance prices on the current Tyr.

I went with the Wotan based on Jason's comments.

jl35
4,219 posts
 

Thanks...

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