I have a Jot 2 but with no modules. I have it paired currently with a Bifrost 2 balanced out to the Jot balanced in. It sounds really good to me. I have also paired it up with a Modius, also balanced to balanced and that sounded good too, but the Bifrost 2 takes the win. Although, comparing a $700 DAC to a $200 DAC that is expected.
I donāt have a $2K+ amp to compare it to nor have I heard an amp in that range so I am unable to speak to that other than Iām pretty sure the Jot might have some qualities of an amp in that class but I doubt that it is a replacement. AKA the Jot 2 is not a giant killer, IMO. But it is a pretty darn good amp in its class.
As for an all-in-one solution - those sound very appealing but I honestly feel one is better off with separate DAC & Amp pairings. As there is more flexibility to swap one or the other out as you get different headphones etc. Again, just my thoughts. I know there can be compelling reasons to go with an all-in-one.
Yeah, I just like to fiddle with stuff too much to be tied in to one box like that. Iām just saying that I could see people liking that simplicityā¦ Although maybe most people at this level donāt like their stuff simple? If we did, weād probably all just have Air Pods and be done with it.
Jot 2 is for, me is a really fun amp good bass, punchy and energetic as described. And yes, I have an amp on my desk that was 3x as much as the jot 2 and Yes, there is a major difference - but I still keep the Bifrost 2 and Jot 2 on the desk and still enjoy using that stack.
The SE on the Jot 2 is a little better than on my A3. However, I donāt feel it is enough difference to upgrade from an A3. If I did not have an amp, and if I did not have a need for balanced and did not have any plans to use balanced. I would go for the A3 still. Only time I would say go for the Jot 2 is if you were looking for balanced - and to have pretty much equal performance from either SE or Balanced outputs in the same amp.
The SE output on my Liquid Platinum as an example, is not as good as the Balanced output. Thatās one thing that sets the Jot 2 aside from most amps in its class - Both SE/BAL perform pretty much equally albeit with slightly different signatures.
Worth noting that the SE of Jot puts out one-third the max power of Balanced, also considerably less than A3. Not that it is not powerful. Butā¦ less so than a Magni.
The SE is a convenience piece again, as you said Jot2 should be purchased with balanced as the primary pref. Interesting to hear that you prefer the SE on Jot2 to A3 though, Iād love to hear a bit about the difference.
The differences are subtle as I mentioned and by themselves do not warrant an upgrade from the A3 on their own but, I find the Jot 2 SE fuller, smoother with a bit more detail and the stage presence to be more open than the A3. YMMV.
Hello,
Would the Jotunheim 2 be a good complement to my 789, or a straight up replacement? I like the sound of the 789 fine, but Iām curious. I have the Bifrost 2 on the way (itās been stuck in Memphis for a week). My 2 main cans are the HD660s & Focal Elex. I also have the HD58x and Grado SR80e.
Thanks,
Hi! IMO the Jot 2 will be a replacement AND upgrade from the 789. Youāll get a similar sound sig to the 789 from the Jot 2ās balanced output with less treble harshness and youāll get a changeup sound sig from the SE output to boot.
Congrats on the Bifrost 2 !!! I have a great passion for mine. I also particularly enjoy the match-ups of Bifrost 2 with the Jot 2 and also Liquid Platinum.
I have never heard a 789 so I have no input, and even if I did I would trust @WaveTheoryās ears and experience over mine. All I can do is honestly let you know how much I enjoy the Bf2/Jot2 together. Using balanced out from BF2 into balanced in on the Jot 2 - and then using either SE or BAL headphone out. There is some really good āsynergy magicā in that combo as one might expect with both of them being pieces of Schiit (lol).
