Headphones amplifiers — Schiit Audio MJOLNIR

The MJOLNIR is a headphone amplifier from Schiit Audio, built with comprehensive dual balanced and single-ended output capability. The MJOLNIR brings Schiit Audio's considered engineering to a more accomplished current dedicated headphone amplification format.

Key specs that matter

Maximum power reaches 2,000mW via XLR or 1,000mW via RCA into 32 ohms, or 1,000mW via XLR or 500mW via RCA into 300 ohms - with the balanced XLR connection consistently delivering roughly double the single-ended RCA output. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Total harmonic distortion is under 0.015% via XLR or 0.025% via RCA at 1V RMS into 300 ohms, with signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 110dB via XLR or 98dB via RCA, and output impedance at 0.25 ohms via XLR or 0.13 ohms via RCA. At 406 x 222 x 57mm and 9.5kg, the MJOLNIR represents a substantial headphone amplifier commitment.

Sound and use context

Expect clean, powerful amplification reflecting the strong signal-to-noise figures across both connection types, with the balanced XLR connection consistently outperforming the single-ended RCA connection.

Pairing

The dual balanced and single-ended outputs handle demanding headphone loads directly, with the balanced connection extracting fuller performance from compatible sources.

Alternatives

Schiit Audio's own MIDGARD and LYR offer alternatives within the same broader headphone amplifier catalogue at different output configurations.