So I was looking at the Schiit Asgard and wanted it with a phono card. The web site does not provide the phono option on the drop down even though the owners manual clearly states this is an option. The only way to get it is to order it separately . When you do that, not only does it cost more but it voids the return policy even though Schiit installed it! Now if I ordered the phono card separately, and did a self install, I could return it. But, here again, you are not given an option on the site of purchasing it that way. Note the other preamps have drop downs that allow the option of factory or self installation of these cards at $50 savings either way. Insane.
So I emailed Schiit and Laura dogmatically states there is nothing that can be done, that’s the way it is.
Anyone else had similar experience with this company?
Has anyone listened to this phono card option on any of their modular headphone amps?
The look down the nose snobs are abundant in this thread. I've had good service from them and the equipment of theirs I've used has been great. Currently using a Lyr 3 with the multibit card to drive Audeze LCD-3s and the combination is very good.
I wonder how many people making negative statements have even heard their stuff? Also, if you equate cost with quality, you're ignorant. I don't recall the company but many years ago a well known, higher end audio company, literally put their case and name on some other company's component and charged a lot more for it. According to people like some here, it was a better sounding and better quality item and they would have likely sworn it was when listening to it.
Couple years ago, I ordered a Freya+, Aiger and a few sundry items directly from the Schiit website . After waiting a few weeks, I called to find out where my stuff was and when it would arrive...Schiit cancelled my order. They thought I was Not A Legitimate Customer, this while the entire purchase had been fully charged to my Visa for about 3 weeks. The telephone conversation got worse from there... nothing they could do...they could not give a reason...no, I could not speak to anyone else there...they could credit my account... I could re-purchase the items again but regrettably... Schiit was out of stock and I would have to wait a few more Months... but only if I changed the Deliver To Address...What??? My position was, SCHIIT is Not a Legitimate Business.
Needless to say... I moved on, investing three times as much money on something else and have never looked back. The whole experience has resulted in me getting a FAR SUPERIOR nucleus for my main system and ZERO F____s given for Schiit and their business.
I am sure they make fine equipment but...I am Much Happier with my purchase of Real Tube Equipment.
I have 2 Aegir amifiers, the Gungnir DAC and the Freya pre amifier. One Aegir had a problem, I had purchased it from someone else so it was technically out of warranty so I was planning on paying for the repair. They sent me a new one no questions asked.
I love the products and they 100% stand behind them. I am sure they want to fix your problem... give them a chance.
I did not find Schiit customer service overwhelming. But, their stuff is a great deal, sound quality wise. I don’t think I have had a problem with a solid state piece of audio equipment…. Well, let me think, decades…? More than that… ever?
Really did not intend for this thread to go down the Schi----. Oops, used that once too many already.
Yes, sometimes I get frustrated when people do not do their jobs and it results in things that are ridiculously illogical and wrong. I deal with this type of thing too often I'm afraid.
My intent is not to bash a manufacturer. In fairness, this company offers a lot of value for the money. That thin margin means something has got to give.
I still would be interested in thoughts on balanced vs unbalanced in the context of what I posted earlier.
@stereo5 When I said cost in not the issue that was in reference to the $50 upcharge incurred because their website does not function properly--not an unlimited budget for a piece of gear.
The Schiit brand appeal is the high performance to price ratio IMO. Not just the budget price.
Having said that, this is going into a modest system: Project Xpression table with Ortofon OM20e Super cartridge, Sennheiser HD660s phones. Currently used with Bellari vp 129 phono/headphone amp. While I very much enjoy the Bellari, I thought it would be fun to try a fully SS headphone amp that has different strengths as a complement to the Bellari.
Sandstone, I have not used a balanced headphone amp in the past. What do you typically experience when going from unbalanced to balanced? Worthwhile in a very modest system like this?
If that's actually the case, just buy the Jotunheim 2 with phono for a better, balanced headphone amp, or get the Mani as suggested above by @pmm, and move on. Full 5 yr warranty, etc.
Right, I know you can order it but at increased cost and the drop down does not allow the option of self installation/returnability. Not an issue with the other amps. So just with this amp you have to pay more for the same card and give up your return option! Seems like a web design oversight that no one wants to work around. Brother!
Thought about the mani option but I really liked the idea of an all in one package and the fact the card option is MM only with specs to match my Ortofon cartridge. Seemed like a perfect match on paper and wondered if it might even outperform the Mani in this case.
Honestly, cost is not the issue-it's more the principal of the thing and a frustration. More importantly, I can find nothing in the way of a review on this phono card. If I had some reassurance then giving up the return option probably wouldn't be as much of an issue.
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