The All Purpose Advice Thread

I can't speak to Yggdrasil, as I haven't heard it since RMAF '14, but I thought Gen5 Gungnir Multibit was a significant step up from my Modi Multibit w/Eitr. 3x better? Don't know, but that seems unlikely. Would rather not go back though. The Gungnir Multibit still sounds good enough that I don't feel like I am missing out on anything.

 

Yggdrasil isn't inherently any of those things except perhaps for dynamically lively. It's basically neutral. If you are expecting deviations from neutral on the laid-back or warmed-over side then sure, you could hear it as too bright or sharp. But then you work on the rest of your system to get the balance you want. The rest of your chain looks pretty low on treble fuckery so I doubt you would have a problem. Probably you would be a tube roll away from something you could live with.

In my view the two sensible options at this point would be to get Yggdrasil Analog 2 and be done or to wait for Gungnir Multibit Analog 2. Personally the biggest difference I heard between Yggdrasil 1 and Gungnir Multibit 1 was that the Yggdrasil has better macrodynamics and bass (probably due to the better power supply). Didn't notice that much difference in tonality.

 

No. I own Yggdrasil Analog 2.

I can only speak to the Gungnir Multibit as we know it, although from what I understand models that are currently shipping have already been updated. Schiit representatives at shows are publicly telling people this.

The generation 1 Gungnir Multibit is more euphonic than the Yggdrasil; either generation; but is undoubtedly more smeared. The smearing of transients into one another can certainly be interpreted as 'forgiving' but really it is deliberate omission of detail: you are hearing less of the recording. If you don't mind this, then you can save around $1200 and just go for the Gungnir Multibit. I listen to 90% indie & punk rock, not really known for its recording quality, and have zero issues with either converter.

The rest of your chain would have to be total shit to not notice a significant step up from the Modi Multibit, as even the generation 1 Gungnir Multibit was a big improvement.

 

I think you'll find opinions either way on Eitr/Modi Multibit vs. Bifrost Multibit Gen5, but the latter will definitely stack much better with Lyr 3.

 

I was sort of figuring it was probably mostly a wash and it will come down mostly to aesthetics and which I can get the best price on.

 

I was chatting with @Andre Y about how to stack Eitr/Modi Multibit on top of Lyr 3. I estimated some measurements based the photos on the Schiit website and made a paper cutout mockup. The mini-stack will cover some of the vents around the tube, more aligned with the back than at the front.

 

Really, Gungnir Multibit is Analog 2 now but not announced?? For how long have they been telling people this (that you know of)?

 

Note the lack of attribution. Just sayin'.

 

Is it safe to hook up an unbalanced source (RCA cables) to the XLR input on my Jotunheim? I'd like a second input but I don't want to short the grounds or anything like that. If not, I'll just break out the old SYS to switch between two sources.

 

Hi SBAF, i need some advice for DAC/Amp combo for HD6XX/HD650. My budget is $350, i know it's not much, but the idea is that with a decent DAC i can upgrade the amp later according to my taste.

All my previous headphones was low-end stuff: Phone-included, Beats stuffs,... you name it. My current can is V-Moda M100. It was serviceable for EDM and dance, but as i shift to other genres it just become too muddy: A bit too much bass, vocal is recessed, high is not as presence as i hope, eventhough i can't stand bright cans. Replace the pads to XL pads is not helping either, while i can sense a bit soundstage, more open sound and better instrument seperation, the bass feel boomy and vocal is just... urgh

So while i wait for my HD6XX, i guess i'd have to find something to drive it. I currently listen to: Jazz (prefer funky stuffs, but sometimes jump to smooth ones), indiepop, hip hop, EDM (mainly house, not listen as much as i used to, but still...), occasionally listen to whatever Spotify throw at me.

I guess i'd need something slightly warm and dynamic, with smooth high. Plenty stuff at this price point: Magni 3 + Modi Multibit (good dac, okay amp i guess?), Modi 2 with better amp, Massdrop CTH + SDAC (seems like good deal, but i heard it has "soft bass"?)...

More reading just get me more confusing, so i'd like a bit advice here: Which combo should i go with? Thanks in advanced.

 

Did you already order the 6xx? Otherwise you can buy some 600 used and increase the budget for the rest of the components with the saved money.

 

I already jumped on the drop 3 weeks ago.
While i do think M100 is too bassy, i prefer a warmer sound signature. Also as this is my first audiophile can i'd like a good combo, but not too hi-end, to become my reference.

 

I think Modi Multibit + Magni3 would be an excellent first stack. If you can spring for the Vali2 over the magni3, that might be even better.

 

Personally? If you don't mind spending a little more get Vali 2 + Modi Multibit. "Just" 50$ more and you'll be happy with the trio or you'll manage to find them in the used market withing the budget.

 

Hi SBAF, would really appreciate your advice on a new pair of closed headphones.

I can't really justify spending more than $500. Local audition possibilities are extremely limited, so from what I've been reading in the past few months (about everything available ), I'm currently considering the E-MU Teak which i know does not isolate well, but should be ok compared to an open headphone. The Audeze Mobius looks interesting but due to the low amount of details, i'm guessing it will be rather mediocre for music only.
Looking for a fun headphone, slightly elevated bass (and sub-bass), liquid vocals and highs that are not annoying.

Advice is highly appreciated, thank you

 

Looks like nobody has responded to this. Note there are specific threads on just Mjolnir 2, so search that thread for many opinions.

I have that exact combo. IMHO best bang for buck is WE396A using an adapter. Great overall tone with slightly more warmth and strong bass. The weakness is higher noise and microphonics compared to top tier 6922 types. The military version label as JW 2C51/396A is lower noise (supposed to be lower microphonic but my experience it is not).

 

Since you are in Europe the Senn 569 I auditioned at rmaf were quite nice. I also heard the E-Mu teaks there and liked them as well. Two that I owned that are good are the Nad Viso and the Focal Professional.

If I were buying I would take the E-Mu because I listen at lower volumes and they are very good for that.

 

Although many folks here are Schiit fanboys and will rec their combos, I have owned lots of their stuff and prefer the amp side of their offerings on the budget side a bit more. For my Senn 600s one of the better combos I have owned and heard for the money is a JDS El dac with the Magni 3.

 

Have a look at Tyll's wall of fame: https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelitys-wall-fame-over-ear-sealed

Apart from stuff already mentioned the Shure's might be an option, or maybe the Focal.

 

How about a used ZMF Ori or Blackwood?