Conclusion
All the amplifiers I compared the Mjolnir to are more expensive than the Mjolnir. It might be argued to be unfair. However, Schiit baldly states that the Mjolnir offers “end-game performance for a mid-level price” – and if that holds it should be able to keep up with the extra competition.
The Mjolnir was launched as a budget statement amplifier, and that is exactly what it is. At its price point it seems to be a killer. However, the amplifiers I have compared it to are also widely regarded as among the best in their class, so the fact that I often ended up liking the more expensive amps even a bit more than I liked the Mjolnir isn’t surprising.
I have been thinking hard how to nail Mjolnir in one words, but the more I thought about it, the harder I found it to categorize Mjolnir’s sound. And that might be an indication of it being just simply being an uncolored amplifier, and hence, I end up with the very boring sounding term “neutral”.
In the end, it all boils down to this: The Mjolnir is powerful amplifier with a neutral sound signature that will fit most headphones. Is it a total giant killer? No. It is a very solid performer at a great price.
Pros: Build quality, price, power, neutral sound, no audible self noise through headphones
Cons: Only XLR outputs, other amps have better soundstage depth, transformers has a slight hum.
Associated Equipment:
Source: Squeezebox Touch – Violectric V800, NAD M51
Headphones: Audeze LCD-3, Shure SRH-1840, Sennheiser HD650, Hifiman HE-6, Hifiman HE-500
Manufacturer Specifications
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db, 2Hz-400KHz, -3dB
Maximum Power, 32 ohms: 8.0W RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 50 ohms: 5.0W RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 850mW RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 600 ohms: 425mW RMS per channel
THD: <0.006%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 1V RMS
IMD: <0.008%, CCIR
SNR: >104db, unweighted, referenced to 1V RMS
Crosstalk: >-75dB, 20 Hz-20KHz
Output Impedance: 1.5 ohms
Gain: 8 (18db)
Topology: Fully discrete FET, cross-shunt push-pull Crossfet output stage, no overall feedback, noninverting, single voltage gain stage
Power Supply: specific Circlotron 4-primary output stage transformer with over 65,000uF filter capacitance, plus dedicated transformer for high-voltage asymmetrical discrete-regulated front end stage with 90V/25V rails and over 15,000uf of filter capacitance
Inputs: one pair balanced XLR, one pair single-ended RCAs, choose one
Outputs: one 4-pin balanced female XLR, one pair dual 3-pin female XLR, and one pair male XLR preamp outs
Power Consumption: 45W
Size: 16 x 8.75 x 2.25” (40,5 X 22,2 X 5,7 cm)
Weight: 13 lbs (5,9 kg)
