Schiit Announces Skoll Phono-Amp

All Image Credit: Schiit

Schiit Audio has just announced their latest phono pre-amplifier, the Skoll. This new design supports balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs, all driven by fully-balanced internal circuitry. The design uses all Class A amplifiers and contains only discrete components, with no op-amps.

Its Equipoise, balanced differential, fully discrete, zero feedback gain stages are controlled by a microprocessor and internal switching relays, that according to Schiit, produce zero pops and clicks. Also the digital microprocessor goes to “sleep” after switching between gains of; 40, 50, 60 and 70dB whether using the supplied remote or front panel controls. Skoll’s no-feedback gain stages use a compound JFET-BJT design that sit on 64 volt supply rails that support; “enhanced linearity and freedom from overload.”

MM and MC cartridges are well catered for with its fully passive RIAA equalizer design, having a response accuracy of: +/- 0.15dB, 20-20kHz. The handheld remote allowing the user to control the following parameters from your favorite seated position:

• Input selection: balanced XLR or single ended RCA
• Change gain: 40, 50, 60, or 70dB
• Change resistive loading: 47k (MM) or 10, 50, 100, or 150 ohms (MC)
• Change capacitive loading: 50, 100, 150, or 200pF
• Select LF filter: no LF filter or engage the 2-pole/15 Hz passive network

IR Plastic Remote

The selected configuration and status are displayed on the front panel using small LED’s.

Finally, the only part of this new design that isn’t manufactured in the USA is the external wall-wart power supply, but there’s some give and take at this price point. I would not be too surprised if upgrading to a low noise analog supply provides some audible improvements.

Schiit Specified Features:

• Gain: enough for all turntables, all cartridges
• Noise: insanely low for a turntable, you’ll be hearing the pops not the hiss
• Distortion: 10-100x lower than any record you’ll play
• Heat: top gets moderately warm; nothing to worry about, we make stuff that runs way hotter for years and years
• Size: smaller than a typical rack product, but probably not small enough to hide behind the turntable

Technical Specifications:

• Topology:
  • Equipoise™ balanced, differential, fully discrete zero feedback gain stages, passive RIAA, 0.1% thin-film resistors, and 1-2% film capacitors, switchable passive CR LF filter, microprocessor oversight and relay switching, remote control
• Gain: 40db
  • THD: <0.006%, ref 4V RMS balanced, 2V RMS SE
  • SNR: >102dB, A-weighted, ref 4V RMS balanced, 2V RMS SE
  • Crosstalk: -100dB, 20-20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 2.85mV for 300mV output at 1kHz
• Gain: 50dB
  • THD: <0.02%, ref 4V RMS balanced, 2V RMS SE
  • SNR: >90dB, A-weighted, ref 4V RMS,2V RMS SE
  • Crosstalk: -98dB, 20-20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 0.78mV for 300mV output at 1kHz
• Gain: 60dB
  • THD: <0.03%, ref 4V RMS balanced, 2V RMS SE
  • SNR: >85dB, A-weighted, ref 4V RMS balanced, 2V RMS SE
  • Crosstalk: -95dB, 20-20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 0.34mV for 300mV output at 1kHz
• Gain: 70dB
  • THD: <0.06%, ref 4V RMS balanced, 2V RMS SE
  • SNR: >70dB, A-weighted, ref 4V RMS
  • Crosstalk: -84dB, 20-20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 0.09mV for 300mV output at 1kHz
• Maximum Output: 20V RMS XLR balanced, 10V RMS single ended RCA
• Overload Margin: >20dB
• RIAA Accuracy: +/- 0.15dB, 20-20kHz
• Low Frequency Filter: switchable 2 pole at 15 Hz, fully passive, for balanced XLR outputs
• Output Impedance: 10 ohms
• Input Loading – switched via remote or front-panel button:
  • 10, 50, 100, 150, and 47k ohms resistive, and
  • 50, 100, 150, or 200pF capacitive
• Power Supply:
  • “wall wart” style 24/6VAC transformer, dual-filtered, regulated +45V/-19V rails, plus 5V/3.3V supply for microprocessor and relays
• Power Consumption: 7W
• Size: 9 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Weight: 2 lbs.

Availability:

• November 2023

MSRP:

• US: $399.00