I had the vidar 1. It was not a "resolving". amp. It was more gentle and tube-like. It did not retrieve ambient information like better amps do. I hope the 2 is much better. material example: Chesky test disc.
I felt the same way about Vidar 1. Like it though. Getting the Vidar 2 I immediately noticed it's much more detailed and clean sounding! Still retains similar sound to Vidar 1 but much much cleaner! At least with my KEF R3 it was immediately noticeable and I can say for sure it's a worthy upgrade! Even compared it to a Parasound JC5 and believe it or not the Vidar 2 stayed in my system.
Why the Vidar and Saga match vs the Aegir beinng better with Freya etc wasn't that clear.Would be nice if you had links to the pre's if you have reviews.I encourage your efforts you added more paring innfo than many do
Got a chance to buy a slightly used Vidar 2. I have to say, Vidar 2 actually sounds much smoother than Vidar 1. It's like a combination between Vidar and Aegir (which I also have).
Makes me want to A/B the Vidar 2 with Saga+ and then with the Freya+. I mean.... I get the synergy with the pricing, but I feel like the Freya would be a great combo with the Vidar 2 depending on speakers.
Just ordered one in sliver. Going to pair it with my Ragnarock 2 integrated amp via preamp outputs using RCA cables for 2 x 100W into my KEF K3 bookshelf speakers. Hoping it will be an noticeable improvement over the current 2 x 60W in the Ragnarock 2. Thanks for the review, very timely.
@@TomlynAdvisors I have it setup in stereo mode. Sound quality has improved, the sound is a bit more full especially in the bass region. Going from 60W to 100W made a difference for me and what I was hoping.
@@hifi8092hey, how’s the top end on Vidar 2 compared to Rag 2? And I’m looking for 100 watts for sure - but was wondering if I’m going to miss out on the other aspects where Rag 2 shines. Is the Vidar 2 overall much better than the Rag 2
Against Rag 1 it's definitely better in all aspects, Rag 2 I haven't heard for more than a few minutes so I can't compare. But more power usually comes with better dynamics so I would go as far as to say the dynamics on the Vidar 2 is probably a lot better than the Rag 2.
Vidar is a cooler sounding and cleaner, more balanced across the frequency range and tighter in the bass and midbass. The Aegir is warmer but bigger soundstage. And the Rag 2 from what I've heard for the 10-15min is kind of in the middle of the two amplifiers,, but you can always use it as a preamp and add a different AB amplifier to add a little more warmth. Or add a good class D to make it tighter and clean it up.
Hi Benny, I am planning to buy a Vidar 2 and connect it to my Ragnarok 2 working as preamp, how do you see? is it any improvement or waste money? Thank you
You will get the slight warmth from the Rag which is something I like, but then you'll get the clean and straight forward sound of the Vidar 2. So you'll get a slightly warm presentation, but with a lot of added dynamics which is what the Rag lacks just because of lack of power. Depending on what type of sound you like it may or may not be what your looking for, but I do like that pairing a lot. I know my input probably doesn't help much but I hope it gives you direction at least!
Not necessarily better, but what you would get in return is dynamics. Getting a higher wattage amp is needed for two things, dynamics or if you have hard to drive speakers. Also you must consider what type of class amp you want, because each class amp has its own main characteristics.
Thanks for the review. I have been waiting for someone else to post a review aside from Steve Guttenberg. Just a note though, Vidar 1 has always had a 4 ohm rating when running in stereo. Schiit omitted the 4 ohm rating for mono is because this amp is not a true dual mono amp. The amp is bridged when running in mono, so 4 ohm is seen as 2 ohm. That's too much current for this amp to handle. The transformer is only 600VA. I'm surprised that they made the wait time to get out of standby so long. I have an Aegir, and it takes about three seconds to get out of standby. I also have a Vidar 1 and part of me kind of want to upgrade to Vidar 2 due to the standby button, but I'm not sure if I want to spend a few more hundreds just for that, especially when I got mine during the holiday sale.
Taking nothing away from this Review... It seems like the Sound Signature or Sound Quality is not much if any different between the Vidar and the 2. The 2 just added the front standby button
Sound signature is cleaner and has a lower noise floor and darker background. So dynamics are better with the Vidar 2 but not by a huge margin. Like I said, if you have a Vidar 1 no real need to upgrade to the Vidar 2.
@@TomlynAdvisors Aegir sounds smoother but a little bit light on the bass. Vidar is more detailed and more bassy. If you care more about midrange and have a pair of efficient speakers then Aegir is the way to go. I have my Aegir paired with a pair of 86dB bookshelfs for nearfield and it sounds really good.
The Vidar brings a little more depth to them and more bass extension, and the top end is about the same. Love the sound of the 3030i's. Review of those will be in a couple weeks then the review for the 5.1 home theater after! Be on the lookout!
I had the vidar 1. It was not a "resolving". amp. It was more gentle and tube-like. It did not retrieve ambient information like better amps do. I hope the 2 is much better. material example: Chesky test disc.
I felt the same way about Vidar 1. Like it though. Getting the Vidar 2 I immediately noticed it's much more detailed and clean sounding! Still retains similar sound to Vidar 1 but much much cleaner! At least with my KEF R3 it was immediately noticeable and I can say for sure it's a worthy upgrade!
Even compared it to a Parasound JC5 and believe it or not the Vidar 2 stayed in my system.
Thanks for your review. Think I decided next month I’m buying a Vidar 2 & Kara preamp.
Why the Vidar and Saga match vs the Aegir beinng better with Freya etc wasn't that clear.Would be nice if you had links to the pre's if you have reviews.I encourage your efforts you added more paring innfo than many do
Got a chance to buy a slightly used Vidar 2. I have to say, Vidar 2 actually sounds much smoother than Vidar 1. It's like a combination between Vidar and Aegir (which I also have).
I would have to agree with you
Which one has the better top end e.g. more air extension and sparkle/shimmer
@@sarahX.. Vidar 2
Makes me want to A/B the Vidar 2 with Saga+ and then with the Freya+. I mean.... I get the synergy with the pricing, but I feel like the Freya would be a great combo with the Vidar 2 depending on speakers.
Just ordered one in sliver. Going to pair it with my Ragnarock 2 integrated amp via preamp outputs using RCA cables for 2 x 100W into my KEF K3 bookshelf speakers. Hoping it will be an noticeable improvement over the current 2 x 60W in the Ragnarock 2. Thanks for the review, very timely.
Very nice setup! You will it mostly in the dynamics and transient response! Let me know how it goes!
Are you using in stereo or mono ? Can you share your opinions about sound quality ?
@@TomlynAdvisors I have it setup in stereo mode. Sound quality has improved, the sound is a bit more full especially in the bass region. Going from 60W to 100W made a difference for me and what I was hoping.
@@hifi8092hey, how’s the top end on Vidar 2 compared to Rag 2? And I’m looking for 100 watts for sure - but was wondering if I’m going to miss out on the other aspects where Rag 2 shines. Is the Vidar 2 overall much better than the Rag 2
Against Rag 1 it's definitely better in all aspects, Rag 2 I haven't heard for more than a few minutes so I can't compare. But more power usually comes with better dynamics so I would go as far as to say the dynamics on the Vidar 2 is probably a lot better than the Rag 2.
Hey man, nice review. I got the vidar 1, I appreciate the breakdown of the differences. Now it kinda sucks that I got the 1, lol!
The honestly the Vidar 1 is good, if I were to buy a Vidar 1 again I'd buy two for the power lol
Great review! Would love to see a review of the Schiit Rekkr andd see how that compares to the more popular class D amps. :)
Trying to get those little guys in as soon as I can!
@@BennyKsBandwidth Great hopefully soon. Can't wait!
Have you compared the Vidar 2 to Rag 2 and Aegir? I’m considering one for ATC SCM 11s. What do you recommend?
Vidar is a cooler sounding and cleaner, more balanced across the frequency range and tighter in the bass and midbass. The Aegir is warmer but bigger soundstage. And the Rag 2 from what I've heard for the 10-15min is kind of in the middle of the two amplifiers,, but you can always use it as a preamp and add a different AB amplifier to add a little more warmth. Or add a good class D to make it tighter and clean it up.
Thanks! So, you think the Aegir is a better mate with the Freya+ assuming the wattage (20) is enough for the speakers?
100% the synergy of the Freya+ and Aegir were meant to be Jason S. Said it himself! And I happen to agree with him!
@@BennyKsBandwidthdo you prefer the Aegir over the Vidar2 ?
@@delvalle9256 I would have to say yes I like the sound profile more than the Vidars more balanced tone.
@@BennyKsBandwidth thanks . I have 2 Aegirs but I only use one… I have 1 Vidar v1…. I guess I have to wait if the Aegir will get an update.
If the money isn't burning a hole in your pocket no need to change.
Hi Benny, I am planning to buy a Vidar 2 and connect it to my Ragnarok 2 working as preamp, how do you see? is it any improvement or waste money? Thank you
You will get the slight warmth from the Rag which is something I like, but then you'll get the clean and straight forward sound of the Vidar 2. So you'll get a slightly warm presentation, but with a lot of added dynamics which is what the Rag lacks just because of lack of power. Depending on what type of sound you like it may or may not be what your looking for, but I do like that pairing a lot. I know my input probably doesn't help much but I hope it gives you direction at least!
OK, you mean warmth from Rag plus dynamics from Vidar, ti sounds really good for me so I will start saving money.
Thanks a lot.
@@BennyKsBandwidth
Is the Vidar worth it if I dont play music loud? I currently have a 30 watts amp and I wonder if an amp like the Vidar is better sound wise
Not necessarily better, but what you would get in return is dynamics. Getting a higher wattage amp is needed for two things, dynamics or if you have hard to drive speakers. Also you must consider what type of class amp you want, because each class amp has its own main characteristics.
Naim 5ts integrated amp
Thanks for the review. I have been waiting for someone else to post a review aside from Steve Guttenberg. Just a note though, Vidar 1 has always had a 4 ohm rating when running in stereo. Schiit omitted the 4 ohm rating for mono is because this amp is not a true dual mono amp. The amp is bridged when running in mono, so 4 ohm is seen as 2 ohm. That's too much current for this amp to handle. The transformer is only 600VA.
I'm surprised that they made the wait time to get out of standby so long. I have an Aegir, and it takes about three seconds to get out of standby. I also have a Vidar 1 and part of me kind of want to upgrade to Vidar 2 due to the standby button, but I'm not sure if I want to spend a few more hundreds just for that, especially when I got mine during the holiday sale.
Taking nothing away from this Review... It seems like the Sound Signature or Sound Quality is not much if any different between the Vidar and the 2. The 2 just added the front standby button
Sound signature is cleaner and has a lower noise floor and darker background. So dynamics are better with the Vidar 2 but not by a huge margin. Like I said, if you have a Vidar 1 no real need to upgrade to the Vidar 2.
Can you give us an idea about the sound quality between Aegir and Vidar ? I'm looking to get into a new system, and would appreciate your feedback.
@@TomlynAdvisors IMO -- It is all (85%) about speaker matching... High Sensitivity Horns would most likely sound better with Aegir... Ect
@@TomlynAdvisors Aegir sounds smoother but a little bit light on the bass. Vidar is more detailed and more bassy. If you care more about midrange and have a pair of efficient speakers then Aegir is the way to go. I have my Aegir paired with a pair of 86dB bookshelfs for nearfield and it sounds really good.
Great review man.
Thank you so much man! Cheers!
Is this vidar 2 amp neutral sound , warm or cool sounding?
Like I said I the review, it leans to the warmer side but honestly not by much. Hope this helps!
@@nate7629 Well the 5000x is a 5 channel amplifier, possibly AB if it has a toroidal transformer. What type of budget do you have?
@@BennyKsBandwidth don't wanna go above 800 on amp
@@nate7629 That's a good budget, I do want to ask why are you wanting a 5 channel amp?
@@BennyKsBandwidth just cost effectiveness. It can be a 2 channel all I'm looking for is a two speaker setup for music mostly
I have q acoustics speakers and I notice you also have them, how do they sound with the Vidar?
The Vidar brings a little more depth to them and more bass extension, and the top end is about the same. Love the sound of the 3030i's. Review of those will be in a couple weeks then the review for the 5.1 home theater after! Be on the lookout!