Headphones amplifiers — Schiit Audio MIDGARD

The MIDGARD is a powerful fully discrete headphone amplifier and preamplifier from Schiit Audio, built around a unique Halo mixed-feedback circuit designed to work with almost any headphone. The MIDGARD brings Schiit's considered American engineering to a serious, universally compatible headphone-amplification format.

Key specs that matter

Maximum power reaches a substantial 5,500mW RMS per channel into 32 ohms, falling to 3,200mW into 50 ohms, 750mW into 300 ohms, and 325mW into 600 ohms - a comprehensive power range covering essentially any headphone impedance. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB, with selectable gain of 1 or 5dBu. THD is an exceptionally low 0.0003% at 1V RMS into 300 ohms. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 128dB, with IMD under 112% and crosstalk at 80dB. Output impedance is 0.1 ohms for headphone use or 75 ohms in preamp mode. At 229 x 152 x 38mm and 0.9kg, the MIDGARD maintains a compact yet powerful chassis.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean, low-distortion amplification reflecting the exceptionally low 0.0003% THD combined with the signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 128dB, with the unique Halo mixed-feedback circuit and comprehensive power range delivering genuine authority across virtually any headphone load.

Pairing

The comprehensive power range from 32 to 600 ohms and dual-purpose headphone-amp-and-preamp design make the MIDGARD compatible with almost any headphone as well as a downstream power amplifier.

Alternatives

Schiit Audio's own broader headphone-amplifier catalogue offers related alternatives at different price points within the same considered engineering philosophy.