Schiit Yggdrasil+ - User Manual

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Summary

Introduction to Yggdrasil+

Yggdrasil+ Overview

Overview of the Yggdrasil+ as a flagship fully modular DAC with advanced design.

Legal and Safety Information

Safety and Installation Guidelines

Required government compliance, installation, and safety guidelines for safe operation.

Connecting Your Yggdrasil+

Output Connections (XLR;RCA)

Connecting balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs to preamps or integrated amps.

Digital Input Ports

Connecting USB, optical, RCA coaxial, BNC, and AES/EBU digital inputs for optimal audio.

Powering On and Operation

Instructions for plugging in the power cord and using the power switch for operation.

Front Panel Controls

Input and Phase;Mode Selection

Using buttons to select inputs, switch phase, and enter NOS mode.

Mute and Indicator Lights

How to mute output and interpret front panel LEDs for status.

Sample Rate and Input LEDs

Understanding LEDs for sample rate format and selected input.

Remote Control

Remote Operation

Using the remote to cycle inputs, mute, and invert output.

Remote Battery Replacement

Instructions for opening the remote and replacing the battery.

Product Upgrades

Modularity and Upgrades

Yggdrasil+ is upgradable via modular design; factory upgrades available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Operational FAQs

Answers to common questions about hum, clicks, input changes, and USB connectivity.

Troubleshooting FAQs

Guidance on no sound, driver installation, and basic troubleshooting steps.

Warranty Information

Warranty Terms and Limitations

Details of the five-year limited warranty, exceptions, and limitations.

Obtaining Warranty Service

How to contact Schiit Audio for warranty service and obtain a Return Authorization (RA).

Whats Included

Package Contents

Lists items included in the box and expresses appreciation from the Schiit team.

The Schiit Yggdrasil+ is a high-end, fully modular Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) designed for audiophiles seeking ultimate sound quality and future-proofing. It features an advanced design, including a choke-input power supply and a unique time- and frequency-domain digital filter.

Function Description:

The Yggdrasil+ converts digital audio signals from various sources into analog audio, which can then be sent to a preamp or integrated amplifier. Its modular design allows for upgrades to key components, ensuring longevity and adaptability to future technological advancements.

Important Technical Specifications:

Power Input: 115VAC 30W (for the 012345678 model, other voltages may apply).
Outputs:
- Balanced XLR outputs (2 sets)
- Single-ended RCA outputs (2 sets)
- All outputs are active simultaneously.
Inputs:
- Unison USB™ input (USB 2.0 rated)
- Optical (Toslink-style) input
- RCA coaxial digital input (75 ohm coaxial)
- BNC input (75 ohm coaxial)
- AES/EBU input (digital-rated XLR)
Supported Sample Rates: Up to 192K (some optical and long cables may not support 176K and 192K).
Modularity: USB Input, SPDIF Input, DSP, and DAC/Analog cards are all updatable.

Usage Features:

Connections:

XLR Outputs: Connect to a balanced preamp or integrated amplifier using good-quality XLR cables. Direct connection to an amp is not recommended, even with digital volume control.
RCA Outputs: Connect to a preamp or integrated amplifier if XLR inputs are unavailable. Two sets are provided, and both balanced and single-ended outputs are active simultaneously, allowing for connections to subwoofers or other devices.
Unison USB™ Input: Connect to a streamer, computer, or tablet using a short (2m or less) USB 2.0-rated cable (A-B, C-B, or Mini-B depending on the source).
Optical Input: Connect with a short (3m or less), high-quality Toslink-style cable. Lower-quality or long cables may limit support for higher sample rates.
RCA Coaxial Digital Input: Connect with a high-quality 75 ohm coaxial cable.
BNC Input: Connect with a 75 ohm coaxial cable to a BNC digital source (these are noted as rare).
AES/EBU Input: Connect with a high-quality digital-rated XLR cable. This input is highly recommended if not using Unison USB.
Power Cord: Plug in the supplied IEC cord to the device and the other end to a wall outlet.
Power Switch: Turn the device on (up for on, down for off). The Yggdrasil+ can be left on all the time.

Controls (Front Panel):

Input Select Button: Press to cycle through available inputs.
Phase & Mode Button:
- Press once quickly to invert the absolute phase or to leave inverted phase mode.
- Press and hold to enter or leave NOS (Non-Oversampling) mode.
Mute Button: Press and hold to mute the output. When muted, LED 3 lights up.
Phase Inverted LED: Lights up when phase is inverted. Press button 2 to return to normal phase.
NOS Mode LED: Lights up when in NOS mode. Press and hold button 2 to leave NOS mode.
Sample Rate LEDs: Indicate the incoming audio format (44.1K or 48K, plus multiples of 1, 2, 4, or 8X).
Input LEDs: Show the currently selected input.
Low Quality Source LED: Lights up when clock regeneration must loosen its algorithm due to a poor source. This indicates a need to check the source or cables. This light should rarely be seen.
Mute LED: Lights up when muted. Flashes during self-checks upon power-on.
Remote Control Sensor: Receives signals from the remote. Ensure it is not blocked.

Remote Control:

The remote allows for:

Cycling through inputs.
Muting the output.
Inverting the output.

Changing the Remote Battery:

Open the remote by inserting the end of a paper clip into the hole in the back and pressing firmly.
Replace the battery with one of the same type.
Reassemble by inserting the clear LED in the front, then dropping the panel onto the matching magnets.

Troubleshooting (FAQ):

Hum: Likely a ground loop. Try a HumX or ground loop isolator.
Clicks between songs/inputs: Normal, due to the muting relay engaging when there's no input or when sampling rates change.
Slow input/music changes: Normal, as the Yggdrasil+ performs extensive signal quality analysis and clock regeneration adjustments.
Computer not seeing USB: Check schiit.com/faq/USB-problems for solutions, as some USB ports may lack sufficient power.
Windows USB drivers: Not needed for modern Windows computers; fully UAC2 compliant.
Glitches/intermittent connectivity: Refer to schiit.com/faq/DAC-problems.
No sound: Check if sources are on and if the computer's sound output is correctly set to Yggdrasil+ via SPDIF or USB in both Control Panel/System Preferences and music player software.
Leaving on all the time: Safe and recommended.
No power: Try a different AC socket, ensure no blackout, then contact support.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning: Use only a dry cloth.
Ventilation: Assure adequate ventilation; do not block openings or place near heat sources.
Power Cord: Use the supplied power cord or a suitable replacement. Route cords away from traffic and protect them from being pinched. Unplug if unused for a long period.
Electric Shock Prevention: Do not use extension cords or receptacles where blades cannot be fully inserted.
Servicing: Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Service is required if the device is damaged (cord/plug damage, liquid spills, dropped, exposed to rain/moisture, abnormal operation).
Upgradability: The modular design allows for user-friendly upgrades of USB Input, SPDIF Input, DSP, and DAC/Analog cards. Schiit offers a factory-installed upgrade service via their Upgrade Queueing system.

Warranty:

Duration: Five (5) years from the date of purchase for defects in material and workmanship.
Exceptions: Tubes (90-day limited warranty) and remote controls (1-year limited warranty).
Service: Contact info@schiit.com for a Return Authorization (RA) before sending the product for repair.
Limitations: Warranty does not cover modified/tampered products, damage from negligence, accident, unreasonable use, coffee, other unrelated causes, or altered/defaced serial numbers. Implied warranties are limited to 5 years. Schiit Audio is not liable for consequential or incidental damages.