Schiit Audio Lineup Explained: Modi, Magni, Modius, Magnius and Beyond
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Quick answer: Schiit Audio builds desktop DACs and headphone amps in matching pairs. The Modi (DAC) and Magni (amp) are the entry-level stack most people start with; the Modius and Magnius are the balanced equivalents; higher tiers add more power and more expensive designs. Schiit sells mainly direct from its own website rather than through Amazon.
The entry stack: Modi and Magni
The Modi DAC and Magni amp are designed to sit on top of each other as a compact desktop stack. Together they’re one of the most common first desktop setups, with enough power for most headphones.
The balanced stack: Modius and Magnius
The Modius DAC and Magnius amp add balanced connections. Choose them if you want a balanced chain or the extra power of a balanced headphone output. If you don’t use balanced cables, the Modi and Magni do the same job for less.
Higher tiers
Above the entry stacks, Schiit makes more powerful amps and more expensive DACs aimed at demanding headphones and listeners who want a particular design approach. For most headphones, the entry or balanced stack is enough.
How to choose
| If you… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Want a first desktop stack | Modi + Magni |
| Use balanced cables or want more power | Modius + Magnius |
| Have very demanding headphones | Schiit’s higher-power amps |
| Want to buy on Amazon | Topping’s equivalent range |
Buying Schiit
Schiit sells mainly direct from its own site, so prices, availability and return terms come from Schiit rather than Amazon. If you’d rather buy from Amazon, Topping’s range covers the same ground; see our Topping amp lineup guide and our SMSL SU-1 review for a budget DAC.
Verdict
Start with the Modi and Magni unless you know you need balanced connections or more power. Compare with Topping if buying on Amazon matters to you.
How we wrote this
This guide is compiled from manufacturer specifications, current product listings and published measurements. We don’t test products ourselves.
