New Yggdrasil - First (and second) Impressions

Hi...
Nice outfit.

Gdhal > I’ll be patient, but if there are any suggestions to "try" in order to hear *some* audible difference, that would be great. Appreciate any feedback you have.

Blindjim > I’d recommend a few things but primarily, just wait. Leave it on. Possibly passing signals, maybe not. Better if you did IMHO.

Check it out in a few weeks or once it hits 350 to 400 hours. Why? Each review I read on this unit says exactly that this one needs a lengthy run in period.

Sorry. But I’m just a messenger. Been there and done that myself, though not on the exact same gear.

After the burn in or up is done, I’d say begin looking at your wires for upgrades. Power cords can really make things far better.

Then, those ICs connecting to the INT from the DAC. Next, those ICs connecting to the DAC itself from your other digital inputs/sources.

There are a bunch of areas wherein a system can be improved. Tons in fact. Isolation footers for ex. Are very reasonable, some even DIY. Some almost free which really will affect the presentation noticeably.

In time, addressing the incoming power lines noise will substantially improve the presentation. A lot. No question. This can be done fairly inexpensively too.

Loads of ancillary things alone or together will definitely elevate the performance and by that I mean your rig’s ability to become more articulate and resolving so it will be easier to hear ANY changes you make to it. Where ever!

I did not believe any of that stuff. Until, I tried it in my home using my own ears. I began with power cords. Then a passive power conditioner. Then Ics and spkr cables.

One more thing…. As I’jm just curious here, this DAC as I understand it, only does PCM, is it passing audio from your CATV box without you making changes to it so only PCM is output? Or did you reconfigure the CATV box to output only PCM?

I have Verizon/Frontier and its impossible to hook that CATV to my PCM only DAC and get any sounds. Regardless.

I’m interested in this DAC, and your decision to pick the Tritons too as they are an outside option on my own list… that is, the Refs or their top model. Can’t recall exactly its name.
Very good luck to you here. I think your new DAC will blossom soon.

OP >
From the Robert Harley account on this unit in The Absolute Sound mag…
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/schiit-audio-yggdrasil-dac/
“I decided to let it sit in my rack, powered up, for a full month before revisiting it”.

Citing the TAS article, possibly too the Computer Audiophile review, I suppose it could not hurt to increase the audition window by asking for a couple more weeks to ensure a proper decision can be made and see what happens.

RE A - B
To be purely pedantic, an A/B cmp is not really being accomplished. Unless, the perspective is interconnects do not matter or do nothing to influence the audio signal.

Comparison ‘A’ uses RCA or XLR and two different file types including mechanical rotation with optical conversion to analog. So this is not a identical comparison.

Comp B uses USB PLUS XLR (or whatever interface is connecting it to the Y DAC) again, not an honest comparison.
Anything coming out of the Y DAC is going to have to include one more interface at least, AES, TOS, SPDIF, or USB any of which on its own merits will or can, alter the sound. .

Its not a huge leap to improve upon BJ wires. I’ve been there and done that myself. Audio Art, Micro Pearl, are two very affordable ICs which well surpass the BJ wires. Especially the Micro Pearls @ $60 pr.

Accounts for other USB wires is here:
Massive USB Comparison Test
June 20, 2016 / Accessories
http://passionforsound.lachlanfennen.com/massive-usb-comparison-test/

I’d say too, each interface or connection needs to get some hours on it or them at least, just to be certain these connectors have seen electricity or signals.

Many pieces of kit I’ve owned even when well run in did not perform at their best right after being turned on. Normally it took 30 – 60 minutes for the sound to get to its subjective best. Mostly around 40 – 45mins. Preamps, amps, DAC, CDPs, wires, power conds, speaker drivers, X over electronics, etc.

If the Y DAC does pass audio from the Samsung CATV box, I’d just leave it on to feed the Y DAC, or choose an internet radio . ch and use that to feed the Y DAC for the next 10 - 12 days changing channels or genres now and then.

I’ve not seen ‘break in’ discs or files demonstrate their worthiness previously. They do however show their need for unduly wearing the disc spinner’s electronics, optics, and mechanics. I would need a disposable CDP to use any ‘break in’ disc. Certainly not my ‘go to’ player.

Here is an A’gon link for checking out one’s DAC using different resolutions and formats of the same file.
“Test your DAC! Free Format Comparison”
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/test-your-dac-free-format-comparison
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Maybe this will help in the audition.

Another link here for various popular USB cables. It’s a 2013 account but many of these models are available today from $15 to $$$.

https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&q=usb+digital+audio+cable+review&oq=usb+digital+audi...
ab..1.1.99.0...0.f5MjYjJXaLE

a close friend of mine bought a less expensive model from the same company. He said it took a pretty long while for it to rise from sort of plain sounding to becoming a lot more impressive.

I’m nearly certain this initiation process will come out quite well. If it comes out according to your own taste, is another matter entirely. Just perusing the threads here on A’gon ‘ many folks sure seem to like this piece.

Your input here could show the actual transformation of the unit from stone cold to well opened, if you keep posting updates.

Again, luck to you.



as for phase inversion.... I'm thinking that too will come along showing better as time passes.