Is the Schitt Audio Ragnarok the ultimate amp? On top, it has Christian Audio topology, with a castle-keep inset, a cross motif to the entrances, and a rounded corners setup to the walls. The Mjolinr, the model we talked about previously, and a top contender, has a iPhone 5 look, whereas the Ragnarok is more Apple TV. By amp, we mean both a hi fi appliance and a marketing method - not a travesty.
In Early Retirement, featuring the Jeff Rowland Model 1, we asked the question "Is 60 watts enough?." There's a beauty to Rowland components, both DG Rowland and Jeff. They have always been described as cool. Look at the square power button. The inset of the face plate. Nay, the power fins.
Like the Model 1 by Jeff Rowland, the Ragnarok by Schiit Audio also features 60 watts. We've listened to 600 (and 2000) waters by McIntosh (which we abhor), and found a playback level of about 60 ... is just right.
That is, for audio replay.
The Ragnarok features cross fit (or should we say Crossfet) topology, and has a signal to noise ratio of 103 dB, which is better than the Mjolinr Amp, yet not 24 bit.
The cross-talk is -80 dB, which is gnarly+
+or should we say atrocious, but not terrible.
Is the Schiit Audio Ragnarok the ultimate amp? Would we recommend it? No, you would want something with an LCD on the front cover. You can't get power amp, but we'd have to say something like the Oppo Digital HA-1 ($1119.00 USD) would be an easier choice. Or the CEC HD52N out of Japan. You get 4 (13) watts there.
How's that for Christian typology?
The Ragnarok is as we see it, is more Fraggle Rock, than Valhalla. There are elements to it that have a professional feel, such as the top plate, logo, and small LED's, and we like the rounded corners and front-plate. It's a product that we want to know what is lurking inside, but that's an insider's perspective, looking out.
Would we like it if we saw it in person?
www.schiitaudio.com
Rating: None.
JP 2015/01/27
www.hifiart.ca
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