Reviewed on: SoundStage! Solo, April 2019
I measured the Schiit Audio Fulla 2 using a Clio 10 FW audio analyzer and a Neutrik NL-1 Minilyzer. I used the Fulla 2’s analog input for all these measurements, because I haven’t yet found a way to get digital test signals from the Clio 10 FW to USB DACs. Note that my focus with these tests is on measurements that confirm these devices’ basic functionality.
This chart shows the Fulla 2’s frequency response with 1mW output into 32-ohm and 600-ohm loads. (Frequency response at 250 ohms is not shown because it almost perfectly overlapped with the response at 32 ohms.) Into 32 ohms, the response measures -0.011dB at 20Hz, -0.031dB at 20kHz, and -0.085dB at 75kHz. Into 600 ohms, the numbers are -0.009dB, -0.044dB, and -0.186dB, respectively. These are excellent results, comparable to those of a good high-end analog preamp.
This chart shows the output of the Fulla 2 vs. total harmonic distortion (THD) into 32-, 250- and 600-ohm loads. Note that Schiit’s power ratings are specified at 16, 50, 300, and 600 ohms, so some of my measurements are not directly comparable. Output into 32 ohms is 320mW at 0.5% THD and 340mW at 1% THD (Schiit’s rating is 360mW into 32 ohms, THD unspecified). Output into 250 ohms is 50mW at 0.5% THD and 51mW at 1% THD. Output into 600 ohms is 21mW at 0.5% THD and 22mW at 1% THD. These numbers are all very impressive for a $99 DAC-headphone amp.
Here you can see the harmonic distortion spectrum and noise floor of the Fulla 2, referenced to 1V RMS output at 600Hz into 32 ohms. Distortion is very low, with the second harmonic slightly higher in level than the third; I’d say this would make the Fulla 2 sound “tubey” if the distortion at this output level and load were high enough for you to hear, but that second harmonic is at -79dB. You can also see that the noise floor of the amp is way down around -110dB.
I measured output impedance of the headphone jack at 3.2 ohms at 1kHz; Schiit rates it at 0.5 ohm. Note that this measurement, made with a potentiometer used as a voltage divider, is not super-accurate, and any output impedance in the low single digits is low enough not to react significantly with the reactance of the headphones, and thus won’t change their frequency response.
. . . Brent Butterworth
brentb@soundstagenetwork.com