Great review - I believe you and YT Audiophiliac Steve G are among the first to share impressions (I haven’t checked the other forums)!
Red LED is a nice touch, and different from the other Schiit (I don’t remember the Heresy).
I especially took notice of your endorsement of the gain settings and SE.
For the Modius, at first I was apprehensive about how the default use is with USB power. However, I trust Schiit knows what they’re doing and I was reminded of how the Allo Transports feature battery power for better performance (less noise/interference).
I’m also Team Multibit. I preferred the Modi Multibit over the Modius in A/B testing, and the Bifrost 2 over the Modi Multibit. I experienced the same in having to crank up the volume on the Modius.
That might be the eventual consensus assessment/recommendation. I might also add for those looking for an amp/stack with superior measurements. For $400ish, I personally would probably choose the Mimby/Vali or Mimby/Asgard 3. [I haven’t heard the Magnius yet as it wasn’t on the floor at the Schiitr last weekend, but if it sounds like how I think it sounds. This paragraph doesn’t do anything for my credibility.]
On my recent visit to the Schiitr, I wasn’t expecting how I wanted to continue listening to the Heresy stack. Prior to the Magnius, I believe the Heresy is considered to be, or one of, Schiit’s cleanest and least colored amps (also best measuring). Most of my gear leans toward musical, euphonic, not-reference, so listening to the more clean and uncolored presentation (Schiit version) of the Heresy was a welcome experience. While not reducing the Magnius - it’s sound signature likely isn’t my jam - I’m considering picking up a Magnius/Heresy for another purpose: as a refresh/re-calibration/level set tool given the rest of my gear (similar to a palate/ear cleanser).
The Magnius is good Schiit and will likely be one of their top sellers.