Head-To-Head Comparison: Schiit Magni Plus Vs Heretic – Which Budget Amp Reigns Supreme?

In the realm of budget-friendly headphone amplifiers, the Schiit Magni Plus and JDS Labs Heretic stand as two formidable contenders. Both devices offer exceptional performance at an affordable price, but which one reigns supreme? To help you make an informed decision, we’ll delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Schiit Magni Plus vs. Heretic.

Design and Build Quality

Schiit Magni Plus: The Magni Plus features a compact and minimalist design with a sleek aluminum chassis. Its small footprint makes it easy to fit on any desk or audio setup. The build quality is solid, with sturdy construction and durable materials.

Heretic: The Heretic boasts a slightly larger and more traditional design. Its black anodized aluminum chassis exudes a more professional and sophisticated look. The build quality is equally impressive, with a robust construction and high-quality components.

Power Output

Schiit Magni Plus: The Magni Plus delivers a respectable 2.5 watts per channel into 32 ohms, which is sufficient to drive most headphones with ease. It can also handle higher impedances, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of headphones.

Heretic: The Heretic packs a more powerful punch, delivering 3 watts per channel into 32 ohms. This extra power provides a wider dynamic range and better control over demanding headphones. However, it’s important to note that this higher power output may not be necessary for all users.

Sound Quality

Schiit Magni Plus: The Magni Plus is renowned for its neutral and transparent sound signature. It provides a balanced and detailed presentation, allowing the natural characteristics of your headphones to shine through.

Heretic: The Heretic offers a slightly warmer and more dynamic sound profile. It adds a touch of richness and fullness to the sound, making it more engaging for some listeners. However, this warmth may come at the expense of some accuracy and transparency.

Features

Schiit Magni Plus: The Magni Plus is a simple and straightforward amplifier with no additional features. It provides a single 3.5mm input and a 6.35mm headphone output.

Heretic: The Heretic offers a more comprehensive feature set, including a 3.5mm input, a 6.35mm headphone output, and a line-level output. The line-level output allows you to connect the Heretic to other devices, such as powered speakers or an external DAC.

Price and Value

Schiit Magni Plus: The Magni Plus is priced at $99, making it one of the most affordable headphone amplifiers on the market. It offers exceptional value for money, considering its performance and build quality.

Heretic: The Heretic is slightly more expensive at $149. However, it justifies its higher price with its more powerful output and additional features. It’s a great choice for users who demand the best possible performance and versatility.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the Schiit Magni Plus and JDS Labs Heretic ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Choose the Schiit Magni Plus if:

• You prefer a neutral and transparent sound signature.
• You need an affordable and compact headphone amplifier.
• You don’t require any additional features.

Choose the JDS Labs Heretic if:

• You want a more powerful and dynamic sound.
• You need a headphone amplifier with a line-level output.
• You’re willing to pay a bit more for additional features.

Conclusion

Both the Schiit Magni Plus and JDS Labs Heretic are excellent headphone amplifiers that offer exceptional performance at an affordable price. The Magni Plus is a great choice for budget-conscious audiophiles who prioritize transparency and value. The Heretic is the better option for users who demand more power, versatility, and a slightly warmer sound signature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which amplifier has a lower noise floor?
A: Both the Magni Plus and Heretic have very low noise floors, making them suitable for sensitive headphones.

Q: Can I use the Magni Plus with high-impedance headphones?
A: Yes, the Magni Plus can drive headphones up to 600 ohms.

Q: Does the Heretic come with a power supply?
A: No, the Heretic does not include a power supply. You will need to purchase a separate DC power adapter.

Q: Which amplifier is better for desktop use?
A: Both the Magni Plus and Heretic are suitable for desktop use. The Magni Plus is more compact, while the Heretic offers more features.

Q: Can I use the Magni Plus as a preamplifier?
A: No, the Magni Plus does not have a preamplifier function.