Schiit Audio
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Audio equipment |
| Founded | June 2010 |
| Founder | Jason Stoddard, Mike Moffat |
| Headquarters | California , United States |
| Products | Digital-to-analog converters, headphone amplifiers, equalizers, preamplifiers, speaker amplifiers, integrated DAC/amplifier units |
Schiit Audio—often referred to simply as Schiit—is a privately owned American enterprise established in June 2010 by Jason Stoddard and Mike Moffat. Focusing on premium audio equipment tailored for audiophiles, Schiit develops, engineers, and produces independent digital-to-analog converters (DACs), headphone amplifiers, equalizers, preamplifiers, speaker amplifiers, and integrated DAC/amplifier units. The company’s main office is located in California, with manufacturing operations also conducted in Texas.
2010-2013: Company inception and early product introductions
In mid-2010, Schiit debuted its initial offerings: the Asgard and Valhalla headphone amplifiers. Later that year, the firm released the Lyr, a hybrid amplifier designed for high power headphone use. By June 2011, Schiit broadened its product line to include DACs with the launch of the Bifrost, a modular standalone digital-to-analog converter featuring upgradeable cards for DAC and USB functions. This approach highlights the company’s commitment to modularity, allowing devices to remain current and adaptable as technology advances.
Digital-to-analog converters
Schiit produces standalone DACs beginning with the 2011 introduction of the Bifrost. Additional prominent DAC models include the Modi, Modius, and Gungnir. These units convert digital audio data from computers, smartphones, and other digital sources into analog signals suitable for amplification through headphones, speakers, or in-ear monitors. Typical input options available on Schiit DACs include S/PDIF (both coaxial and optical TOSLINK) and USB connections.
The company predominantly incorporates DAC integrated circuits from ESS Technology, Analog Devices, and Texas Instruments—such as the ESS 9018/9028 series and the TI DAC8812. Prior to 2020, AKM Semiconductor ICs were utilized; however, following a fire at AKM’s production facility that year, Schiit transitioned to ESS ICs starting in August 2021 by introducing an upgrade card that replaced the AK4490 chip with the ES9028.
DAC specifications
| Model | Available Colors | Input Types | D/A Conversion Chips | Bit Depth & Sampling Frequency | Power Supply Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modi+ | Black, Silver | USB, Coaxial S/PDIF, Optical S/PDIF | ESS ES9018 | 16-bit, 44.1 kHz up to 24-bit, 192 kHz[lower-alpha 1] | USB powered (5V via USB-C) |
| Modi Multibit 2 | Analog Devices AD5547 | 14-16V AC adapter | |||
| Modius | ESS ES9028 | USB powered (5V via USB-C) | |||
| Bifrost[lower-alpha 2] | 4x TI DAC8812 | Internal power supply with IEC 60320 connector | |||
| Yggdrasil+ | Varies based on configuration |
External links
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