r/Schiit

I've been a headphone enthusiast for a while, took a break, and just got back into it the past couple of months. It seems the current meta is raving about R2R DACs, tube buffers, and 'tube-flavored' solid-state amps—basically, anything that goes against what objective purists love. Since that was always my vibe, I had to see what the fuss was about.

I created this stack: FiiO K11 R2R > Schiit Tube Buffer (Buf) > Nitsch x Schiit Magni Piety, driving the OG HD800.

The sound is blasphemously good. Yes, micro-detail is lost and the treble roll-off is real, but hearing electrons 'boil' when I kick on the buffer is a total gateway drug. It’s warm, holographic, and pure texture-driven Hi-Fi goodness. With gain stages on both the buffer and the Piety, I’m essentially triple-amping—it feels like RNG for what kind of sound profile I'm going to get.

I’m also using the Valhalla 3 as a preamp. I’m really liking this so far. It’s great for a desk setup - the feature that shuts off the preamp out when you plug the headphones in makes it really easy to integrate this setup into my workday.

Buf arrived today. I put it between my Bifrost 2/64 and Atoll IN300 integrated. I also kept the xlr out to the integrated for easy input swapping. Honestly not sure I can hear much a difference doing some a/b back and forth. Do tubes need to burn in at all?

Rest of the chain is Eversolo A6 doing just streaming duties and Dynaudio Heritage Specials as the speakers.

Added Buf between my Skoll my Kara. Still forming opinions.

Hello, I reorganized my desk today, and unplugged, moved, and plugged in my Schiit stack that I’ve had for almost 2 years now. I haven’t been able to figure out why it stopped outputting audio. my PC is still reading the Modi+ as its output, and I hadn’t messed with the output wiring. I read online that the Magni is supposed to have a white LED illuminated when on, but I’m not seeing any lights on. (Pic 3).

I do see two orange LEDs come on when I try to plug in a different power cable I have (Pic 4), but audio out is still not working. Did I somehow break the power cable by unplugging it and moving it?

The Buf arrived earlier this afternoon and I wasted no time getting it hooked up!

BF2/64 > BUF > Lokius > Jot 3 - with the BF2 SE out going to the Buf, the Buf out going to the Lokius SE in, and the Lokius XLR out to the Jot 3 XLR in. The BF2, Lokius, & Jot 3 are also connected via balanced XLR to preserve that chain and I just switch the Lokius input to single ended when I want some tubification.

First impressions with the HD800S after a little bit of tube warm up time are that the highs/treble are definitely a little more relaxed. Cymbals and other percussion instruments have what some might perceive as sibilance toned down. Takes the edge off and should be less fatiguing over time. I never found the HD800S highs to ever be problematic, but the difference is there. I will have to give it a go with some other headphones and do some tube rolling after a few others I ordered arrive. Here we go down that rabbit hole again...

Day 2 update: After roughly 24hr of burn in with the stock 6N1P tube and trying some other cans, I'm hearing some more apparent differences. The HD800S still highlights the edge taken off the highs. There is definitely more to the low-mid frequency presence and overall warmth, especially when using my TH900Mk2 Onyx. Using the Lokius input switch makes it easy to do quick A/B comparisons - the SE input comes from the Buf (placed between the BF2/64 and Lokius), while the XLR input comes directly from the BF2/64. When the Buf is switched off (basically turning the Buf into a pass through, bypassing the tube circuitry), I can't detect any significant audible difference between the Lokius SE or XLR inputs.

Hello all. Currently running a Bifrost 2/64 > Lokius > Jotunheim 3 stack and have a Buf on the way tomorrow that I plan to connect between the BF2/64 & Lokius. That should allow preserving the current balanced XLR connections all around, and I can switch to the Lokius RCA input when I want to tubify the sound and also throw in some EQ if desired. Haven't messed with tubes much since the Vali 2 released years back and I'm excited to do some tube rolling again! I'll be sure to post my impressions after I get some time in with the Buf.

Recently added the buf and I'm really enjoying my little bedroom setup. Wharfedale diamond 12.1 not pictured. Ah, maybe a little tube rolling and then I'm finished until I get around to building a 300b tube amp.

I’ve been slowly gathering more Schiit pieces for my first “hi-fi” setup and I’m loving it! I think I’m finally done for now and can just enjoy the music lol.

My setup:

iPad Pro/Wiim Pro/TV -> Modi 5
Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 -> Mani 2
Mani 2 and Modi 5 -> SYS
SYS -> Loki Mini+ -> Magni 3+
Magni 3+ -> Sennheiser HD6XX and Aiyima A07 Max
A07 Max -> KEF Q1 Meta speakers

This setup has really made me enjoy music more than ever before! Everything just sounds so clear and detailed. I’ve been showing it off to anyone who visits and their reactions are always fun to watch.

Obviously the itch to upgrade or get new pieces never ends, I want to eventually get a Saga 2 to act as a proper preamp (remote control is a nice plus too), but for now I’m very happy!

I specifically designed my setup to fit on my bedside table and overall I think that has proven to be a win. Will I still be saying this as the DC summer peaks and the Valhalla's ambient heat issues remain? Only time will tell my friends.