A Decade of Progress

Schiit Introduces All-New Magni and Modi

November 16, 2022. Corpus Christi, TX. Ten years ago, Schiit introduced the Magni and Modi—and set the world of affordable audio components on its ear. Now, Schiit brings the newest generation of Magni and Modi to reset the bar again. Featuring exotic discrete design (or op-amps), Unison USB™ interface, digital-master-tuned ESS D/A converters, and sexy, seamless “advanced form” steel chassis, the new Magni+, Magni Heretic, and Modi+ are true no-excuses products—for $109 and $129, made in the USA.

“The first Magni and Modi were insane,” said Jason Stoddard, Schiit’s Co-Founder and head of analog development and design. “Nobody expected a USA-made product for $99. But those original products are nothing compared to the new ‘no excuses’ generation. We’ve gone from one gain level on Magni to three. We’ve gone from one digital input on Modi to three. Performance is up across the board. Magni now incorporates sophisticated protection systems to help insure against damage to prized headphones. Modi has our own Unison USB interface. New seamless chassis are much better looking.”

Stoddard also notes that the new Magni and Modi models sell for less than their closest comparisons, the Magni 2 Uber and Modi 2 Uber, in absolute dollars, not constant dollars.

“That’s right,” Jason said. “In 2014, a Magni 2 Uber was $149. Same for Modi 2 Uber. So, despite inflation, the price has gone down. If you factor in inflation, there’s only one conclusion: we are completely and utterly insane.”

The new Magni+, Magni Heretic, and Modi+ offer true no-excuses design, from any perspective:

For Magni and Magni Heretic ($109):

In terms of quality, both use high-grade components, from 0.5% thin-film resistors to silicon caps, in DC-coupled topologies. Magni+ is a 100% discrete design using exotic current feedback, just like amps that cost hundreds (and thousands) more. Magni Heretic is our own unique op-amp topology with no overall feedback and massively parallel output stage based on one of the best op-amps on the planet, the OPA1656.
In terms of flexibility, with 2.4W on tap, and three gain levels, including negative gain for IEMs, you’re set for every headphone out there.
In terms of safety, the overcurrent and DC protection systems—both, by the way, 100% transparent and out of the signal path—mean your most treasured headphones have the highest level of protection.
In terms of design, our new (USA-made) advanced-form steel stamped chassis eliminates visible fasteners and looks completely seamless…and we even added a milled aluminum knob.
In terms of ideology, in that our products are made in a country (the USA) with everyone being paid well above a living wage.

For Modi+ ($129):

In terms of components, it uses the same super-high-quality parts used in much more expensive products—Microchip microcontrollers, ESS DAC, TI OPA1656 op-amps, precision thin-film resistors and film capacitors, DC coupling, advanced power management, and more.
In terms of connectivity, with Schiit’s own Unison USB™ input, purpose-built with a single goal: to deliver the best USB audio, period. It’s a totally reliable, super-high performance interface. Plus, optical and coaxial SPDIF, for TV and other digital connections.
In terms of design, Modi+’s all-new, USA-made, advanced-form steel chassis looks far better than any Modi before, with a seamless appearance and nice touches like a milled aluminum button and LED source indicators.
In terms of performance, on a performance-per-dollar basis, Modi+ is impossible to beat.
In terms of sound, Modi+ was tuned by Mike Moffat and his team of digital wizards, with design chops that date back to the dawn of the DAC.

Magni is offered in two models, Magni+ and Magni Heretic.

Magni+: an all-discrete, current-feedback headphone amp that delivers spectacular performance. Discrete means it is made up of lots of individual transistors. It’s essentially a mini speaker amp. In fact, it’s very much like a Vidar.
Magni Heretic: a 100% op-amp-based headphone amp that delivers even more incredible measurements measurements. Thank the high-quality op-amps used: OPA1656 throuughout—both input and (6) OPA1656 stages per channel for output.

The new Magni+, Magni Heretic, and Modi+ are available today at Schiit.com.

What makes it even more incredible, Stoddard adds, is that both Magni and Modi are made in the USA—from US steel, California stamping, and PC boards made in Utah or Nevada. He adds, “The chassis is super important. We’re using techniques that have largely been forgotten in our new ‘advanced form’ stamped steel chassis. The result is a better-looking, easier to assemble, stronger and more reliable product.”

About Schiit Audio
Founded in 2010 by Jason Stoddard and Mike Moffat, Schiit has grown into a leader in affordable high-end audio, with a wide range of products spanning DACs, headphone amplifiers, and preamplifiers, from $49 to $2799.

Press Contact
Denise Martin, [email protected]