If you’re hunting for a headphone amp that’s a cut above the rest, let me nudge you toward the Schiit Mjolnir 3. This isn’t just another piece of audio gear—it’s a beast of a Class A amp that’ll make your headphones sing like never before.
I’ve been through my fair share of amps, and trust me, this one’s worth every penny of its $1,199 price tag. Whether you’re a casual listener or an audiophile who’s borderline obsessive (like me), the Mjolnir 3 delivers power, clarity, and a vibe that’s hard to resist. Go get it—you won’t regret it.
My Journey With The Schiit Mjolnir 3
So, picture this: the box arrives at my doorstep, and I’m already buzzing with excitement.
I’d heard the hype about the Schiit Mjolnir 3—Schiit’s latest stab at a no-compromise headphone amp—and I couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to the chatter.
Unboxing it felt like unwrapping a tank.
At 16 pounds, this thing is hefty, and its sleek black chassis (sorry, silver fans, that’s a later batch) screams industrial cool.
I set it up on my desk, plugged in my Hifiman Arya headphones, and fired it up. First thing I noticed? It runs hot—really hot.
After an hour, the heatsinks were pushing 140°F, turning my little listening nook into a cozy sauna.
I started with some familiar tracks—think Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” and Miles Davis’ “So What”—to get a feel for what this amp could do. Right off the bat, the soundstage hit me like a freight train.
Wide, open, and so detailed I could almost pinpoint Thom Yorke’s keyboard in the room. The bass had this punchy, controlled thump that made my old amp sound like a toy. I flipped between single-ended and balanced outputs, tweaking the gain and feedback switches just to mess around.
High gain, no feedback, and Class A mode became my sweet spot—everything sounded raw and alive.
But it wasn’t all sunshine. The power switch on the back? Annoying as hell when you’re reaching behind a stack of gear. And that heat—it’s no joke. I had to rethink my setup to give it breathing room.
Still, after a week of late-night listening sessions, I was hooked. This amp doesn’t just play music; it pulls you into it. My Focal Clears sounded smoother than ever, and even my Sennheiser HD650s, which I’d written off as “meh” with lesser amps, came roaring back to life.
It’s unforgiving with bad recordings, sure, but with good ones? Pure magic.
Pros of The Schiit Mjolnir 3
Let’s talk about what makes the Mjolnir 3 a champ. I’ve spent enough hours with it to know where it shines, and trust me, there’s a lot to love here.
- Built Like a Freaking Tank: This thing is overengineered in the best way possible. Schiit didn’t skimp—dual mono design, two transformers, two chokes, and 32 discrete output devices per channel. It’s a 16-pound hammer of an amp, and you can feel the quality when you heft it. I’ve knocked it off my desk once (don’t ask), and it didn’t even flinch. Five-year warranty? That’s just icing on a cake that’s already built to last a lifetime.
- Sound That’ll Blow Your Mind: The audio quality is where the Mjolnir 3 flexes hardest. It’s 100% Class A, and you can hear it—pure, unadulterated sound with no crossover distortion. The detail is insane; I caught nuances in my favorite tracks I’d never noticed before, like the faint brush of a cymbal or a singer’s breath. Switch between single-ended and balanced outputs, and it’s like unlocking two different beasts—both powerful, both precise. Pair it with a decent DAC (I used a Schiit Bifrost 2), and your headphones will thank you.
- Versatility Is Your Friend: You’ve got options with this amp, and I’m all about that. Toggle between high and low gain, feedback or no feedback, single-ended or push-pull Class A—it’s like a playground for audio nerds. I spent a whole evening flipping switches just to hear how my Hifimans responded. Want to use it as a preamp? There’s a switch for that too. It’s not just an amp; it’s a customizable experience tailored to whatever mood you’re in.
- Price That Punches Above Its Weight: At $1,199, the Mjolnir 3 isn’t cheap, but it’s a steal for what you’re getting. Compare it to amps twice the price, and it holds its own—sometimes even outshines them. Schiit sells direct, cutting out the middleman, so you’re paying for engineering, not markup. I’ve shelled out more for less impressive gear, and this feels like a rare win in the value department.
Cons of The Schiit Mjolnir 3
No gear’s perfect, right? The Mjolnir 3 has its quirks, and I’ve run into a few that might bug you too.
- It’s a Space Heater: This amp gets hot—seriously hot. After a couple hours, it’s pumping out enough warmth to heat my small office. That Class A design? It’s glorious for sound but brutal on temperature. You’ll need to give it space—no stacking it under a DAC or shoving it in a tight cabinet. I learned that the hard way when my desk started feeling like a sauna.
- Power Switch Placement Sucks: Why Schiit put the power switch on the back, I’ll never understand. Every time I want to turn it on or off, I’m fumbling behind it, knocking cables around. It’s a small thing, but when you’re used to front-panel controls, it’s a pain. If you’re OCD about convenience like me, this’ll grate on your nerves.
- Limited Availability Vibes: Schiit’s making these in small batches, so it’s not always in stock. I got lucky snagging mine, but if you’re on the fence, you might miss out. It’s not a dealbreaker, but that “limited run” feel adds pressure. And no silver option yet unless you catch the second batch—black’s cool, but I know some of you are dying for that classic Schiit look.
- Not Forgiving with Bad Tracks: If your music library’s full of poorly mastered MP3s, brace yourself. The Mjolnir 3 is brutally honest—it’ll expose every flaw in a bad recording. I threw on some old rips to test it, and oof, it was like shining a spotlight on a dumpster fire. Great for high-quality stuff, but it’ll punish your nostalgia playlist.
Maintenance Tips For Keeping Your Mjolnir 3 In Top Shape
Owning a beast like the Mjolnir 3 means treating it right. I’ve figured out a few tricks to keep it humming, and I’ll share them with you so you don’t mess it up.
- Give It Room to Breathe: Heat’s the enemy here, so placement is everything. I keep mine on an open shelf with at least six inches of clearance on all sides—top, sides, back, you name it. No stacking other gear on top unless you want a meltdown. Trust me, I tried squeezing it under my monitor once, and it felt like a radiator within an hour. Good airflow keeps it happy and prolongs its life.
- Dust It Like You Mean It: This amp’s got vents and heatsinks that’ll collect dust faster than you’d think. I grab a can of compressed air every month and give it a quick blast—keeps the internals clean and the heat dissipation on point. Don’t use a vacuum; you might zap something with static. A soft brush works too if you’re gentle. Stay on top of this, and it’ll run smoother.
- Check Your Cables Regularly: With all those inputs and outputs, cable wear can sneak up on you. I wiggle my XLR and RCA plugs every few weeks to make sure they’re snug—no crackling or loose connections. The balanced headphone jack’s a tank, but I still inspect it for debris. A quick once-over keeps the signal clean and saves you headaches.
- Power It Down When You’re Done: Class A amps like this one don’t love being left on 24/7. I flip that pesky back switch off after every session—lets it cool down and saves some energy. Schiit says it’s built tough, but I figure giving it a break can’t hurt. Plus, it’s one less thing sucking power when I’m not around.
- Watch the Environment: Humidity and extreme temps aren’t your friend. I keep my listening room at a steady 68-72°F and avoid damp spots—think basements or near windows in the rain. The Mjolnir 3’s a champ, but it’s not invincible. Treat it like the premium gear it is, and it’ll stick around for years.
Comparison of Schiit Mjolnir 3 With Other Brands
I’ve pitted the Mjolnir 3 against some heavy hitters to see how it stacks up. Here’s how it fares in the wild world of headphone amps.
- Schiit Mjolnir 3 Vs. Topping A90
Topping’s A90 is a darling in the budget audiophile crowd—clean, powerful, and half the price of the Mjolnir 3. I ran them side by side with my Aryas, and the A90’s got this sterile, almost clinical sound. It’s got gobs of power, sure, but it lacks the warmth and soul the Mjolnir 3 brings.
The Schiit’s Class A magic gives music a texture Topping can’t touch—it’s like comparing a crisp photo to a painting. A90’s cooler and more compact, though, so if desk space is tight, it’s tempting.
- Schiit Mjolnir 3 Vs. Burson Soloist 3X Performance
The Burson Soloist 3XP is another Class A contender, and I’ve spent time with both. Burson’s got a lush, rich tone that’s seductive as hell—my Focals sounded dreamy through it.
But the Mjolnir 3 edges it out in clarity and soundstage width. Burson feels more intimate, while Schiit throws the sound out wide and deep. The Soloist’s cooler operation is a plus, and it’s got a slicker look, but the Mjolnir 3’s raw power and tweakability make it more fun to play with.
- Schiit Mjolnir 3 Vs. iFi Pro iCAN
iFi’s Pro iCAN is a hybrid beast—tubes and solid-state in one package. I loved its versatility; flip a switch, and you’re in tube mode with that gooey warmth. It’s a close call, but the Mjolnir 3’s pure Class A design feels more honest and direct.
The iCAN’s got more output options and runs quieter with sensitive IEMs, which the Schiit struggles with a bit. Still, for planar headphones, the Mjolnir 3’s brute force and detail retrieval leave the iFi scrambling to keep up.
- Schiit Mjolnir 3 Vs. HeadAmp GS-X Mk2
HeadAmp’s GS-X Mk2 is summit-fi territory—$3,000 worth of refined audio bliss. I borrowed one from a buddy, and yeah, it’s smooth as butter with a soundstage that’s almost holographic. The Mjolnir 3 doesn’t quite match that finesse, but it’s damn close for a third of the price.
Schiit’s amp has a punchier low end and that addictive Class A vibe, while the GS-X feels more polished overall. If money’s no object, HeadAmp wins, but the Mjolnir 3 is the smarter buy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions? I’ve got answers based on my time with Schiit gear and the Mjolnir 3.
Yup, Schiit’s proud of its American roots. The Mjolnir 3 is designed and built in the USA—most of the chassis, boards, and assembly happens right here. Schiit’s all about keeping it local, which is part of why their stuff feels so solid. I’ve got no complaints about the build quality—it’s as American as apple pie and heavy metal.
Nope, the Asgard 3 isn’t Class A—it’s a Class AB amp. I’ve used one before, and it’s a great little unit, but it doesn’t have that pure Class A juice the Mjolnir 3 pumps out. Asgard 3 still sounds fantastic for its price, just don’t expect the same no-compromise warmth and detail. Different beasts, different vibes.
The Midgard isn’t fully balanced like the Mjolnir 3. It’s got a unique “Halo” topology that Schiit says bridges single-ended and balanced worlds, but it’s not a true balanced design. I haven’t tried it myself, but from what I’ve read, it’s more of a hybrid. Mjolnir 3, on the other hand, is balanced through and through—dual mono all the way.
The Magni line—like the Magni Heretic or Magni+—runs Class AB, not Class A. I’ve got a Magni 3+ sitting around, and it’s a killer budget amp, punching way above its $119 price. It’s efficient and cool-running, unlike the Mjolnir 3’s Class A furnace. You’re trading some of that rich Class A flavor for practicality, but it’s still a champ in its league.
Wrapping It Up: Get The Mjolnir 3 Already
Look, I’ve spent weeks with the Schiit Mjolnir 3, and I’m telling you—it’s a game-changer. The sound, the build, the sheer power—it’s everything I want in an amp and then some.
Yeah, it’s hot and a bit quirky, but those are small prices to pay for audio this good.
If you’re serious about your headphones, stop waffling and snag one before Schiit’s next batch sells out. Trust me, your ears deserve this. Go buy it now—I’m already jealous of your future self.
