Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Has a microphone input, which is not a common feature on amp/DACs
  • Has more power output than previous models
  • Can be run over USB-C, making it portable
  • Has width and presence knobs to control the soundstage size and to help accentuate certain sounds
  • Good default audio tonality—a clean sounding amp deck
  • Connectivity options are standard

Product Considerations

  • The precision of the controls in relation to the case openings leaves something to be desired
  • The width and presence knobs may not have a significant impact on the separation or layering of sounds in some games
  • Turning the width and presence knobs too far can negatively impact the frequency response
  • There is no physical mic gain adjustment knob
  • Lacks game chat mix

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Mayflower ARC MK2, the Schiit Gunner is better and cheaper
  • Vs Schiit Hel, the Schiit Gunner has more power output, portability, audio shaping controls, negative gain mode for IEMs, and a more muted aesthetic
  • Vs Schiit Magni Unity, the Schiit Gunner is not quite up to the Magni Unity for music listening, which puts out more power and has a thicker sound
  • Vs Schiit Fula, the Fula is more portable, has a 3.5mm out, optical in, mic in, and a headphone out with a knob

Takeaway: The Schiit Gunner is a good amp/DAC that is great for gaming and listening to music, especially if a microphone input is needed. The portability and extra controls make it a versatile choice.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Gunnr

reviews

[{"title":"Schiit Gunnr Review - Packing More Than A Punch","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfaaiPJrk4M","source":"GadgetryTech","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Gaming Impressions: Sennheiser HD 620S and Schiit Gunnr","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKVq5N3OWSw","source":"Fresh Reviews","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"The New Schiit GUNNR is Audiophile Gaming Bliss","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhL2DPjt9pQ","source":"BadSeed Tech","datePublished":"2025"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, +/-0.2db
  • Maximum Power, 16 Ohms: 2000mW RMS
  • Maximum Power, 32 ohms: 1500mW RMS
  • Maximum Power, 50 ohms: 800mW RMS
  • Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 200mW RMS
  • THD: <0.0004%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 2V RMS
  • IMD: <0.0006%, CCIR
  • SNR: >114dB, A-weighted, referenced to 2V RMS
  • Crosstalk: >-75dB, 20Hz-20KHz
  • Output Impedance (headphones): 0.25 ohms
  • Output Impedance (line out): 75 ohms
  • Size: 5 x 3.5 x 1.375" (including knob)
  • Weight: 1 lb
Get serious about gaming and ditch weak, unreliable Bluetooth audio with Gunnr, the only super-high-power gaming interface with soundstage control. Bring details closer, and hear more accurately with the twist of a knob—no software or apps needed!
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Schiit Audio offers product modularity, allowing users to upgrade individual components like DAC and USB boards within their existing devices, extending product lifespan and enhancing performance over time.
  • They directly challenge industry norms by releasing new versions of flagship products (like the Yggdrasil) at lower prices than existing models.
  • The brand focuses on in-house design and manufacturing, keeping production and component sourcing largely within the US.
  • Schiit is known for its idiosyncratic, humorous marketing and branding. This aims to counter hifi audio pretentiousness and appeal to a broader customer base.

Modi Plus:

  • Positioning: The entry-level DAC, offering a budget-friendly option for those new to high-fidelity audio.
  • Description: Features Schiit's Unison USB for superior connectivity. It stands out with its ESS ES9018 DAC chip, providing a clean and detailed sound that competes with more expensive models. Compared to the Modius, it lacks balanced outputs, making it more suitable for simpler setups or smaller spaces where budget is a priority.

Modius:

  • Positioning: A step up from the Modi Plus, offering balanced outputs for enhanced audio performance.
  • Description: Features balanced outputs and high performance, using the ESS ES9028 DAC chip and Schiit's Unison USB. It provides a more refined sound than the Modi Plus, with better soundstage and connectivity options.

Bifrost:

  • Positioning: A mid-range DAC in Schiit's lineup, offering advanced features like True Multibit technology.
  • Description: Uses True Multibit architecture, providing a rich and detailed sound that surpasses the Modius. It includes Schiit's proprietary digital filter, enhancing both time and frequency domains.

Gungnir 2:

  • Positioning: A high-end DAC, offering advanced features and modular design for serious audiophiles.
  • Description: Uses Schiit's Multiform architecture, providing exceptional sound quality with its balanced multibit design. It includes two USB inputs and the Forkbeard system for enhanced control and future-proofing. Compared to the Bifrost, it offers more connectivity and modularity.

Yggdrasil:

  • Positioning: Schiit's flagship DAC, offering the pinnacle of audio performance and modularity.
  • Description: Features True Multibit architecture and proprietary digital filter, delivering groundbreaking sound quality. It offers a fully modular design, allowing for future upgrades and customization. Compared to the Gungnir 2, it provides even greater precision and detail.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
36
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
62
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
31
Founding Year
2010

Our take on the brand

Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Chord Electronics
Mojo 2
650
650
/
65
Reviews
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Improved battery management offering faster charging rates and better efficiency than its predecessor
  • Features a new USB-C data input for greater flexibility alongside other inputs
  • Offers the world's first lossless DSP for tone adjustments without degrading sound quality, providing customization options
  • Excellent resolution and dynamics with a large soundstage and extreme detail

Product Considerations

  • The Mojo 2 can get warm when in a pocket for a period of time
  • Complicated menu navigation with color-coded buttons that may require the manual
  • Still uses Micro-USB for charging, which some find outdated

Takeaway: The Chord Mojo 2 is an exceptional DAC/headphone amplifier for those seeking high-resolution audio and customized sound in a portable format that is easy to move. Its sonic accuracy, detailed soundstage, and improved features provide a versatile and enjoyable listening experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for audio enthusiasts.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
iFi
xDSD Gryphon
599
599
/
30
Reviews
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Versatile connectivity with both wireless (Bluetooth 5.1 with various codecs) and wired options (USB, S/PDIF, analog inputs) makes it suitable for various setups—from desktop to portable usage
  • Eloquent, informative, and entertaining sound quality, able to produce clear, non-artificial sound across different headphones
  • Features such as XBass II and XSpace provide additional sound shaping options for the user to customize the sound to their liking
  • The aluminum build provides a robust and premium feel, with a design that's described as sleek and comfortable to handle

Product Considerations

  • The user interface is not very intuitive
  • Decent headphones are needed to reveal its quality
  • The OLED screen can be difficult to read
  • Battery life is around six to eight hours

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the hip-dac2, the Gryphon offers better sound quality, more features, and flexibility
  • Compared to the iFi GO bar, the Gryphon is bigger and has a built-in battery, and the GO bar is much smaller and draws power from the source device
  • Compared to the iDSD Diablo, the Diablo has more power for very demanding headphones, Gryphon has more functions
  • Compared to the Zen DAC, the xDSD Gryphon has a more sophisticated and detailed sound

Takeaway: The iFi xDSD Gryphon is a portable and versatile device delivering high-quality sound with extensive features that cater to audiophiles. Its ability to improve sound quality from various sources and its robust build make it a worthwhile investment for music lovers on the go.

Video review

Our take on the brand

iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

iFi
GO blu
199
/
Released
2021
With Hi-Fi inspired architecture featuring dedicated Bluetooth, DAC, and Amp stages, the ultra-portable GO blu offers the best of both worlds – wireless freedom, paired with the clarity of wired sound.
Check Amazon
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Detailed and expansive presentation, offering a sonic upgrade to phones, especially when portability is a priority
  • Versatile, with both wired and wireless connectivity options, including balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
  • Impressively small size and lightweight design, making it pocket-friendly and convenient for on-the-go use
  • Sound quality is generally linear, with fast and accurate bass, flat and clean mids, and a detailed treble that is not harsh
  • XBass and XSpace features offer customized listening experiences
  • Build quality and aesthetics are generally well-received, with its design standing out from other devices
  • ChronoDial volume knob is particularly praised for its tactile feel and functionality

Product Considerations

  • Black rubberized plastic casing can feel a bit flimsy to some users
  • Some reviewers noted hiss with sensitive IEMs, especially on the balanced output
  • Battery life estimation can be unreliable
  • No dedicated app for the device, limiting EQ and DSP options
  • Lacks a clip, making it less convenient for truly portable use

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Audiolab M-DAC Nano, the Go Blu offers a wider soundstage, better separation, and dynamic sensitivity, though the M-DAC Nano is fractionally punchier in the bass
  • Compared to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, the Go Blu is a wireless proposition, unlike the DragonFly Cobalt, which is a USB plug-in DAC
  • Compared to the FiiO Q3, the iFi GO blu highs are a bit too brilliant, but everything else sounded quite impressive
  • Compared to the NuPrime Hi-mDAC, the iFi GO Blu mids sound a lot like it, even if voices are slightly less natural
  • Compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro and Aune BU2, the GO Blu provides a relaxed sound and has better build and functionality compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro, but is better when using bluetooth compared to Aune BU2, however when competing on wired terms, the Aune is clearer

Takeaway: The iFi GO blu is a tiny but mighty device that delivers impressive sound and versatility—improving the wireless music experience. It is easy to use and has some cool features, making it a good pick for anyone looking for a portable upgrade for their headphones.

Video review

Our take on the brand

iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Topping
G5
299
/
Released
2022
Check Amazon
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Phenomenal sound quality.
  • Very usable and enjoyable interaction due to a physical volume knob.
  • Plenty of power for almost everything and can drive just about anything.
  • Versatile; it can be used as a desktop all-in-one, a Bluetooth portable DAC/amp, a portable amplifier, and even a DAC for speakers.

Product Considerations

  • Susceptible to EMI noises, which can be a deal breaker; static noises, pops, and crackle sounds can occur when a phone is placed directly on top of it.
  • Not a completely balanced architecture; the 3.5mm & 4.4mm headphone outputs sound the same.
  • Charging port may not indicate charging on anything higher than an 18W charging block, and some chargers may not work.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs FIIO BTR-7: Sounds more refined and has more detail and resolution.
  • Vs SMSL C200: The C200 sounds significantly warmer with a fuller, juicier bass line and a little bit more airy, while the G5 is more focused on clean and clear edges, tidy, well-focused—and clean.
  • Vs SMSL M500 MK2: The M500 MK2 sounds overall better with dynamics at the same level as the G5 and fuller, warmer tonality—and a bigger, more spacious soundstage.
  • Vs Moondrop Moonriver 2: The treble is more refined, better details up top, and a sharp edge without being overboard like the Moonriver 2 can.

Takeaway: The G5 is a well-built and versatile portable DAC/amp with a neutral, clean, and dynamic sound. It is great for those looking for an all-in-one solution that can drive almost any headphone or IEM.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Topping
NX7
152
/
Released
2021
Check Amazon
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Respectable power for a portable amplifier
  • Features Nested Feedback Composite Amplifier (NFCA) module as a portable package
  • Rugged construction and good battery life
  • Delivers detail and texture with a transparent, uncoloured sound
  • Three gain modes and is compatible with everything from sensitive IEMs to full-size headphones
  • Performs well with hard-to-drive cans and with IEMs that tend to produce hiss
  • Build quality is quite good with an all-aluminum chassis
  • An SNR of 135dB makes it one of the cleanest portable amps on the market

Product Considerations

  • Can be too clean and dry, so synergy is important
  • A bit big for a pocket
  • Charging the 4000mAh battery takes up to 4 hours

Takeaway: The Topping NX7 is a very good amplifier that works wonderfully with a clean, unaltering nature. It's versatile with lots of clean power and can be used in a desktop setup as well as for portable listening.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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