Schiit introduces Ragnarok the Second

Let’s cut the Schiit: is the Californian company’s second-generation Ragnarok a 60wpc Class A/B integrated amplifier with a dedicated headphone amplifier? Or is it a powerful 24 Watt balanced – or 6 Watt single-ended – headphone amplifier armed with loudspeaker outputs? It’s both but, according to Schiit, Ragnarok 2 is more a loudspeaker amp than a headphone amp. Super-sensitive IEMs need not apply.

The new version ups the ante on its predecessor in numerous ways. Here are five highlights:

1) an all-new modular design for the accommodation of (optional) MM phono and multi-bit USB DAC boards.

2) an IR wand that handles volume control and input selection.

3) Schiit’s Nexus™ differential current feedback topology that dispenses with conversion when signal routing to and from its balanced or single-ended inputs and outputs.

4) a new thermal design with external heatsinks on each side for a considerably cooler operational temperature than the 1st Gen Ragnarok.

5) a 128-step attenuator; twice the steps of the original.

The Ragnarok 2 will also sell for less than the original: US$1499 without either module installed or US$1799 fully-loaded with both.

And even if you’ve no interest in Ragnarok the Second, I implore you to read the FAQ on the product page here. Read it to the very end — I promise you tears of laughter/joy.

Further information: Schiit

Photo credit: Lee Shelly