Thanks for being the first to review the Skoll. I’m a new subscriber due to your review. I have a Mani 1 and I’m holding out for the Silver model. Jason said after two runs they will do silver.
Ive owned the Mani, Mani 2, and now the Skoll. I dig it! Its taking a little time to break in, but instruments are very detailed and bigger sounding. Just an extraordinary experience to listen to.
It’s great to see a full review on this overlooked NEW phono preamp from Schiit. I’ve been comparing the Skoll to the Moon 110LPV2 and another model with balanced connections, the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B - there’s barely any info out there on the Skoll. Anyway, your review has been the most helpful yet. On that note, somebody needs to talk about the new iFi Zen Phono 3 too. The turntable community would appreciate it. Cheers! 🍻
I am using a Mani 2 as my first phono pre amp separate, was using the phono stage on my Musical Fidelity M5si, and the difference is incredible. However, I picked up a Pro-Ject X1B and considering the Skoll to explore XLR and the remote seems like such an easy way to teach myself about the technical side of our hobby setting by setting. Awesome review - subscribed (Schitt should make you their influencer)!
Hey. How do you like your amp? I just got a A1 and I’m sold on that amp. Sounds incredible. Could I expect their other amps have the same sound character? Musical fidelity might be my new fav.
@@s.daniel9224 LOVE the M5si! They are often touted as being able to drive practically any speaker (Dali Oberon 7's here). Transparent, neutral and honest (tad warm)...endless power, esp w/my 6 ohm speakers (225w @ 6). The A1 has always been an awesome amp, you should demo the M5si.
Good review. I owned the Schiit Mani 1, my entry back into vinyl. It was a decent unit, but as stated, I despised the flipping over and using a small screwdriver to change the dip switches. Plus, the jump in dB was too much of a variance. The skoll has me wondering why they used 40db as a starting point. I currently use the Parks Audio Puffin, and nice thing about it is that I go from 32db input to 44db depending on the certain album.
Most phono preamps are quiet enough in moving magnet at 40db of gain. It's when they have to increase to 60db for low output moving coil cartridges that the problem with noise arises. The Skool's specs are -95db for 60db of gain. That is excellent. Your audible test seems to prove that to be true. Thanks for the review.
I went through two different Skolls. Both had the buzz in the left channel, just like the buzz you show here, but significantly louder. Very audible and distracting in quiet parts of music. Definitely louder than Mani's inherent white noise. I use quality components and had zero buzz with the other two preamps I own. Schiit said the Skoll is incompatible with my system and that their working on the problem. Schiit should warn people about this issue. Others are experiencing this same issue, so buyers beware.
@@HiFiTurtleThis is a copy/paste of the email I received : "I am sorry but there is an issue with your system that is incompatible with Skoll. We recommend that you return Skoll. Please let me know if you would like to proceed and I will provide a pre-paid label. Regards, Laura Z" So it's a mystery to me. They should really let the public know and get to the bottom of this. If they resolve the issue, I'd love to give it another try. For now, I'm still enjoying the Mani 2.
I'll be interested to see if I experience the same issue. Schiit won't be able to tell me my system is incompatible because aside from the turntable and speakers it is complete Schiit lol
I have the same buzz in the left tweeter. It's super faint though and doesn't seem to affect the music. I might reach out to them if this is a problem with the early units.
Don't buy if you have efficient speakers or headphones. Skoll has a noisy left channel because of PCB desitn and which is very audible on efficient speakers and headphones even on the lowest gain. Wait for Skoll 2.
Hi. I’m trying to decide between the Schiit Skoll and the Pro-Ject phono box s3 b. The $100 difference in price is not a problem. Which one do you think is better overall? Will you be doing a comparison between the two in the future?
I’d like to know how it compares to the Parasound Zphono XRM, which I own and paid $350 for on sale. It also has zero him or noise, I’ve been pretty happy with this one, but always looking at other options that might be an improvement.
Seems like a great choice. Interesting that the loading capacitance isnt selectable, does it automatically adjust? I know some very high end products that do that
Hey I've got a question. I wanna use my MM-Turntable with only RCA Output with the Schiit Skoll and Active Yamaha HS8. First of all does it even make sense to run such a setup and will I end up with a good audio result? Secondly is it possible to plug my turntable into the SE-Input of the Skoll and then leave the Skoll over the balanced output to go into the active speakers? Thank you very much for any help!
Great review! I have a couple of questions I have owned the original Mani and I currently have the Mani 2, which is a great preamp (beside the pink noise). Is the $250 price difference between the Skoll and Mani 2 worth it? Also the gain settings for MM cartridges 40db for the Skoll and 42db for the Mani 2 is that a minimal or a major difference between gains? Thank you!
Can you name a couple that support those resistances? Budget devices have to have wide appeal and features are set for those audiences in order to have the economy of scale required
Cant say Ive heard the ma5200 to give you a true opinion. However, it is my opinion that built in phonos especially those built into integrated amps will fall short of many dedicated because of how sensitive and low power the signal is. It's easy to pollute that with noise from the power supply of the phono itself, much more so the power supply of a full on power amp inside the same chasis.
Lokius is cheaper than Skoll, and is also a 6 band tone control. Same size case and it had XLR and RCA in and out. Just don't stack it under a massive transformer like Jotunheim.
@@HiFiTurtle Correct. But look at the parent comment, which I was replying to. Balanced DAC > LOKIUS > RCA out to tube amp costs less than using a Skoll where lokius is in that chain, and also would not eroniously apply the RIAA Phono EQ.
pf is picofared, I have never heard it pronounced "piff". Highly recommend that pronounce words correctly if you want to gain any respect from your viewers. Just a suggestion not a dig. Please carry on...
@@HiFiTurtle He's right. It's a semi-technical to very technical crowd watching you. You either say picofarad or "puff". You'll earn more respect if you follow this advice.
@@tonykara puff is how Ive heard others refer to it but forgot in the moment of filming. My point is more so that stuffy audiophiles should be able to get over a minor pronunciation issue. If the condition of respect hinges on such a minor point it's frivolous for me to persue it. I will simply carry on.
Just can't put any Schit named items into my rig. Their childish stupid name doesn't deserve my money. Time to grow and and show you deserve my hard earned money.
![ง้อ (ALRIGHT) - FOURTH Prod. by URBOYTJ [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Qs8ZeV6Dqj8/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for being the first to review the Skoll. I’m a new subscriber due to your review. I have a Mani 1 and I’m holding out for the Silver model. Jason said after two runs they will do silver.
thanks for letting me know about the hiss or buzzing problem before I spent money on this unit.
Definitely audible, all have this.
Ive owned the Mani, Mani 2, and now the Skoll. I dig it!
Its taking a little time to break in, but instruments are very detailed and bigger sounding. Just an extraordinary experience to listen to.
The reduced pops and clicks are more to the no negative feedback design. Your analysis is right on...very clean sound.
It’s great to see a full review on this overlooked NEW phono preamp from Schiit. I’ve been comparing the Skoll to the Moon 110LPV2 and another model with balanced connections, the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B - there’s barely any info out there on the Skoll. Anyway, your review has been the most helpful yet. On that note, somebody needs to talk about the new iFi Zen Phono 3 too. The turntable community would appreciate it. Cheers! 🍻
I am using a Mani 2 as my first phono pre amp separate, was using the phono stage on my Musical Fidelity M5si, and the difference is incredible. However, I picked up a Pro-Ject X1B and considering the Skoll to explore XLR and the remote seems like such an easy way to teach myself about the technical side of our hobby setting by setting. Awesome review - subscribed (Schitt should make you their influencer)!
Thank you!
Hey. How do you like your amp? I just got a A1 and I’m sold on that amp. Sounds incredible. Could I expect their other amps have the same sound character? Musical fidelity might be my new fav.
@@s.daniel9224 LOVE the M5si! They are often touted as being able to drive practically any speaker (Dali Oberon 7's here). Transparent, neutral and honest (tad warm)...endless power, esp w/my 6 ohm speakers (225w @ 6). The A1 has always been an awesome amp, you should demo the M5si.
Good review. I owned the Schiit Mani 1, my entry back into vinyl. It was a decent unit, but as stated, I despised the flipping over and using a small screwdriver to change the dip switches. Plus, the jump in dB was too much of a variance. The skoll has me wondering why they used 40db as a starting point. I currently use the Parks Audio Puffin, and nice thing about it is that I go from 32db input to 44db depending on the certain album.
My Mani 2 is very quiet.
Most phono preamps are quiet enough in moving magnet at 40db of gain. It's when they have to increase to 60db for low output moving coil cartridges that the problem with noise arises. The Skool's specs are -95db for 60db of gain. That is excellent. Your audible test seems to prove that to be true. Thanks for the review.
Mine clearly has audible Lch noise on the lowest gain when using headphones.
I went through two different Skolls. Both had the buzz in the left channel, just like the buzz you show here, but significantly louder. Very audible and distracting in quiet parts of music. Definitely louder than Mani's inherent white noise. I use quality components and had zero buzz with the other two preamps I own.
Schiit said the Skoll is incompatible with my system and that their working on the problem. Schiit should warn people about this issue. Others are experiencing this same issue, so buyers beware.
What was the reason it's incompatible?
Did they say they're working on a fix publically or was it just in communication with you?
@@HiFiTurtleThis is a copy/paste of the email I received :
"I am sorry but there is an issue with your system that is incompatible with Skoll. We recommend that you return Skoll. Please let me know if you would like to proceed and I will provide a pre-paid label.
Regards,
Laura Z"
So it's a mystery to me. They should really let the public know and get to the bottom of this. If they resolve the issue, I'd love to give it another try. For now, I'm still enjoying the Mani 2.
I'll be interested to see if I experience the same issue. Schiit won't be able to tell me my system is incompatible because aside from the turntable and speakers it is complete Schiit lol
I have the same buzz in the left tweeter. It's super faint though and doesn't seem to affect the music. I might reach out to them if this is a problem with the early units.
I have the same buzzing noise on the left channel.
thanks for review im about ready to pull the trigger on 1
Hope you enjoy! Shipping for me was like 5 days not 2-3 weeks thankfully
i currently use ifi zen with ifi silent pwr supply and a rega mk3 hopefully this skol will be a upgrade from these
Don't buy if you have efficient speakers or headphones. Skoll has a noisy left channel because of PCB desitn and which is very audible on efficient speakers and headphones even on the lowest gain. Wait for Skoll 2.
Hi. I’m trying to decide between the Schiit Skoll and the Pro-Ject phono box s3 b. The $100 difference in price is not a problem. Which one do you think is better overall? Will you be doing a comparison between the two in the future?
Would be a great comparison. Let me see what I can do to try and get one.
You just sold me on the Skoll over the Mani 2. 7:42
HOLY SHKIT!
Are you adding the k sound in schiit for TH-cam censorship reasons?
Yes
@@HiFiTurtle We all know. And there is nothing wrong with caution. Rock On!
I’d like to know how it compares to the Parasound Zphono XRM, which I own and paid $350 for on sale. It also has zero him or noise, I’ve been pretty happy with this one, but always looking at other options that might be an improvement.
Seems like a great choice. Interesting that the loading capacitance isnt selectable, does it automatically adjust? I know some very high end products that do that
It does have a capacitance loading knob on the back on the MC side. Most phono preamps are not adjustable for MM.
Hey I've got a question.
I wanna use my MM-Turntable with only RCA Output with the Schiit Skoll and Active Yamaha HS8.
First of all does it even make sense to run such a setup and will I end up with a good audio result?
Secondly is it possible to plug my turntable into the SE-Input of the Skoll and then leave the Skoll over the balanced output to go into the active speakers?
Thank you very much for any help!
Yup! The balanced output is still active on a SE input. Thats how I ran it. Its a great sounding phono so if it fits your budget, makes sense to me!
@@HiFiTurtle Thank you very much! If you had to decide between the Skoll and the ProJect Phono Box SB 3, what would you take?
Great review! I have a couple of questions I have owned the original Mani and I currently have the Mani 2, which is a great preamp (beside the pink noise). Is the $250 price difference between the Skoll and Mani 2 worth it? Also the gain settings for MM cartridges 40db for the Skoll and 42db for the Mani 2 is that a minimal or a major difference between gains? Thank you!
Minimal difference betweent gain setting imo. I did the upgrade and I think its 100% worth it
@@HiFiTurtleThank you!
Come on man, everybody knows it's not pronounced "Skit".
Will you pay me the missed revenue because of mature language?
@@HiFiTurtle Excuse me? Get back here and apologize to your own viewer.
@@HiFiTurtle It's only immature Americans who think it's a dirty word.
@@tonykara well until the immature Americans at youtube allow for such, I ain't sayin' shhhhh...
Perhaps they would have been better off to name their company "Poop". Just saying.
...when a budget preamp can run MOVING MAGNET cartridges with choice of resistance (35k, 47k, 68k)......wake me up.
Can you name a couple that support those resistances?
Budget devices have to have wide appeal and features are set for those audiences in order to have the economy of scale required
I have a McIntosh ma5200 and I’m using a rega with an ortofon 2m bronze. Think it would sound better?
Cant say Ive heard the ma5200 to give you a true opinion. However, it is my opinion that built in phonos especially those built into integrated amps will fall short of many dedicated because of how sensitive and low power the signal is. It's easy to pollute that with noise from the power supply of the phono itself, much more so the power supply of a full on power amp inside the same chasis.
Can this be a xlr to rca converter?
Connect balanced DAC>skool>RCA out to tube amp
No, I would recommend this amzn.to/3x9BAgX (affiliate)
Lokius is cheaper than Skoll, and is also a 6 band tone control. Same size case and it had XLR and RCA in and out.
Just don't stack it under a massive transformer like Jotunheim.
@@LordWaterBottle Lokius is a multi-band EQ, Skoll is a phono pre. Two entirely different products
@@HiFiTurtle Correct. But look at the parent comment, which I was replying to.
Balanced DAC > LOKIUS > RCA out to tube amp costs less than using a Skoll where lokius is in that chain, and also would not eroniously apply the RIAA Phono EQ.
What the puck is a skit?
Wth is "shkit audio"? Seriously, dude?
Y u md tho?
Blame wokeTube for their censorship.
pf is picofared, I have never heard it pronounced "piff". Highly recommend that pronounce words correctly if you want to gain any respect from your viewers. Just a suggestion not a dig. Please carry on...
Bet you're fun at parties
@@HiFiTurtle He's right. It's a semi-technical to very technical crowd watching you. You either say picofarad or "puff". You'll earn more respect if you follow this advice.
@@tonykara puff is how Ive heard others refer to it but forgot in the moment of filming. My point is more so that stuffy audiophiles should be able to get over a minor pronunciation issue. If the condition of respect hinges on such a minor point it's frivolous for me to persue it. I will simply carry on.
Just can't put any Schit named items into my rig. Their childish stupid name doesn't deserve my money. Time to grow and and show you deserve my hard earned money.