What To Know
- However, the Magni Heretic has a slightly more premium feel, featuring a brushed metal finish and a large, easy-to-read volume knob.
- The price difference reflects the Magni Heretic’s more powerful output and adjustable gain, making it the better choice for those who need a high-performance amp for demanding headphones.
- The Magni Heretic has the edge in terms of output power, input options, and gain adjustability, making it the better choice for demanding headphones and those who value versatility.
In the realm of audiophile headphone enthusiasts, the Schiit Magni+ series reigns supreme, offering a range of budget-friendly yet high-performance headphone amplifiers. Among them, the Magni+ and the Magni Heretic stand out as two of the most popular options. But which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Schiit Magni+ and Magni Heretic to help you make an informed decision.
Output Power
The Schiit Magni+ boasts a robust output power of 1.5 watts per channel into 32 ohms, while the Magni Heretic provides 2.5 watts per channel into the same impedance. This means that the Magni Heretic can drive more demanding headphones with ease, offering greater headroom and dynamics.
Input Options
The Magni+ offers a wide range of input options, including RCA, 3.5mm, and USB. The Magni Heretic, on the other hand, has a more limited selection, featuring only RCA and 3.5mm inputs.
Gain
The Schiit Magni++ has a fixed gain of 15 dB, which may not be sufficient for driving some low-sensitivity headphones. The Magni Heretic, however, features adjustable gain, allowing you to customize the amplification level to suit your headphones’ needs.
THD+N
Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) is a measure of the amplifier’s output purity. The Magni+ has an exceptionally low THD+N rating of 0.005%, while the Magni Heretic has an equally impressive rating of 0.001%. This indicates that both amplifiers produce extremely clean and accurate sound reproduction.
Build Quality
Both the Magni+ and Magni Heretic are built to Schiit’s exacting standards, with sturdy aluminum enclosures and high-quality components. However, the Magni Heretic has a slightly more premium feel, featuring a brushed metal finish and a large, easy-to-read volume knob.
Price
The Schiit Magni++ is priced at $99, while the Magni Heretic retails for $149. The price difference reflects the Magni Heretic’s more powerful output and adjustable gain, making it the better choice for those who need a high-performance amp for demanding headphones.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Schiit Magni++ and Magni Heretic ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you have low-sensitivity headphones or require adjustable gain, the Magni Heretic is the better option. However, if you don’t need these features and are looking for an excellent value, the Magni+ is an exceptional choice.
The Verdict
Both the Schiit Magni++ and Magni Heretic are outstanding headphone amplifiers that offer excellent sound quality and build quality. The Magni Heretic has the edge in terms of output power, input options, and gain adjustability, making it the better choice for demanding headphones and those who value versatility. However, the Magni+ remains an incredible value for those who don’t require these advanced features.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which amplifier is better for driving high-impedance headphones?
A: The Magni Heretic, due to its higher output power.
Q: Can I use the Magni+ with balanced headphones?
A: No, the Magni+ does not support balanced connections.
Q: Is the Magni Heretic worth the extra cost over the Magni+?
A: It depends on your needs. If you require adjustable gain and higher output power, the Magni Heretic is worth the investment.