Odin's Spear - Lotoo Gungnir DAC/Amp
There are almost daily new Hi-Fi and Head-Fi products, so it’s easy to lose track. Even for me as an insider, it’s increasingly difficult to separate the "wheat from the chaff," meaning good or very good new products from standard fare that’s just "more of the same."
However, when Lotoo announces a new product, I instinctively know that something big might be coming.
Last year at High-End Munich, I had the chance to test your new integrated headphone amplifier Lotoo Gungnir for the first time. At that point, I knew nothing about this device, which resembles your Mjölnir DAP, and I was all the more surprised when I saw the Gungnir at the Lotoo booth. Naturally, I wanted to test the new device immediately – which I did, but more on that later.
The name Gungnir, as you might expect, comes from Norse mythology:
"Gungnir, the legendary spear of the god Odin, is one of the most famous weapons in Norse mythology and symbolizes power, wisdom, and steadfast determination. Created by dwarves and inscribed with magical runes, it was considered an infallible weapon that never missed its target and played a significant role in numerous godly tales.
Whether in the war between the Aesir and Vanir, during sacred rituals, or in the final battle of Ragnarok – Gungnir was always at Odin's side, emphasizing his position as the supreme warlord and master of fate. To this day, the spear fascinates people around the world and is seen as a symbol of courage, strength, and unwavering fighting spirit.
Before I focus on the inner values of the Gungnir, here are, as always, a few unboxing photos:
Like the Mjölnir, the Gungnir also comes in a simple white cardboard box...
Inside are the device, manual, and USB-C cable. Unfortunately, a USB power adapter is not included, but most modern USB power adapters (e.g., from UGreen or Anker) can be used without any problems.
The workmanship is - as expected from Lotoo - perfect.
The Gungnir looks quite similar to its "brother" Mjölnir but is significantly lighter, as the Mjölnir has a large built-in battery, while the Gungnir is powered exclusively via power supply.
An upgraded power supply (which also works with the Mjölnir) is on the way and can already be ordered.
Unlike the Mjölnir, the Gungnir is operated exclusively via buttons and toggle switches, which becomes second nature after a short adjustment period.
The tactile and acoustic feel of the manual controls is enjoyable and a welcome contrast to today's ubiquitous touchscreens. This way, you can operate the device after a while without looking.
At the launch of the Gungnir, Lotoo also brings the second version of their LTTP Dongle to the market, which allows lossless music streaming to Gungnir, Mjölnir, and GT2 from any device with a USB-C port (smartphone, tablet, PC, MAC, etc.).
The quality improvement compared to the first LTTP is enormous: For the first time, you can really speak of wireless streaming (almost) without loss.
Additionally, the LTTP makes the Gungnir user very flexible, as you can stream any desired source via smartphone, tablet, etc.
Sound Check
So far, I have tested the Gungnir with the following IEMs
Also with the following headphones:
As a source, I use the new Hiby RS8 MKII via USB-C. Here, a Supra Cables USB-C 3.2 is used, as this affordable USB-C cable always works and is excellently shielded.
Fun machine
The Lotoo Gungnir is clearly bred for performance and fun. The first few minutes with the device make that crystal clear. Every connected IEM sounded "bigger" with a good portion of extra bass and spatiality.
"Midrange" IEMs like the new UM MEST Fortune, which already sound excellent on the RS8 MKII, were catapulted into the next higher class by the Gungnir and clearly surpassed themselves. Definition, spatiality, simply everything increases to an unexpected degree.
Switching to "large" headphones gives the same overall picture: The Gungnir drives even the most demanding headphones effortlessly thanks to up to 8W power per channel and develops a joy of playing that you wouldn’t expect from such a compact all-in-one device.
Here too, the spatial imaging is what immediately stands out: Everything simply feels more three-dimensional. Instruments and voices are clearly separated and perfectly locatable without compromising the overall sound. In other words: you can easily pick out individual instruments or voices, but also just enjoy the piece of music as a whole.
The wonderfully natural NUR Harmonia sounds even airier and more agile as a result.
Its bass becomes tighter, faster, and gains texture. On "Intergalactic" by the Beastie Boys, the bass hits really hard. Wow! 😱🤩
The new HeddPhone 2 GT headphones show their best side: high-resolution with tons of detail, but without any harshness. Voices are wonderfully rich and compelling. The "Opening Title" from Alchemy of the Souls starts with a really powerful kick bass, and the GT has no trouble going deep and letting its wearer feel the bass: wonderful!!!
Conclusion
The Lotoo Gungnir is a compact all-in-one package for music lovers who want to get the most out of their IEMs and headphones at home or in the (home) office – without having to set up two full-size devices (DAC and headphone amplifier). Such combinations not only require much more space but would probably also cost significantly more at this sound quality level.
Thanks to its compact design, the Gungnir is small and light enough to take with you whenever needed – for example, to another room, the bedroom, or even on vacation to a hotel. This way, you can enjoy music at the highest level even on the go.
The Gungnir offers connections for practically all common IEMs and headphones and delivers up to 8 watts per channel. At the same time, the variety of inputs and outputs allows easy integration into existing stereo systems.
Against this background, the asking price – at least in my eyes and ears – almost feels like a bargain!
Oh yes – I almost forgot: The new Lotoo LTTP2 Dongle impresses with a much more stable connection and even better sound quality compared to its predecessor. Combined with the Gungnir – as well as with the Mjölnir or the GT2 DAP – it becomes a streaming solution at the absolute top level.
But that’s not all: Lotoo will soon release its specially tuned power supply and docking station Lotoo USB PD Power for Gungnir and Mjölnir, designed to further unlock the sonic potential of these devices.
Well, what more could you want? 😅🙌😍
The Lotoo Gungnir is now available at Audio Essence and can be tested for free in our showroom or at home. Simply Schedule a Demo Appointment with Us:
Phone: +41 77 403 35 26
Email: info@audioessence.ch
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