Schiit headphone amp thread, Asgard / Jotunheim / Lyr / Magni / Mjolnir

I shared this on the Aurorus Audio discord server for driving their Borealis headphone but think it gives a good idea of how MJ3 and Tyrs compare. Not a perfect comparison with lack of volume match and different cabling but I’m confident with what I’m hearing.

Comparing two different setups both driving the borealis. One is Meitner MA3 → serene → tyrs with all balanced connections. Another is MA3 → MJ3 with single ended connections.

I used 3 different tracks off of CDs through the Urd and the AES input on my dac. Tracks were blue world - mac miller, when I grow up - fever ray, and black crow - angus and julia stone.

MJ3 Blue world
Good blam, has a bit of bloat to it. Sounds warm and thick. Vocals are full and clear. percussion sounds on left and right are a bit muddy. More width then depth. Bass more bloom and quantity by a bit, but sounds kinda sloppy.
Tyrs
Brushes in beginning more clear and separate, bass tight, no bloat. Sounds a bit bigger / taller, vocals less rich. Percussion have more air and detail.

MJ3 When I grow up
Vocals are big and full, just pleasing overall nothing really stood out as bad it was just different
Tyrs
More space and detail especially in treble and percussion effects. Bass looses a bit of bloom though which is fine, depends on track really. More perceived impact and slam.
On this track, impressed how close them seem. They have slightly different flavors with the mj3 being warm with smaller stage and the tyrs being bigger and faster but it’s not a big change and both are really enjoyable.

MJ3 Black Crow
Vocals are layered are have good clarity. Nice drive in the guitar and drums. Feels detailed but never harsh. Softer presentation but more thump from the bass instruments. Decay of vocals is nice but sort of missing in drums vs Tyrs.
Tyrs
More definition in snare hits and force behind them. Male vocals feel a bit further away (more depth), can hear some of the reverb and decay in room. Decay stands out much more in drums.

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