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Schiit not that Good?

Schiit was at AXPONA again this year. They were showing a Salk music server streaming into a Gungnir Multibit (?) feeding a Freya and two Vidars. Speakers were the Salk Song 3As.

 

So what happened?


Esoteric was just next door. This allowed attendees to move immediately from one room to another. Esoteric was showing a full stack of thier latest separates plus a VPI Avenger for analog. Speakers were a pair of Cantons I didn’t get the model of.

 

The Schiit room, while not bad, was completely destroyed by the Esoteric room. Esoteric played one SACD that unfurled a massive soundstage that I could sense even not being in the best seat. The sound of the Esoteric system, both via SACD and vinyl was dynamic, resolving, extremely musical, collected, vibrant, both large and delicately structured. It was a system that got all the minor details right. Such a good setup. The Schiit setup, while unoffensive, clean, and musical in its own right, simply couldn’t face the Esoteric in inner detail, soundstage, reality and low-level dynamics.

 

Why did the Schiit system fail so hard vs the Esoteric? Part of the reason might have been the junk cabling used by Schiit. Peaking behind the system I was Blue Jeans speaker cables and mess of power bricks, basic cabling, etc. I don’t know how much of the Schiit’s performance was compromised by inferior cabling, but I’m curious how close it would have come to the Esoteric had Schiit paid some basic attention to that area.


madavid0

Showing 5 responses by gdhal

gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Hi madavid0.

Wish I were there at AXPONA to see/hear first hand myself. Kewl that you are/were, and remain appreciative of your feedback.

As both a Schiit DAC owner (Yggdrasil) and Blue Jeans speaker cable owner (Belden 5T00UP), I certainly understand that I don't have a "reference" audio system. Moreover, Esoteric is no slouch.

So, in my opinion, the answer to your question - Why did the Schiit system fail so hard vs the Esoteric? is "I don't know". 

Having stated that, I imagine you would agree that your opinion, review, assessment, etc. is just that - your opinion, review, and assessment.

It'l be interesting to hear/read from others too... 
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
elizabeth - Audiophiles are a passionate lot.
So too are dead-heads.  🎵😃


gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
wolf_garcia - They established the "jam band" concept so there's that, and were a zero downbeat cruise feel…some great musicianship though, and the 2 studio albums "Workingman's Dead" and "American Beauty" were fabulous.
+1

I'll add that their live recorded music music is among the best IF NOT THE BEST quality from an overall resulting sound perspective. The vast majority of their shows are available in multiple mix type soundboards, front of board audience tapes by tapers who were allowed and encouraged to bring the best-of-the-best recording gear , syndicated radio shows where the music was professionally mixed and remastered ie. Grateful Dead hour hello shout out to David Gans / sonic solutions, and on and on....  DEAD-ication to sound quality and excellence... a band beyond description ......
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
tubegroover - Speaking of Jerry, since we’re on the topic, I always looked at the Dead concerts as a happening, certainly nothing too substantive in the big picture as any kind of seminal band that had a real impact. Just kind of cool place to hang for 5 hours. Of course it didn’t hurt to have and sustain a good buzz, "Those were the days my friend we never thought they’d ever end" but they did, kind of, "All things must pass" but our remberance is pretty cool too especially reliving those times through the music and good friends.

Grateful Dead... nothing too substantive in the big picture...

You’re joking.

I have nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile.

A very cool place to hang indeed....

buzz... it still doesn’t hurt to have and sustain one......

the days you thought would never end.....

even rainbows will end.....

unfortunately

We miss you Jerry.....

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/460774605596156850/

gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Thank you tubegroover and steakster. 🎵

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