Schitt magni vs magni+: battle of the audio titans revealed!
What To Know
- The Magni is an affordable entry point into the world of high-quality headphone amplification, while the Magni+ provides a bit more power and features for a slightly higher price.
- The Schiit Magni is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly headphone amplifier with a neutral and transparent sound.
- The Schiit Magni++ is a better choice for those who want a bit more power, a warmer sound signature, and additional features such as a balanced XLR input and preamp outputs.
The Schiit Magni and Magni+ are two popular budget-friendly headphone amplifiers from the renowned audio equipment manufacturer, Schiit Audio. Both devices offer excellent performance and value, but they also have some key differences that may make one a better choice for you than the other. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve deep into the specifications, features, sound quality, and more of the Schiit Magni vs Magni+ to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications
| Feature | Schiit Magni | Schiit Magni+ |
| — | — | — |
| Output Power | 1.5W per channel into 32 ohms | 2.5W per channel into 32 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Input Impedance | 10k ohms | 10k ohms |
| Output Impedance | < 0.1 ohms | < 0.1 ohms |
| Gain | 30dB | 30dB |
| Power Supply | 12V DC | 12V DC |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 4.3″ x 2.3″ x 1.7″ | 4.3″ x 2.3″ x 1.7″ |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs | 0.6 lbs |
Design and Build Quality
Both the Schiit Magni and Magni+ feature a compact and minimalist design, with a brushed aluminum chassis that exudes both durability and sophistication. The Magni+ has a slightly larger footprint than the Magni, but both devices are incredibly portable and easy to fit into any audio setup. The build quality of both amplifiers is exceptional, with solid construction and high-quality components ensuring long-lasting performance.
Features
The Schiit Magni and Magni+ offer a similar set of features, including a 3.5mm headphone output, a single-ended RCA input, and a gain switch. However, the Magni+ has a few additional features that set it apart from the Magni.
- Balanced XLR Input: The Magni+ features a balanced XLR input, which provides improved noise rejection and signal quality when used with balanced headphones or audio sources.
- Preamp Outputs: The Magni+ also has a pair of RCA preamp outputs, allowing you to connect it to a powered subwoofer or an external power amplifier.
Sound Quality
The Schiit Magni and Magni+ are both known for their excellent sound quality, but they have slightly different sonic characteristics.
Schiit Magni: The Magni offers a neutral and transparent sound with a wide soundstage and excellent imaging. It provides a balanced listening experience across all frequencies, making it a great choice for a wide range of headphones.
Schiit Magni+: The Magni+ builds on the strengths of the Magni, but with a slightly warmer and more engaging sound signature. It has a slightly more forward midrange, which enhances vocals and instruments, and a slightly extended bass response that adds depth and impact to the low end.
Power and Performance
The Schiit Magni provides 1.5W of power per channel into 32 ohms, while the Magni+ delivers 2.5W per channel into 32 ohms. This difference in power output means that the Magni+ can drive more demanding headphones with greater ease and authority. However, both amplifiers have ample power to drive most headphones, including high-impedance models.
Value for Money
Both the Schiit Magni and Magni+ offer exceptional value for money. The Magni is an affordable entry point into the world of high-quality headphone amplification, while the Magni+ provides a bit more power and features for a slightly higher price. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Schiit Magni is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly headphone amplifier with a neutral and transparent sound. It’s a great option for a wide range of headphones and listening styles.
The Schiit Magni++ is a better choice for those who want a bit more power, a warmer sound signature, and additional features such as a balanced XLR input and preamp outputs. It’s a great choice for demanding headphones and those who want to connect their amplifier to a subwoofer or external power amplifier.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Schiit Magni and Magni+, here are a few other options to consider:
- JDS Labs Atom: A compact and affordable headphone amplifier with a neutral sound and ample power.
- Topping L30: A small and powerful headphone amplifier with a warm and musical sound signature.
- Geshelli J2: A high-performance headphone amplifier with a wide range of features and a customizable sound profile.
Key Points
The Schiit Magni and Magni+ are both excellent headphone amplifiers that offer great value for money. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first amplifier or an experienced audiophile seeking a budget-friendly upgrade, one of these devices is sure to meet your needs. Consider your specific requirements, such as power, features, and sound signature, to make the best choice for your audio setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which amplifier is more powerful, the Magni or Magni+?
A: The Magni+ is more powerful, providing 2.5W per channel into 32 ohms compared to the Magni’s 1.5W per channel into 32 ohms.
Q: Does the Magni+ have a balanced XLR input?
A: Yes, the Magni+ features a balanced XLR input, which provides improved noise rejection and signal quality when used with balanced headphones or audio sources.
Q: Can I use the Magni+ to power a subwoofer?
A: Yes, the Magni+ has a pair of RCA preamp outputs that allow you to connect it to a powered subwoofer or an external power amplifier.