The original Schiit Yggdrasil DAC was introduced in 2014 and more than a few variations of the DAC have arrived since it became the flagship product in the Schiit Audio lineup. What’s interesting is that Jason Stoddard and Mike Moffat have kept the price the same over all of that time. Nobody does that. The Schiit Yggdrasil+ (no relation to Leon) DAC is finally here after some delays and there are some interesting new changes to the design and at least two different versions which will make the folks over at ASR rather ecstatic — more things to test over the holiday season while the rest of us pretend to have fun with friends and family.
This would be the second new DAC from Schiit Audio this year including the Bifrost 2/64 that was introduced over the summer.
Yggdrasil+ is covered by a limited warranty that covers parts and labor for five years. Not a typo. 5 years.
With very few exceptions in regard to parts, both iterations of the Schiit Yggdrasil+ are designed, manufactured, and assembled in S. California.
The Skinny
A NOS DAC from Schiit? Indeed. Sorta.
All Yggdrasil+ versions use Schiit’s True Multibit architecture, a unique combination of their proprietary time- and frequency-domain optimized digital filter and integrated, medical/defense grade multibit D/A converters.
Yggdrasil’s DSP-based digital filter has a closed-form solution—it retains the original samples, performing a true interpolation. Only this digital filter gives you the best of both NOS and upsampling designs.
The Yggdrasil+ offers 5 digital inputs, including their Unison USB™ interface with complete electromagnetic and electrostatic isolation. The DAC also features absolute phase inversion and NOS mode so you can optimize for your individual system and recordings.
The new Yggdrasil+ is completely modular; every board—from input to output—is easily replaceable, with its uniquely reconfigurable chassis provides for future expandability. Being able to swap out boards over time only increases the value proposition of the product.
Technical Specifications
- Inputs: Unison USB, AES/EBU XLR, RCA SPDIF, BNC SPDIF, Optical SPDIF
- Input Capability: up to 24/192 for all inputs
- Input Receiver, SPDIF: AKM AK4113
- Input Receiver, USB: Unison USB™, based on Microchip PIC32 microprocessor
- Clock Management: Bitperfect clock management at all native sample rates via Adapticlock analysis and VCXO/VCO regeneration
- Digital Filter: proprietary Schiit time- and frequency-domain optimized digital filter implemented on Analog Devices SHARC DSP processor
- Output: One pair XLR balanced and two pairs RCA single-ended
- Output Impedance: 75 ohms
- Power Supply: two transformers (one for digital supplies, one for analog supplies) plus one input choke for discrete, dual mono, shunt-regulated analog +/-24V supply, plus 12 or more separate local regulated supplies for DACs and digital sections, including high-precision, low-noise LM723 regulation in critical areas.
- Upgradability: Fully modular architecture. Separate digital input board, USB input board, DSP engine board, and DAC/analog output boards.
- Power Consumption: 45W
- Size: 16 x 12” x 3.875”
- Weight: 25 lbs
Yggdrasil+ LIM (Less is More) – $2,300
- Frequency Response, Analog Stage: 20Hz-20Khz, +/-0.1dB, 0.5Hz-200KHz, -1dB
- Maximum Output: 4.0V RMS (balanced), 2.0V RMS (single-ended)
- THD: Less than 0.002%, 20Hz-20KHz, at full output
- IMD: <0.002%, CCIF, at full output
- SNR: > 110dB, referenced to 4V RMS
- D/A Conversion IC: Texas Instruments DAC8812 x 4 (2 per channel, dual hardware balanced configuration)
- Analog Stage: Integrated, using LME49724 differential stage
Yggdrasil+ OG ($2,700)
- Frequency Response, Analog Stage: 20Hz-20Khz, +/-0.1dB, 0.5Hz-200KHz, -1dB
- Maximum Output: 4.0V RMS (balanced), 2.0V RMS (single-ended)
- THD: Less than 0.005%, 20Hz-20KHz, at full output
- IMD: <0.005%, CCIF, at full output
- SNR: > 124dB, referenced to 4V RMS
- D/A Conversion IC: Analog Devices AD5791BRUZ x 4 (2 per channel, hardware balanced configuration)
- Analog Stage: Fully discrete, DC coupled Class A FET buffers optimized for high current output and fully discrete, Class A FET summing stages for single-ended output
Price & Availability
The Schiit Yggdrasil+ DAC will be available in two configurations in black or silver:
- Yggdrasil+ LIM (Less is More) – $2,300
- Yggdrasil+ OG – $2,700
Schiit Yggdrasil owners now have the option of upgrading to the new ‘plus’ version for $499 USD which reactivates or resets the clock on the warranty.
For more information: Schiit Audio
Related Reading:
Schiit Audio Ragnarok 2 Integrated Amplifier Review
