Schiit Audio’s success should not come as a surprise to anyone and that’s not just because of their savvy marketing and focus on value. They continue to innovate and engineer great sounding Schiit that is manufactured domestically. In the amplifier category, their new $1,999 “flagship” Wotan offers a number of new innovations that make it unique.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for a lower-priced two-channel power amp, Schitt Audio also offers the Aegir-2f for $999 which is compared below.
What the Wotan Is
The Wotan is a stereo power amplifier with the ability to output 200 watts into 2 channels at 8 ohms and 400 watts into 2 channels at 4 ohms. Core technology features include a dual-mono design, switchable feedback, intelligent temperature management, and Schiit Audio’s Forkbeard Control and Integration support. Let’s dig into the Wotan a little further.
Dual Mono
The Wotan incorporates two separate 600VA transformers, that support a dual mono amplifier design with 160,000uf filter capacitance, 24 150W Toshiba output devices, and 7 internal power supply rails per channel.
Nexus Differential Topology, Switchable Feedback
Similar to Schiit Audio’s Tyr Monoblock power amp, the Wotan incorporates differential Nexus amplification. This Schiit Audio’s current-feedback balanced design supports the conversion of single-ended (typically RCA) input signals to balanced (typically XLR) output signals. In addition, switchable feedback allows users to furnish overall feedback on or off via front panel control or through the Forkbeard app (more than below).
Forkbeard
To make operation even easier, Schiit Audio has made the Wotan compatible with its Forkbeard control system. Forkbeard provides power output readings and system health stats including temperature and current. You can also switch allows you to switch feedback, change inputs, and trigger Standby mode remotely. The Wotan comes with a Bluetooth Remote and but one needs to use the iOS app to control the Forkbeard control system.
Pro Tip: The Forkbeard control system supports iOS devices and is expected to be released near the end of November 2024. An Android app version is still forthcoming.
Intelligent Silent Operation
The Wotan incorporates internal sensors that monitor current, temperature, DC, and other operational parameters. A 32-bit microprocessor manages and protects the amp in case of any fault. Wotan also provides two fans. Normally the fans stay off which saves electricity, but activate when temperatures climb. The fans switch on—slow at first, then build to full speed if needed. This strategy limits fan noise when listening to music.
Comparison
| Wotan | Aegir 2F | |
| Price | $1,999 | $999 |
| Product Type | 2-Channel Power Amplifier | 2-Channel Power Amplifier |
| Inputs | Singled-ended RCA or balanced XLR (Front Panel Switchable) | L/R RCA jacks for stereo input, single XLR for mono input |
| Outputs | 2 Pairs/5–way Binding Posts | 2 Pairs/5-way Binding Posts |
| Power Output (RMS) | 2 x 200W @ 8 ohms 2 x 400W @ 4 ohms | 2 x 30W @ 8 ohms 2 x 50W @ 4 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 0Hz-20Khz, +/-0.03db, 3Hz-500KHz, +/-3dB | 20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db3Hz-550KHz, -3dB |
| THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) | <0.002%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 200W RMS into 8 ohms | <0.005%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 20W RMS into 8 ohms |
| IMD (Inter-Modulation Distortion) | <0.003%, CCIR, at 200W RMS into 8 ohms | <0.005%, CCIR, at 20W RMS into 8 ohms |
| SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) | >132dB, A-weighted, full output | >122db, A-weighted, full output |
| Damping Factor | No feedback >40 into 8 ohms, 20-20kHz With feedback >100 into 8 ohms, 20-20kHz | >10 into 8 ohms, 20-20kHz |
| Gain | 20 (26dB) | 12 (22dB) |
| Input Impedance | 47k ohms | 22k ohms single-ended, 44k ohms balanced |
| Crosstalk | >90dB, 20-20kHz | >95dB, 20-20kHz |
| Topology | Nexus™ differential current feedback, switchable for no overall feedback | Fully complementary, all-BJT, current feedback, no coupling capacitors or DC servos with Halo™ mixed-mode motion feedback and Continuity™ constant transconductance output stage |
| Control | Forkbeard™ Bluetooth remote control, Companion Smartphone App – also required plug-in model | Companion Forkbeard™ Smartphone App – also requires a plug-in module |
| Power Supply | Two 600VA transformers | 600VA transformer with dual mono main rails |
| Power Consumption | 750W maximum | 250W maximum |
| Size: (WDH) | 16 x 13 x 3.875 inches | 9 x 13 x 3.875 inches |
| Weight | 54 lbs | 21 lbs |
The Bottom Line
There is something to be said about offering affordable high-end components that are made domestically and offer such a high level of performance — Schiit has proven to be unique in that regard.
The Wotan power amplifier is designed to deliver the power for any two-channel system but also incorporates innovative and practical supporting technologies to make sure the power output is clean and also supports easy control and integration with other components with Forkbeard.
As mentioned previously, Schiit Audio also offers a lower-priced two-channel power amp, the Aegir-2f for $999. However, the Wotan is also optimized to be a part of Schiit Audio’s new $4,247 Gigastack system which consists of the Wotan power amp, Gungnir 2 DAC, and the solid-state Kara F or Tube-based Freya F preamps.
Price & Availability
The Schiit Audio Wotan 2-channel power amplifier is priced at $1,999 at schiit.com and the Schiit Audio Retail Store in Newhall, California.
The Wotan is covered by a 5-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. And if you don’t like your Wotan, you can send it back for a refund, minus a 5% restocking fee, within 15 days of receiving it.
Pro Tip: The Wotan is made in the USA. Most components, including chassis and PC boards, are made by US companies in the USA. All assembly, QA, and testing, including 100% instrumented test and 100% listening test, are done at Schiit’s San Antonio, Texas facility.
For more information: schiit.com/products/wotan
Related Reading:
- Schiit Audio’s Vali 3 Hybrid Headphone Amp and Preamp Can Be Your Desktop Hi-Fi Hub
- Schiit’s Gunnr Gaming Interface Will Take You To Hel and Back
- Schiit Audio’s Yggdrasil+ MIB Flagship DAC is Getting Better With Age
- Schiit Audio’s Balanced Kara Preamp and Headphone Amp Offers an Alternative to the Freya S
Jim Anderson
November 21, 2024 at 3:26 pm
The article states “The Wotan comes with a Forkbeard-enabled Bluetooth Remote…” which is incorrect. The only remote that can control Wotan is an iOS device running the Forkbeard app.
Ian White
November 21, 2024 at 4:39 pm
Jim,
Appreciate the correction which has been made.
Best,
Ian White