New Yggdrasil - First (and second) Impressions
...Thanks for sharing the link and bringing it to our attention. Do you have a feel for the performance of your Yggy with the B analog board, now that you have had some more time with it?.... You’re welcome, David. In answer to your question, I do! My feedback has to a large extent been echoed in what I’ve read elsewhere by others who have experienced the A, and have since upgraded to B. The bass has certainly changed. This is likely the most noticeable and obvious of any change. The bass now (analog B) is not as emphasized as it was previously (analog A). I’m defining the "bass" here as everything at or below 250 Hz. Now (analog B), it is a bit more articulate, and blended with the rest of the music. Akin to an improved cross-over in a speaker, if you will. I’ve read numerous posts about a "blacker" background (analog B) whereas before (analog A) it was "grey" in comparison. While I cannot detect whether or not this is true, I definitely cannot state that it isn’t true. Schiit does indicate that the analog upgrade offers "lower noise", and if I had to agree or disagree, I’d agree. I’m noticing the following items, having (seemingly) nothing to do with the sound of the unit. The analog B Yggy seems to output with a tad bit more gain. I’m using XLR. Nothing scientific here, just that in general (but not always) I’m listening with the volume control about 10 minutes more counter-clockwise. I’m also finding that the unit needs a bit more time - 2 hours now compared to 1 previously - to feel warm, and that the maximum temperature of the casing has increased by as much as 4 degrees F (despite my earlier post indicating there was no temperature change). I’ve read the idle power consumption has increased from 25W to 27W, but cannot confirm or deny that. I’m uncertain what role if anything the temperature is having on the sound quality, but am certain of the increase (as reported by my Dawson DSM101N multi-meter temperature probe and the touch of my hand). In summary - and I’ll post more as I know/learn more - I can state that I do prefer the analog B, but overall the difference (to A) could be considered subtle. And, if we turn to the question of value, had I spent $550 I cannot say with certainty that I would feel it had been "worth it". But for a new purchaser of the Yggy, having to spend the extra $100 (compared to having bought the A) shouldn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things and could easily be accepted/seen as being "better" or "improved", even if only because "Schiit says so". Like it or not, we all put some faith, trust, etc. in the manufacturers of the products we wind up purchasing, using, embracing, etc. EDIT: Worth mentioning for those just joining the thread and wishing to skip over the first few pages.... the analog B hasn't changed the same admirable qualities of the analog A which are: authentic sounding, no fatiguing "digititis", honest treble without being "tinny" or "bright", multi-dimensional placement/location of the instruments, vocals, etc. |
FYI: Review of the Yggdrasil with the new Analog board http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1139-schiit-audio-yggdrasil-digital-to-ana... |
I’ve look long and hard magnified at the A (MkI) and B (MkII) boards and I can see the digital input board is different, and the middle of the dac/output board on each channel after the dacs U1 and U2 has a new opamp U13 and a couple of smd resistors R55 R59 R54? to the left. A (MkI) http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?attachments/yggdrasil-v1-jpg.11969/ B (MKII) http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?attachments/yggdrasil-v2-jpg.11970/ BTW are all new and B stock Yggy now sold the new B (MkII) version? Chewers George |
