Schiit recommended! I have been into high end audio for fifty years and have a very high end system (all ARC Reference components and Sonus Fabre Amati speakers) and a high end headphone system. I always laughed at the name and declared I would never have anything to do with a company with that name. I have been helping a friend get into audio and as a part of that process researched DACs and concluded there was no question the Schiit components were performing at twice or more the competition. In the process I bought a Gungnir (multibit) and he bought a Yiggy. I also bought their headphone amp. I just have to say the stuff is a screaming deal. I hate the name... but the equipment is great. Yes, the Ragnarok is going to be worth it. Given the hours one will spend, a bit of a stretch will bring many pleasurable hours of use. They have a ten day... I think it was return policy. Turn it on when you get it so you can sample it after a continuous week running

I recently went down the same route...ended up with the Audiolab 6000a (and CDT). I can vouch for it. Excellent quality and sounds fantastic. Plus Bluetooth is a nice little addition. I spin mostly vinyl and didn't need anything too heavy duty, this fit the bill. I've heard nothing but excellent things about Schiit. Isn't the Ragnarok just the power amp? Meaning, you'd also have to buy a preamp as well, kind of blowing up the $1000 budget?

The Outlaw. It has a great vintage feel with the ability to easily play to todays equipment and connectivity.

My father has one and we were very impressed after it broke in. Recommended. It’s hard to find another dedicated 2 channel receiver under a grand that is ( underrated ) 110wpc with 2 sub inputs, A&B speakers and has a built in phono pre-amp.

You are right here. I also like his all choices. I will definitely buy a new one for me. LOL!

Question: Since you bought a Gungnir and your friend the Yiggi what has been your conclusion as to which one is better? I've used a Gungnir for several years but have always wondered how the Yiggi compares.

I can't speak for the Ragnarok in particular, but I have a Saga S/Vidar setup, and I really like it. Good company with a terrible name.

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Have you considered NAD? I have an old C 356BEE. It's warm, rich, and detailed sounding. I cannot compare it to anything else, though, because I've never had another good amp. And I'm sure the new NADs are just as good as the old ones. I've never heard of any of those new brands people talk about, but I'm not sure how they could sound better than a NAD.