Schiit just DESTROYED Home Theater?

Рет қаралды 243,703

Күн бұрын

Schiit Syn bit.ly/3ZAqcmD
Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com
Support the Channel by Shopping on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK
Cheap Audio Man Store Front shop.howl.me/cam
Join the best hifi community out there! / cheapaudioman
TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqo...
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
amzn.to/3GkNaop
CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
0:00 Start
0:26 Intro
0:47 Syn
1:41 How it Works
3:32 The Remote
4:59 On the Back
6:52 Final Thoughts
Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
Test Track Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Satanic Panic Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Leg Warmers Playlist
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
cheapaudioman
If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
Recommended Streamer
WIIM Mini amzn.to/33CL99w
Bluesound Node shop-links.co/cgGiqJ2UFIO
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Elac BS41 amzn.to/3SBmEgq
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Jamo Concert howl.me/cf295uVQJA0
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Emotiva B2+ emotiva.com?aff=9
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top howl.me/cf295uVQJA0
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Wharfedale Denton 80th amzn.to/3Sv8RIq
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100/200 howl.me/cf29UeQAWsD
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
Aiyima T9 amzn.to/3F8eOb6
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA1 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Recommended DACs
Geshelli Labs J2 geshelli.com/product/jnog2/
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc

Пікірлер: 597

@cheapaudioman Жыл бұрын

Schiit Syn bit.ly/3lVD2OL Support the Channel by Shopping on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Cheap Audio Man Store Front shop.howl.me/cam Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqouBa5pcIw Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5

@briantracy1324 Жыл бұрын

Pair it with a multi channel pro amplifier (not audiophile,, a stage amp) with BIG power like Crown ....

@tallpaull9367 Жыл бұрын

The comment section is fire ! Good job man :)

@switawivr6 Жыл бұрын

@@briantracy1324 I'm close to finally getting my hands on a fine example of my dream multi-channel amp, a Sunfire Audio Cinema Grand Signature II. 425Wx5@8ohms. The Schitt unit pushing Optical from TV, USB from Streamer+NAS, and RCA split input from Phono Preamp & OPPO Player might prove to be simply Synful. Time for speaker upgrades!

@Unicorn-ST Жыл бұрын

While I was watching to the video, I was thinking in possibilities. It’s great for using with active speakers or for combine active speakers and amp + passive ones. It’s also useful for a surround desktop system, just for enjoy music and videos or even for gaming. I am nit sure if it could get a double stereo using the front and surround, but if it does it, it could be possible also to use with two amps or an amb and active speakers or just use it for doing comparations. The crossfeed habilitó for the headphones is also a good feature.

@SistinasTube Жыл бұрын

Dude, as long as you are not man enough to pronounce the brand name correctly, I will ignore you channel going forward. This is so annoying.

@fascinatedbyeverything Жыл бұрын

Before watching this video, I recommend reading the FAQ on this product on the Schiit site first. That's what I did (by accident!) and I therefore didn't have the same problem that other viewers did. I do wish Randi went into more detail about how the Presence and Width knobs impacted things....he said he could talk forever about it, and I'd like to see a longer video where he just nerds out on testing the settings and different modes.

@DrGIzmoBRad Жыл бұрын

The reason there's no vocals in the surround channels is because the surround outputs are based on the difference between the Left and Right channels (L-R and R-L). Vocals are usually placed at the center of the soundstage, thus vocals are coming out 'equally' from both the L and R channels. If the surround is derived from L-R and R-L, then center channel info will be subtracted out.

@hippo319 Жыл бұрын

Right but it's not using Dolby to separate it as he said, it's an older technology

@DaveNagy1 Жыл бұрын

@@hippo319 Wiring up a "difference channel" speaker definitely counts as an older technology: Take a stereo system, wire a third speaker to the positive (or negative) contacts of both the left and right speaker outputs. Maybe put a potentiometer inline, so you can fiddle with the third speaker's volume. Hang speaker above your couch. Play any sort of stereo content. Voila! An ambiance channel! I did it in the 80's. It'll have a bunch of reverb, some instruments, but hardly any vocals. And yes, if you played some of that new-fangled Dolby matrix-surround content through such a system, it will "decode" that as well. Sort of. But all you really need is vanilla 2-channel content.

@gabungan69 Жыл бұрын

matrix surround circuit

@CinemaDemocratica Жыл бұрын

As a long-time fan and subscriber of the channel, I have to say that this is the first video from Randy that I believe really needed another take. Specifically, he has three opportunities near the beginning to say, "Here's exactly what this thing *is*," and all three times he announces that he's about to do that, and then reverts to the usual segments in his review videos, such as "on the front." It gradually emerged why this piece is special and what it does and doesn't do, but the video was needlessly frustrating to watch. An "un-amplified home theater control center" takes, what, four or five seconds to say?

@TheRealPotoroo Жыл бұрын

Randy needs to script his videos. When he wings it he has a habit of either getting repetitive or flat out missing key sections of whatever it is he's talking about.

@CinemaDemocratica Жыл бұрын

@@TheRealPotoroo I love the guy but I'm also relieved that I'm not the only one who noticed that. There's a review of his that I value very highly and have watched many times -- I think it might be the Aiyima T9 -- in which he says, "I like it much better this way" or some-such, and it's not at all obvious what he's referring to.

@rianredfield5252 Жыл бұрын

He just seems more into quantity of material vs quality and accurate content from my observations. 600+ videos Not all..but some.

@CinemaDemocratica Жыл бұрын

@@rianredfield5252 Yikes, I wouldn't go *that* far -- but I don't disagree with TRP that his videos would benefit from more detailed scripting.

@sirdagonet9633 Жыл бұрын

I'd give him a break re scripting. I think his lack thereof makes it seem more like a conversation between "friends" rather than a professional presentation... not that he's not *professional* :)

@lamiemolette Жыл бұрын

Hey Randy, love your content, but as someone who wasn't familiar with the Syn before watching this video, I found it unusually difficult to follow. You first go over the dials without much of an introduction about this (somewhat unusual) device. You then switch to the remote control, before going back to the main unit for the inputs/outputs, and it isn't until the "final thoughts" section that you give a high-level explanation of what this device is and does. I kinda struggled to make sense of everything to be honest, and believe it would have been much easier to follow in pretty much the reverse order: high-level introduction, inputs/outputs, main unit controls, remote control, and then final thoughts. Kind of a "top-down" approach so to speak. Not a huge deal, this was still very informative, just food for thought for your future videos I guess? Anyway, thanks for the review! (edit: typos)

@beaverish Жыл бұрын

This product is a solution to a problem that does not exist.

@jamesmichael900 Жыл бұрын

THIS

@rockroll9513 3 ай бұрын

Wrong

@Rickzolla Жыл бұрын

I'm strictly into two channel, but I have numerous amps and eight pair of speakers. This is all I need to experiment with multi channel. I ordered one!!

@boneseyyl1060 Жыл бұрын

Multi channel can be fun too. Enjoy!

@jeffmarshall6752 Жыл бұрын

you will need a player that decodes SACD`s, 5.1multi channel, blu ray audio. Then from the player usb to the syn in usb, then rca to amps. Some Sony blu ray not all will work (cheap at goodwill) I suggest Pink Floyd Alan Parson mix in surround of dark side of the moon ! The quality of HIFI sound ! its Awesome.

@jgsburnett9532 Жыл бұрын

@@jeffmarshall6752 This thing is not really relevant to multi channel sacds because it takes a stereo only input and creates a pseudo surround system from that.

@spiroszaharakis2648 Жыл бұрын

Unless you have 5 identical speakers, this will most likely be a disaster. The minimum requirement would be 3 identical speakers in front.

@Rickzolla Жыл бұрын

@@spiroszaharakis2648 Sorry, I don't drink the "identical speaker " Kool aid". I'll make due with what I have.

@brianchristopher4666 Жыл бұрын

I too thought it was an april foolery! I just can't see anyone buying this for surround. Sorry.

@markmorgenstern Жыл бұрын

yup, this is a matrix thing like the old dolby stereo in film prints, or its competitor ultrastereo: yes the center channel is deduced by being in phase and in the centre, then extracted, but then so is the surround sound: it's basically everything that was encoded 180 degrees _out_ of phase. Sounds great for TV and basic movies for a wide variety of people, and the direct manual control of the centre channel level (instead of diving into a menu) is GREAT! But the surround signal is actually mono, being just the extracted out-of phase stuff. Like in the original film theatre setup, it's actually 4.1, not 5.1. All the surrounds have the same thing in them.

@michaelscalisi4316 Жыл бұрын

This had a Dolby Atmos processor, at least one HDMI input, and some height outputs, it really would be disruptive. As it is, I don't know what would do with it or who this is for.

@nathanielFalck Жыл бұрын

Really niche market. When Marantz makes a $600 5.2 channel AVR with HDMI and the amplification built-in plus pre-outs for stereo purists, this is a very small set of people who care about TV sound quality a bit and have the knowledge to know how to set this up (and even be aware of Schiit), but who don't care about TV sound quality enough to get a proper AVR or pre-processor. I was really excited for the first 5 minutes though while I thought this might have HDMI.

@boneseyyl1060 Жыл бұрын

I don't know about disruptive, but what you describe is an AV preamp. Lots of them out there. This is more of a multi-channel preamp with equalization. Not true surround, but a good facsimile. Like he said, it's probably more for people that want to move beyond a soundbar, but don't want to mess with a receiver.

@boneseyyl1060 Жыл бұрын

@@geraldmcmullon2465 That's a good point about active speakers. This would be ideal for those, as it would tidy everything up and save you from having to scrounge up 2 or 3 separate amps. It's best use would probably be as a PC or console sound system, IMO.

@michaelscalisi4316 Жыл бұрын

@@boneseyyl1060 To avoid the overused trope "disruptive", An Atmos AV pre/processor nearly 1/3 the cost of the current lowest price alternative would change things up for a lot of people. Especially if the managed to keep it remarkably simple

@hardtymz2517 Жыл бұрын

THIS!!!! its a "surround sound processor"....yea, from 1993 at best! Without HDMI, optical ain't gonna decode good bitrates. this ain't hi-fi. it's just a flop, an AIWA boombox at best.

@MarkM-ys2lw Жыл бұрын

Seems like the answer to a question no one asked.

@ProfessorHamer Жыл бұрын

I don’t quite understand - can this high pass the main channels to do bass management? That would surely be the most important feature for the application, otherwise I think it’s way too niche. For movie watching it’s very silly to try and extract the center channel from a downmixed stereo signal, when the multichannel output is clean. If anything I would say a much more interesting application is the reverse one: make a small signal processor that receives atmos etc, and downmixes to stereo with center channel boost capability and bass management. That would actually be practical for the masses.

@switawivr6 Жыл бұрын

I want one! I was so afraid this was some kind of April Fool gig when I first saw it the other day, lol. I have a long history of loving immersive sound formats, multi-channel music, and oddball electronics. Bob Carver's C-9 Sonic Holography unit is still a treat in 2023. I still have my first SACD/DVD-Audio player which was an Onkyo CS-V720 DVD mini shelf system. Eventually purchased an OPPO player for all my disc formats before they went out of production. These days the OPPO feeds preamp outputs direct to 5.1 channels of amplifiers for a very simple setup. So the idea of the Syn is right up my alley. In fact, my first true surround system came by using an oddball add-on component, the Yamaha DSP-E492 to a Carver stereo setup. I think the Syn was made for me!

@michaelwright1602 Жыл бұрын

Finally! Someone that gets it!

@Ginger30161 Жыл бұрын

I remember when my parents had a Sony TV that had SRS (sound retrieval system). I enjoyed the faux-surround as it really widened the sound stage.

@MrPINKFL0YD Жыл бұрын

Found you a few months ago and I'm impressed with your reviews and your knowledge of this part of the amp world. Thanks

@r.debats8784 Жыл бұрын

Great video, the Syn makes so much sense for Audiophiles, who like to watch Netflix series too in good quality, without the constantly changing surround formats. Just ordered one to use this as a pre-amp for the Vidar and will indeed use a Ayima A07 for the center as a FINALLY 3.0 front system. THANKS RANDY

@kadajawi6567 Жыл бұрын

Why? The surround sound that comes from this won't even come close to actual surround sound. I thought audiophiles are about playing back what was recorded? This is playing back something that has nothing at all to do with what was recorded. Constantly changing surround formats?! I'm currently using an AVR that only does AC3 and DTS... formats that have been obsolete for a decade now? It still works. And I get actual surround sound. And if the device supported Dolby Atmos, what else is there supposed to come? Atmos was introduced 2014 and is the standard until now, and will probably remain so for the foreseable future. And even when something better should come around, you'll be able to use it.

@wolfmanjacksaid Жыл бұрын

This is so cool. What's missing to me is a 3-channel Rekkr or GHorn. I feel like they could slowly expand their surround section. Maybe their next iteration can have an optional expansion for a 3rd channel?

@-Tholos- Жыл бұрын

You could do a Rekkr in mono-block for the centre and then add two GHorns for left and right.

@illyth63 Жыл бұрын

I stumbled upon the Syn on their website the other day and I was fascinated but kinda baffled by it. Thanks for explaining it. It's a little weird to need separate amps, but I guess the modular route has its advantages too. I guess powered monitors is the other option, which could be more practical for gamers too.

@JoshFisher567 Жыл бұрын

You could use one 5.1 amp, multiple amps aren't required, it's just an option. A lot of high end systems use separate amps but that's more about more power and channels than anything else. If you had 11+ channels multiple amps are usually needed. Like 7 speakers, 4 ceiling speakers. Subs obviously have their own amps so the sub output would go directly into the sub input. Most 11+ channel home theater dedicated amps cost 15K+. Dennis receiver that supports this many channels is 3K+ but that's a receiver and amp combo and supports decoding of all audio formats. The only downside to this is no decoding of things like Dolby digital and DTS IMO. It uses older matrix software that has been used in receivers for years to turn a 2 channel signal into a 5.1 like audio output signal like you would get with Dolby Digital.

@thepathnotfound Жыл бұрын

Used powered monitors and a sub for years. Did get a very good dac/preamp with Xlr and usb / optical / analog inputs.

@illyth63 Жыл бұрын

@@JoshFisher567 is there an affordable 5.1 amp out there that has separate analog inputs for all the channels? All the ones that I've seen would replace this rather than work with it.

@tiagoneves2133 Жыл бұрын

@@illyth63 well you can use two stereo power amps, or four monoblocks or a four channel amplifier which would be the cheapest solution. You don't need an amp for the subwoofer, just the lfe out from the schiit syn itself, nobody uses passive subwoofers today anyways. Audiophonics sells the hpa-q250nc for 1090.00€ with four channels it would be a good match for the syn

@TaswcmT Жыл бұрын

@@illyth63 Take a look at Rotel RMB-1506 (6x50W), Rotel RMB 1555 (5x120W) or Marantz MM7055 (5x140W).

@monrosj Жыл бұрын

No HDMI input......nope did not destroy home theater.

@JoshFisher567 Жыл бұрын

HDMI, while needed for Atmos, has become a joke. Did you know that the geniuses that make up the HDMI specs have said HDMI 2.0 no longer exists and everything is HDMI 2.1 now? Even HDMI 1.4 can be called 2.1 now. All 2.1 specs are now optional and it's up to the manufacturer to list what 2.1 "features" it actually supports. A good example would be the Homeatics android streaming box. It claims it's HDMI 2.1 but it's 20b, which doesn't exist anymore. Also, outside 8K, 2.1 isn't needed for video, only gaming consoles. The only reason TV manufacturers are using the term 2.0 is it would cause way too much confusion and they would get way too many returns. Now, while you and me might look at all the features imagine a mother trying to buy their kid a gaming monitor then buying one that claims 2.1, then does zero 2.1 "features". Also, no rerunning long HDMI runs when the spec changes which is a huge headache. Especially if you are running cables though walls or through the ceiling/crawlspace. Yes, everything back to HDMI 1.4 supports all audio formats but if you're a gamer you need 2.1 with most, if not all the optional features for things like VRR.

@Durkhead Жыл бұрын

I'm sorry but get ready for this everything is going to usbc

@lern2swim Жыл бұрын

@@JoshFisher567 pointing out the ridiculous convoluted stare of hdmi does not negate the fact that it's a required element of modern home theater.

@fonkenful Жыл бұрын

I’m one of those guys happy to post an opinionated comment before watching the entire video, so maybe this is covered, but on of the most useful features of HDMI for me is the CEC control of multiple components through the eARC connection. Is that something that USB C can presently support, and how long before itself is upgraded?

@spamcan9208 Жыл бұрын

HDMI is both a complete mess and ubiquitous. It reminds me of what happened with USB 3 and the renaming of its zillion revisions. Needing a reference defeats the original purpose of these standards.

@adamfrost9048 Жыл бұрын

To solve HDMI issues, just run HDMI connections into the TV, optical out to the surround processor, done.

@erictheblue7256 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the head's up about the Syn Randy. Very Interesting: I had the idea to try a external surround processor with my two channel rig for ambiance extraction on my live CDs. I tried this a few weeks ago using an old Audiosource Model 3 processor and the surround effect wasn't very good. Given the unit was likely ~ 30 years old or so who knows if it worked properly. I've heard ambiance extraction done right on a Theta Casablanca prepro years ago and the effect was amazing on live content from any source (including live FM radio concert broadcasts). It was like being at the live event sonically. I trust Schiit a lot more than Audiosource for high fidelity, so I'm definitely going to give the Syn a try.

@ryans1129 Жыл бұрын

The ability to switch from 2 channel music listening to multi channel video watching without having to physically change out my vintage gear is brilliant. This makes so much sense for us that mostly listen to music but occasionally want to watch a movie. Just the addition of the center channel and sub feature sold me on this.

@klewja Жыл бұрын

you could also just use an integrated or pre with home theater bypass

@onibon1990 Жыл бұрын

Bit of an audio noob but does this mean I can attach this to my stereo amp and then attach some surround speakers to it without investing in a separate multi-channel amp?

@ryans1129 Жыл бұрын

@@onibon1990 you'll be able to use your existing stereo amp for your main speakers. You will need to add additional amps for you center, surround and sub channels.

@geraldmcmullon2465 Жыл бұрын

@@onibon1990 It means you can replace your stereo amp but need powered, active or a power amp to passive speakers as it passes line level output to 6 channels. e.g. the front speakers could be run from your existing amp connected to an aux or tape input with rears, centre and sub being active speakers.

@editorjuno Жыл бұрын

Aside from the DAC and headphone amp, Yamaha had all that and much more -- including actual, licensed Dolby decoding -- back in the 1980s .

@AlphaMachina Жыл бұрын

This is what I've been looking for. I'm running powered monitors on each channel, so no need for amps. It's perfect.

@7777dblack Жыл бұрын

I agree with comments that it would need HDMI (video switching) to be truly useful.

@JesseArt Жыл бұрын

This is almost exactly what I want. It just needs to also have at least Class D amp built in to power the main, center and rears. The sub is fine as a pre-amp output because it's easy to find fairly decent powered subs on the cheap. This is something I would love to have on my computer desk setup with a 3.1 configuration (front main, center and sub). Adding in an additional amplifier per channel makes it a no-go for the somewhat budget minded. I daily drive an SMSL SA300 DAC/Amp with a set of Bic America DV62si bookshelves and F12 subwoofer. It's not perfect, but it's excellent for what it is. The only thing I REALLY want that it doesn't have is a dedicated center channel. Is there anything on the market that is both a DAC and an amplifier, has multiple analog and digital inputs, and rocks more than 2.1 channels that isn't either a GIANT receiver or is outrageously expensive?

@editorjuno Жыл бұрын

Let's see... It costs $400 and, with exception of having a built-in DAC and headphone amp, it's nowhere near as versatile as the old Yamaha DSP-1/DSR-100Pro setup from the mid-1980s, which at least has actual Dolby (Pro-Logic, but I digress) and 6.1/7.1 capability. Hard pass!

@seano218 Жыл бұрын

No Dolby or DTS processing of any sort... explain to me just HOW this is a home theater killer?!!!

@itsme123669 Жыл бұрын

It's click bait silly! Words don't matter.

@fascinatedbyeverything Жыл бұрын

FWIW, Schiit gives their defense of the approach in their FAQ.

@architectlogin Жыл бұрын

This is good timing. Trying to reduce the number of wires on my floor (and being able to use/place all the new small amplifiers i've been buying lately. Looking at you, CAM-Fam), i'm using pre-outs to send signal wirelessly to different amplifiers.

@user540000 Жыл бұрын

this thing is a rip off. My yamaha AVR was $380 5 years ago, has brown burr dacs, does all the surround formats, does actual surround not 1970s fake surround, does HDMI switching and oh by the way doesnt need a separate amp.

@MONKE12388 Жыл бұрын

Just bought this from your recommendation...thanks for the assist...

@jim010109 Жыл бұрын

Looks like it would be a great Preamp. The new intros are cool. The drone from Oblivion , thats a good one.

@unstablenetwork4744 Жыл бұрын

Schiit does a great job making niche products. This isn't for everybody. But if it applies to a certain situation, it'z tha Schiit.

@tubefreeeasy Жыл бұрын

Just tried a set of oil filled cables. I no longer have a sweet spot but, I now have a sweet range.

@ginom407 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Randy! 👍

@robertwoodworth9463 Жыл бұрын

This sounds fantastic going back to simplicity. I have a original circle surround decoder that I’m using with my Bryston 4bsst and 9bsst amps and bryston preamp. I paid $1000 for it back in the late 90’s , you set it and forget it, for movies there is 30 millisecond delay, no delay for music. J Gordon Holt absolutely loved it on music. I checked out surround sound preamps at the time for upwards 3 & 4 thousand dollars that would become out dated every 6 months. I’m happy as can be with it . Does the trick for me , simple.

@teck13 Жыл бұрын

Reminds me of the awesome Dynamo QD1 from around 1999 that did matrix decoding. It could sound amazing with acoustic and live music recordings. As I remember it, J&R Music World closed them out for 19.95. I vastly preferred it to most of the over processed early Dolby Digital modes for music. McCormack included similar functionality in their early 2000's MAP-! Multichannel Preamplifier, called ARM (Ambiance Recovery Mode). That could also sound excellent with music.

@tylerfike9315 Жыл бұрын

Cool product. I've been lamenting for years that there was not a small form factor, 3-5 channel receiver/pre-pro. I ended up ditching my 3.0 living room setup with an old receiver for a pair of The Fives about 2 years ago. While I enjoy them, I had always wondered about a way to add a center channel speaker I have laying around, and this could be it.

@drmbgls1 Жыл бұрын

Love the new intros!

@michaelscalisi4316 Жыл бұрын

Just read this doesn't use any "formats". Just "matrix" processing. Save your money, if you find an early 90's prologic processor and you'll end up with something similar. They'd probably pay you to get rid of it.

@matthuston1767 Жыл бұрын

That thing is sick. I'd buy one if I could. I have one rig, bedroom desktop gaming and movies. I use my zen dac as my two channel pre. It might be pointless to most but I see a huge spot in the market for it.

@steverogers7611 Жыл бұрын

Not having hdmi is a huge issue

@razisn Жыл бұрын

Most TVs have optical out. That's all you need. Even analog line out will work.

@michaelwright1602 Жыл бұрын

A good issue, HDMI is a PIA.

@ghost6813 16 күн бұрын

@@razisn Yes but can't control the volume that way. So you need to have two remotes, which really sucks...

@JD_Viddy Жыл бұрын

I've had a couple of matrix style surround processors in the 1990's and early 2000's. I think one of them was the Heathkit AD-2550. Then it was Dolby Digital surround, and finally upgraded to a 10 speaker ATMOS system mid 2022.

@jerryspann8713 Жыл бұрын

A real cheap way to get surround sound without spending any money is to connect a second pair of speakers to the B speakers + L and + R. Discovered it reading an old Radio Electronics magazine.

@Brian_Romska Жыл бұрын

Holy schiit seriously, this looks like so much fun, there goes another argument with the wife as to why I’m spending another $400 tho, oh well thanks Randy!

@Brian_Romska Жыл бұрын

I also love how mad some people are at this, good job schiit!!!

@michaelwright1602 Жыл бұрын

Car stereo amp baby! I have a few laying around, an inexpensive AC/DC power converter/supply, some speaker cable, maybe a couple of line out converters... I could easily add this into my two channel rig. Already have the speakers, cables and amps... I think this is damn cool! ;-)

@bigmike5785 Жыл бұрын

I thought Steve Guttenberg brought this product up yesterday as an April fools joke.

@DavidSchroeter 8 ай бұрын

When I moved from another country, my Marantz SR7015 must have been dropped by the shipping company, because it will not work with my new TV. After seeing this video, I ordered the Schiit Syn as a stop gap measure while waiting to search for an authorised Marantz repair centre. Looking forward to receiving this product and being able to hear my loudspeakers again.

@stringsattached67 Жыл бұрын

Eh im sure it sounds good but I'll stick with my Onkyo and Yamaha HT receiver's for all my video needs and my analog separates for my music. I used to love buying new tech and hooking everything up but it seems that tech has come to a flatting out stage and nothing is really coming to the table that i cant live without. Great video BTW.

@jasonmt6314 Жыл бұрын

I am excited about this. Been dealing with a buggy Emotiva RMC-1L. Never again.

@craigosterberg5045 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review.

@hopelu4962 Жыл бұрын

had to go back and watch that zombie intro again! awesome, dude!

@fascinatedbyeverything Жыл бұрын

Keep in mind, folks, that separate theater processors tend to be crazy expensive (if anyone knows of a cheap one let me know). So, despite the lack of Atmos, etc, a key selling point here is you at get a device at least lets you do some sort of ersatz surround system with separates for $399.

@miklosp Жыл бұрын

Dope intro!

@cheapaudioman Жыл бұрын

Appreciate it

@gw61 Жыл бұрын

Here’s a really niche thing that destroyed the biggest category in home audio. Uhhhhhhhhh?

@michaelscalisi4316 Жыл бұрын

How else do you get clicks for your niche product review

@cheapaudioman Жыл бұрын

Exactly

@marzcapone9939 Жыл бұрын

IF it had XLR outputs for all the channels, it could work well with powered monitors. I wouldn't want to make long runs with RCA cables. Schiit's new small amps would be the way to go, if you wanted the Schiitiest surround sound experience. HA

@thewaygokid3135 Жыл бұрын

I’m more interested in just mains and a center when watching TV and just mains for music. If this would do the trick I would buy one.

@tdave1234 10 ай бұрын

That's exactly the setup we use. We're very happy with it.

@senorsanchez4579 Жыл бұрын

Great video! Did you get a chance to try the width/presence adjustments on headphones?

@zappedguy Жыл бұрын

A similar technology came out in the early 70s , called quadraphonic sound. There were phonograph records with 4 channel soundtracks providing amazing surround sound. Unfortunately it didn't become popular. I had a decoder for those recordings that could also take a standard 2 channel recording from a record or cd, and derive the reverb, echoes and crowd noise from the sides and rear of the concert hall, placing you very realistically in the center of the concert hall! Great technology from the pre-digital era!

@krunkinstein 4 ай бұрын

I just got the Syn and cobbled together a Frankenstein system of powered speakers and I love this thing. I just put on a movie/show, twist a couple knobs, and eventually it gets to a sweet spot. I’m watching The Thing right now and the kennel scene sounded great. When they’re in the hallway the sound of the dogs barking was in the surrounds while the dialogue was nice and centered. It just… works man idk. I’ll always be stereo for ‘serious’ listening, but music on this thing is just plain fun too. super immersive. It’s definitely niche, but if this thing ‘speaks to you’ in any way I say go for it. I’m running a living room/listening room with a PS5, record player, and a HTPC, so the inputs were perfect for me. Do you have some extra speakers? Here’s a way you can still use them. Who cares if they match, you’re gonna EQ em on the Syn anyways. Just enjoy yourself.

@rajendrabiswas 2 ай бұрын

how does this compare to dolby atmosphere ?

@krunkinstein 2 ай бұрын

@@rajendrabiswas I have 0 idea

@hi-fihaven2257 Жыл бұрын

Hey Randy! I don’t really need one of these but I’m going to get one anyway! We have a 65” that has an optical out. Besides the Syn will look great sitting next to the Modius I just bought!

@saroroot7535 Жыл бұрын

Planning this one for desktop gaming. I am currently using Schiit HEL 2e.

@stonefree1911 Жыл бұрын

Yeah....I dunno...I guess.. I think it's interesting that Schiit just released two mono capable affordable amps.....this is a nice way to sell 3 or 4 of those... Not sure a huge need for this thing. Schiit is getting weird

@rizydude Жыл бұрын

Nope, I almost thought I had a replacement but looks like I'm keeping the Creative Soundblaster X7 for longer! Bass management, high and low pass filters, multiple configurations, 2.0, 2.1, 3.0, 3.1, 4.0, 4.1, 5.0, 5.1, Dolby digital on optical in, active amp for the front two channels as well as pre outs for all channels. Bluetooth aptx, usb, line in, headphone out, mic in, op amp swapping.. this thing is a beast in its own right and nothing seems to overtake it with what it can do. This schitt box seems to be similar to a Creative Soundblaster X4 with no decoding, and that thing does have proper bass management

@ctbarker321 Жыл бұрын

Basically, Hafler circuit tweaked. I have a McCormack MAP-1 (made by Conrad Johnson) that does the same thing. Bought it back in the nineties. HDMI ARC input would be nice but would add costs and extra processing.

@JoseFerreira-zb7wh Жыл бұрын

As this is to work as a hometheater replacement, i would ditch the headphone out and the usb input and instead have binding posts for speaker outs. (speaker(s) amplifier) Much more usable in my opinion. Like if this and the aiyima a09 had a baby. I would buy one. :)

@zipzip6484 Жыл бұрын

YOU HAD ME AT MIC INPUT TAKE MY MONEY 🎉

@MidFiMan Жыл бұрын

I'll be waiting to see what Syn 2.0 brings. I see an amazing future for this device.

@danielbal5272 Жыл бұрын

My living room is not big enough for surround sound but this seems like an easy way to add a center channel to my TV.

@cartilagehead6326 Жыл бұрын

I wish it came in the classic silver finish. Not a fan of this recent trend of only releasing new products in black

@aegisofhonor Жыл бұрын

$400 is quite a lot for a bare bones pre-amp like this. There's only a very small number of inputs and no HDMI. I'm a little sus on who this is for when you can just get a fairly inexpensive AV receiver like the Yamaha RX-V4A or the Denon AVR-S660H for around $500 and get way more features and good amplification for a fraction of the price.

@marcgabor9690 Жыл бұрын

I imagine this would be perfect for someone who has one system for both music and television. I'm thinking small spaces, apartment living, etc.. The only drawback is that you need to have 3 separate amps all with their own separate power cords. That could be too much clutter for a lot of people. Schiit should make a 5ch power amp. Maybe it could have 80w for left and right, 40w for front and 20w for the rears. I imagine a system with SYN, 1 Vidar and 2 Gjallrhorn would sound pretty great in a smaller space.

@Skiptrac3 Жыл бұрын

You wouldn't really need 2 Gjallrhorn. it'd be 1 Vidar, and like, 2 Rekkr's. You don't need a whole lot of amplification for Center and Rear channels. And then since nobody uses Passive subs anymore, you can just use an active sub straight into the Syn. Personally if I do get the Syn, I'm going to run 1 Gjallrhorn and 2 Rekkrs. With one rekkr in mono mode for the center channel.

@Soledata Жыл бұрын

So no HDMI means no lossless surround sound support. I can't think of another person besides myself still using Optical for video sources TBH, and I plan upgrading.

@embalmed Жыл бұрын

I'm digging the intro dude

@calpurnius1966 Ай бұрын

how do you wire in the center channel and sub woofer with only one pair of terminals on the back?

@MrWslindsay Ай бұрын

I have an old adcom gfa 7000 that will pair right up to this. Im done with the avr chase myself and more of a music person now. Can't wait to try it out. Just wish it had some sort of primitive bass management for the rest of the channels. Update : It works great for my purpose! Small 5.0 set up. May add a sub next. Maybe not. The two volume knobs for the center and rear channels simplify easy set up. And then you tailor the sound with the other two. I had a multichannel amp to use so it worked out. Didn't want to spend $1100 on the Emotiva a just yet. No regrets. Schiit just makes gadgets that work.

@unstablenetwork4744 Жыл бұрын

Randy's become an honorary member of the Schiit Sherlock group for his expemlarary investigation, research, and reporting on Schiit Products.

@Dis-Emboweled Жыл бұрын

Wait, I saw 6 knobs......... Oh!!! You ment on the thingy.. I get it now 🤪😉😉😉 I joke, but great video again. From a kid who reversed polaritied his "surround" speakers and got his dad's 2 channel radio shack stereo to do surround, this DAC speaks to me in the old school simplicity sense. Cool stuff

@DarksurfX Жыл бұрын

This is actually what I was looking for last year and struggled to find it. Ended up buying a sound blaster x4 and Logitech surround sound system. I didn’t want to use HDMI at all.

@cyberbillp Жыл бұрын

Over 5 minutes and I still have no clue what the fuck this thing is.

@cyberbillp Жыл бұрын

After 14 minutes, I went to the web site... It's a surround sound processor. Takes inputs, spits out surround sound.

@pastorb7469 Жыл бұрын

It kind of seems like your trying to talk yourself into liking this product. Keep it real.

@trumps-not-rightfor-us5603 Жыл бұрын

I meant to mention an old adage that still holds true today and that is this phrase period. May we please have everything louder than everything else and its balance . If you know what this means you are truly well-educated in your audio experience

@stonep11 Жыл бұрын

I think the idea is cool. If you have some super expensive speakers and changing with the times and tech just isn’t your thing. This is a cool, simple receiver substitute. Unfortunately, given you also likely HAVE a dedicated receiver, I don’t see what it really does different. Also, I understand that you can buy an optical converter for HDMI and it helps with backwards and forwards compatibility, but it sort of makes this a headache right off the bat. I’m just not sure exactly who would want this. If anything, it seems best suited for like a home office that you also like to listen to music in. That’s about the only use case that makes sense to me.

@yourdiytechlife Жыл бұрын

Hmmmm, Interesting product but it feels like going backward 25 years. I owned several similar products back when I was running all separates and I was never very satisfied with the results. I finally gave up on the interim products and went to a full AVR for movies. it was a much better experience. Now I run a dedicated vintage stereo and a dedicated AVR for video. At first I was thinking this might work for a PC based sound system but even then, all the analogue connections and amps you have to run to make it all work would not be optimal. The one i've always had is a pre amp with dolby - whatever built in and with the capacity to be upgraded to the latest processing and # of channels with plug in boards. that way I could invest in nice amps and keep them when I upgrade the processor. I know that's not what Schiit is all about but its always been a wish of mine.

@geraldmcmullon2465 Жыл бұрын

If you can go with separate systems you can pick the best for your case fairly easily. Lots of choices and fewer of the issues. If you have barely room for 5.1 but still want decent stereo music you are not going to find it easy. I used a USB sound card into active analogue speakers. Windows provides some control to balance levels between the speakers but I have remote control over four of them so balance them to the centre and adjust the sub-woofer to match. Most of the video material I have is stereo but more often movies are 6 channel. So far I don't need Dolby Atmos etc or 8k as I don't have any in that format. The choice for analogue active speakers is limited as manufacturers have moved to DPS, wireless and that introduces latency and other issues meaning you have to adopt their way of set up with convertor boxes and pre-amps etc with more complex components to break down.

@matthewhilty4209 Жыл бұрын

What inexpensive 3 channel amps do you recommend for the Syn to run the center and rear channels ? Parasound ZoneMaster 4 ? Emotiva BasX A3 ? or something else entirely ?

@tdave1234 10 ай бұрын

Late reply, but we use an A3 for LCR and are very pleased with the setup for 2CH and fronts in 5.1.

@DuncanAtkinson 2 ай бұрын

I was really interested in this.. listened to the whole video.. it wasn't until I was reading about it on the schiit website that I realised it doesn't support any actual home cinema surround processing... No Dolby DTS or 5.1 even.. I saw all these comments about no hdmi... I couldn't care less about HDMI.. BUT the optical input on this only deals with stereo!

@DavidSmith-tl1qh Жыл бұрын

This is such a great thing for Jason and co. to do! This is based on old tried and true "Ambient Extraction" technology like the old Hafler method... Plus some special Schiit analog voodoo. Which anyone can experience by simply...to show you something most people are unaware of. If you connect the two positive or red speaker wires to two speakers and THEN simply bridge the negative BETWEEN those two speakers... What you'll hear is ALL the out of phase information in the recording...usually all the ambient or reverberation in the stereo recording! Instant surround if you have your regular two front mains..(speaker A) and then connect two smaller speakers in afore mentioned method (as "surrounds") as.. (speaker B) The main thing I think they've done is to do this in an analog "matrix" way to properly protected the amp from impedance swings with the kind of set up I've just described. I will be saving up to get one of these and they would absolutely work great with powered speakers as well (even easier) because you don't have to have additional amps for the set up of surrounds and center. And the sub is icing on the cake! Once again Jason and Schiit have created a GREAT product that has perfected something that used to be an arcane nerdy simplistic way of getting "Surround Sound" BRAVO!!

@kadajawi6567 Жыл бұрын

But why fake it when you can have the real deal?

@DavidSmith-tl1qh Жыл бұрын

@@kadajawi6567 Actually many would think all the ..."digital, Dolby, DTS stuff..(I really like DTS mixes), are the artificial stuff and "true" ambient reproduction is this method... but it can change wildly based on how the original material was recorded.

@DavidSmith-tl1qh Жыл бұрын

@Cheap-audioman...Hi, been a fan and subscribed years ago! Have left other comments , first time reply. My name is Dave Smith and I've left in comment before that if you ever come out to LA I could arrange a tour of one of America's greatest recording Studios... East West Studios once Western Recorders where Pet Sounds was recorded as well as many, many others. This was one of the studios where the Wrecking Crew recorded SO many hits. My sister Candace Sewart manages the place and is very well known in music industry circles. Metallica as even recorded there a few years back.

@CrisisDog Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a product for Macs or PCs if it can take a USB audio connection and break that into six channels. I was looking for a long time for a macOS solution (eventually found a different product), as those computers only support multi-channel sound via HDMI without the help of external add-ons.

@silverfeathered1 Жыл бұрын

Good stuff! I support any company brave enough to lean AWAY from HDMI for the consumer market.

@BryanRuby Жыл бұрын

I have a room where surround speakers aren't really possible. I'd be curious how this thing sounds with everything front-presence whether that be 3 channel (LCR) or 5 channel with the LCR + 2 Surrounds right up front? I suspect if this is to convert 2-channel into surround sound...most people that currently have a 2 channel setup are like that for similar reasons (an entire theater setup isn't feasible whether it be vintage equipment or the room).

@xpressfishing1985 Жыл бұрын

Corpus Christi local here. Great video as always. I’ve bought a handful of douk products based off your reviews. Great products

@cheapaudioman Жыл бұрын

Good stuff!

@rhorto01 Жыл бұрын

For a while I thought this product was just an April Fool's bit.

@gmlgml780 Жыл бұрын

Yeah. Pretty much offtopic, but it's still Schiit. I was not a Schiit fan for pretty long, 'cause I didn't like the sound of my Magni 3+ purchased back in 2021. I found the sound of the Magni 3+ harsh, sibilant, raw, messy especially with my favorite but brighter Verum 1. Then one day I realized, that my struggles with my bassy , boomy loudspeakers may benefit from the leanness of the Magni 3+. And that become true, the Magni enhanced my loudspeaker system, pretty much. So I became schiit fan, too, but playing with my gear I thought that an electric discharge killed one side of the line out of my Magni. So I ordered another Magni 3+ and Heretic. Now I have a 2021 Magni 3+, and a 2023 Magni 3+ and the 2023 Heretic. A little time after the stuffs arrived, I realized that my first 2021 Magni 3+ did not got killed that much. It was not an electrical discharge. It's the headphone plug. I'm keeping a 3.5 -> 6.25 converter constantly in the headphone output of my headphone amps 'cause I have 3.5 headphone cables exclusively, but (unlike my other amps) the Magni's headphone out is supposed to turn off the line out when a 6.26 headphone is plugged it. So the converter should turn it off, as well. But the switch of the 6.25 headphone socket of my Magni is probably broken at some extent, 'cause it unsafely turns off the line output. With the converter removed, both sides of the line output is working, but with a headphone / converter plugged in, the state of the line out is "undefined". One side, two side, none of them, regarding its mood at that moment. So removing the converter I got back the line output of my original 2021 Magni 3+, while I have the 2023 Magni 3+, as well. And that will bring the point. The 2023 Magni 3+ is not that lean, not that harsh, not that raw sounding as the 2021. It seems like if it changed in the background. They both are called Magni 3+, not 4 or 3+++, or something like that. It's different from the outside, too, but the sound difference is surprising. If I got the 2023 "edition" back at 2021, I would have liked it much - much more. The 2023 Magni 3+ is more smooth, having more body, "deeper" tone. I would say, it sounds wonderful. But it's not advertised so much. I would basically say that the 2021 and 2023 Magni 3+ are two different amps. Which is good to me, 'cause I ended up having both, I can play with the two different stuff. But what results in the difference ? There was not a version change.

@turtsw Жыл бұрын

Sooo…I can’t just connect my left and right speakers correct? Since it only has one L and R output? What else would I need in order to use my bookshelf speakers for this? I heard you mention you need separate amps? What does that mean? You hook up the speakers to the separate amp and then to the Syn?

@corymarcotte5853 Жыл бұрын

That sounds like something you’d use to make a sitting situation like it would be like in a car.

@jasmosanew6146 Жыл бұрын

I ordered a surround Jamo S 803 home theater system.. what amp to pair with this Syn dac? Or should I get a typical receiver?

@andrewwebb1911 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Randy.

@lozadorni9195 4 ай бұрын

Wondering if this would be a perfect fit for my current "set up". Inherited some Active studio monitors and an old active sub with no idea how to get them up and running on my TV (totally newbie to home audio). Would this be a good solution or is there a better (budget) alternative?

@unbornchiken Жыл бұрын

It's reminiscent of the Creative Sound Blaster X7, but with better chassis. Similar price as well. However, the X7 does have a main L/R amp and Dolby plus support. This product seems very tailored PC users.

@Trunks0 Жыл бұрын

Yeah... the SYN seems... honestly kinda silly. If it had a way to address the 6 channels over USB... it might have been better. But as is... I don't think it's a good proposition. The Creative Labs X4 has more functionality and is 1/4th the price. The X7 blows it outta the water, I think it's discontinued though :(

@djfirestormx Жыл бұрын

on well glad they came out with a device that was usefull in the 90s. Welcome to 2023? Nope

@rogerramjet6429 Жыл бұрын

Personally I prefer a bunch of the equipment from the 80s. As a service technician, I'm pretty careful about how I treat my old style audio technology, however, everything I've purchased since 2005, HAS FAILED.. I still have a Sharp CRT TV and monitor from 1990 that STILL runs after being used as a composite video monitor. Plus a Toshiba monitor style TV with individual thumb adjustments, from 1988. The Sharp is used 24/7 and is the monitor for my front camera.

@williammorales8204 Жыл бұрын

This remind me of my old outlaw audio 975, which was my first preamp, now I'm using the mr 5015 as a preamp. I'm in a weird scenario, we only have a 3.1, I really like a center channel but don't care about surround sound. I've never had a high end preamp so I don't know what I'm missing out on. ml 60xt and outlaw monos btw. I think for the money my system is pretty good.

@annebokma4637 Жыл бұрын

Your link to the syn goes to the rekr. At first glance I thought this was 149. Which I thought well priced, but at 400? Nope. At around that price I can but a second hand surround pre, those things don't cost anything if they don't have HDMI. Saw a proceed for just 100 more.