Bang-for-the-Buck DAC to complement The Jotunheim

Hi-

I have a Jotunheim (amp-only), and my Sound Blaster X7's RCA output just took a dump on me.

I value clarity, speed, decay and soundstage in a tonal signature.

What DAC should I go with? Need optical and USB inputs, and rca outputs. Balanced would be nice, but not essential.

I'm hoping to pay less than $400 used.

My top choices would be a Schiit Multibit or a Parasound Zdac2.

Any other suggestions?

 

How much better is the Multibit over the Bifrost?

Thanks!

 

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/the-all-purpose-advice-thread.19/
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/schiit-multibit-bifrost.105/
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/modi-multibit-multibit-for-the-masses.2494/

 

Yeah, but I literally don't have a dac right now. What can I get away with until something good comes out? Should I buy the dac chip for the Jot?

 

Thanks for the links!

 

Get the Modi Multibit. When the Bifrost upgrade happens, you will be able to sell your Modi to help fund it should you choose to want to upgrade. You may not feel the need to.

 

If you're just looking to get pretty much any DAC, then Modi 'something', or hell even a Fulla 2 to just stand in. If you want something that will be 'good enough' until you really want to drop cash on it, then the Modi Multibit is the go-to recommendation around here, potentially a used Bifrost if you get lucky with sellers.

Speaking from experience, it took me a few days of just switching between the GOV2's filters before I could really start to tell them apart reliably. DAC differences a subtle. So if you are gonna trial DACs, make sure you can actually compare them over a length period of time, as I doubt very many people would be able to immediately say "oh yeah the Gungnir Multibit is clearly better here, here, and oooover here compared to the Modi M" in a blind comparison, chain and headphones depending of course. I know next to nothing about the Ori (or planars in general), so your mileage may vary.

 

I'd go for the Modi Multibit, apparently it can get shockingly good sound if you can find a decent SPDIF transport instead of using the built in USB board. Pretty hard to beat that DAC for the money, even Marvey compares it to the TransDAC. It is a little on the dark/warm side as warning.

 

What did you end up doing for your Jot? I am in a similar boat but I am interested in Keeping my chain balanced. So the Modi-Multibit doesn't work for me in that regard.

To go with Schiit I would have to move up to a Gungnir Multibit. But that is way past my Budget-Fi setup of: (insert Balanced DAC Here) > Jotunheim > HD650M
Yes the Jot Has the Balanced AK4490 DAC, But I am looking for an external DAC with TOSLINK SPDIF, and Balanced XLR to feed to the Jot.
Once I have that I want to built a Tube Preamp so that the final Budget Desktop Set up is:

DAC > Tubes > Jot > HD650M (Balanced the whole Way)

 

You may want to check out this thread as well
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/system-synergy-special-sound.54/page-10

There are a couple variations of the builds in there, but it seems pretty close to what you're trying to do.

 

The Jot doesn't need a balanced DAC. Single ended in sounds pretty much the same as XLR balanced in. The amp's unique topology pretty much eliminates the need for a balanced DAC. Many Jot owners are happily enjoying the amp with the unbalanced Modi Multibit. That's doesn't mean that there isn't a difference of some kind. A balanced DAC outputs a stronger signal which could be perceived as sounding "better". Still, for the Jot in particular, you are not gaining anything by going for a balanced DAC, IMO.

Think of it this way. The Schiit multibit chips have excellent synergy with the Jot. To get a balanced multibit DAC, would would need to spring for the Gungnir Multibit at $1250. Not worth it in my opinion, especially if you are pairing it with a $400 amp.

A few people around here recommend the Emotive DC-1 which is balanced at $500. Whether or not it is better than the Modi Multibit is open for debate.

My chain is actually going to be very similar to what you are proposing. Tuscan CD200 -> Modi Multibit -> Ifi Itube 2 buffer -> Jotenheim -> HD650 / Eikon.

 

Yes, do that. Its good considering what it is.

The Bifrost Multibit is most likely next to get an upgrade, and might be the next "must have" Schiit DAC....

 

Modi 2U for neutral
Modi Multibit for veil for synergy with Jot

Used Emotiva DC-1 for best option with most features.

 

I have the Bifrost Multibit paired with it and find the pairing to be good.

No glare or harshness with the HD650.

 

@Psalmanazar thanks for the input. I had considered the DC-1. my questioning for you,

1) would you say that the synergy with a slightly warmer MB dac (ModiMB, Bifrost Multibit) has a bigger impact on the whole than going with the S-D DC-1 Balanced?

Would you place more importance to that As a whole, than on keeping the chain balanced? I am asking because when I compared the Jot with Built-in balanced dac with the Modi 2, I preferred the Built in DAC when it comes to soundstage and imaging, but it was a little shouty in the Mid-highs with my 650M. I prefer a balanced chain on headphones but I am willing to give up if the synergy gains are greater than the separation.

Thanks.

 

Where is all this talk of a Bifrost upgrade coming from? I just f'ing ordered one!!

 

I think its all speculation. Based on Jason's comments, I think the Bifrost upgrade is a bit of a ways off. Keep in mind that is the second most recent model to get a multibit upgrade and it hasn't been out all that long.

 

Who gives a shit with headphones? The balanced DAC is only important if you're going to be running it to powered speakers in the future. If no speakers, save money.

Bifrost Multibit isn't warm and has the most dynamic treble of Schiit DAC, the upper bass and lower mids are just completely fucked. The Modi Multibit is punchier but fucked everywhere else. The DC-1 is just better than both of them with more features and inputs.

If you hate treble and have the jot, get the Modi Multibit to kill treble but it might be better to just sell the Jot for the Asgard 2 and pocket the difference as the Modi Multibit, like the Metrum NOS BS, makes the stock HD 800 listenable so ymmv.