Schiit Audio Valhalla 2 Headphone Amplifier

Schiit Audio: Brand Overview

Schiit Audio is an American audio company founded in June 2010 by Jason Stoddard and Mike Moffat, two veteran engineers with deep roots in the high-fidelity industry. Based in California with manufacturing operations in Texas, the company emerged from a shared vision between its founders—who had reconnected after years in separate audio ventures—to democratize desktop hi-fi. The name itself, deliberately provocative, reflects Stoddard's irreverent approach to a traditionally buttoned-up market, born from his wife's exasperated suggestion during late-night garage sessions.

The company specializes in personal audio components, with a product portfolio spanning digital-to-analog converters (DACs), headphone amplifiers, preamplifiers, and integrated amplifier-DAC combinations. Schiit's first product, the Asgard headphone amplifier, launched in 2010, followed by the Bifrost DAC in 2011. The lineup ranges from entry-level pieces starting around $99 to premium offerings exceeding $2,000, with the company positioning itself as a leader in direct-to-consumer audio sales.

Schiit occupies a distinctive position as an accessible yet credible player in the audiophile market. Rather than pursuing ultra-premium positioning, the company has built its reputation on delivering genuine sonic performance at consumer-friendly prices—a philosophy its founders describe as trying to "out-cheap" each other. This strategy has resonated strongly; the company has grown substantially since inception, operating from a dedicated 15,000-square-foot facility and maintaining a reputation for transparency, quality engineering, and genuine engagement with the audio enthusiast community.