Schiit Yggdrasil vs. Gungnir Multibit

Somebody who has both Yggdrasil and Gungnir Multibit please try to put the USB gen 3 into Gungnir Multibit and see what'll happen. This is the only way we know how much distance lay between them.

 

I suspect that there is firmware stuff required and it's not as simple as just swapping the USB boards.

 

Argh, you guys aren't making it easy for me!

 

True, the Gungnir Multibit comes with 100% more schlong than the Yggdrasil.

When it boils down to it, I'll likely get a Gungnir Multibit. That extra $1,000 can be put towards a better amp, new headphones, hookers and blow, etc.

 

Remember the modularity and better upgradeability of the Yggdrasil too. The $1,000 difference (less with B-stock) now may seem like a lot, but if incremental upgrades continue you could end up saving in the long run.

I would say if someone has the money and the space and will use the DAC frequently, just get the Yggdrasil. If someone is on a tighter budget, doesn't have the space, or may not use the DAC frequently, Gungnir Multibit makes more sense.

 

The Gungnir Multibit is modular as well, no?

 

Yes, all of Schiit's DACs are modular from Bifrost and up. The lower end units like Modi are not.

 

Yes, but one is much more modular-er. See below with my emphasis.

Yggdrasil
Okay, fine, I get the picture. Change of subject: is this thing upgradable?
Yes. Like all of our DACs from Bifrost and up, Yggdrasil is built for the future. The main board is nothing more than a motherboard and power supply. From there, separate, plug-in modules are used for the input board, the USB board, the processor/DSP board, and the separate analog boards. This means that any part of Yggdrasil can be updated as standards change. Better USB? Sure. Better SPDIF? Sure. More processing power? Sure. Different DAC and analog section? Sure. This is one DAC you won't be throwing away when things change.

Gungnir
And both Gungnir Multibit and Gungnir are still upgradable?
Yep! They’re completely modular. Both the DAC/Analog modules and the USB input module are swappable, when we announce meaningful upgrades.

 

Ahh, I see what you're saying. More food for thought. Thanks!

 

My deciding factor between the Gungnir Multibit and Yggdrasil has been that most everyone states they are actually pretty close perhaps even 90% close. So, why spend another grand or so for such a small difference. In addition, if I remember correctly there was a posting or two mentioning that some like the Gungnir Multibit better than the Yggdrasil perhaps because it might be a touch too analytical. Perhaps this is like the HD6x0 versus the the HD800. Although in that comparison there is probably more of a difference... Nonetheless, I have been thinking about getting a Gungnir Multibit for my main listening area in a year or two. For now, I have been really enjoying the Bifrost Multibit.

 

Better headphone/amp will serve you well for a while, but the latter 2 especially when used together will be the best bang for your buck.

 

Thanks for pointing that out, didn't know that about Yggdrasil. Only increases its value proposition. (Not going to make the mistake of stating it's a better investment because of that.)

 

Sorry to crosspost, but can I get some insight on that?

 

I use Wyrd with Gungnir Multibit and am very happy with the combination.

 

Perhaps a bit platinudal but... The owner of a Maserati is not missing the performance advantages of a Lamborghini when he is driving his wonderful and different car. Enjoyment is in the moment.

(He is however enjoying the Mas more when it is being driven rather than in for servicing.)

The enjoyment factor of Gungnir Multibit is reflected in my being glued to my rig since returning from my Christmas vacation overseas. It has its hooks in me.

 

I'm not a huge fan of the Regen on the Yggdrasil. It's better with the silly short adapter, but it's not my favorite. It does round out and warm up the sound, which is quite welcome, but the trade off are the transient attacks. While I'd prefer a more rounded sound out of the Yggdrasil (I'd like a tube output stage) softening the transient attacks wasn't worth it for me.

I found that the Wyrd sharpened the transient attacks and lessened the warmth, but about 1/4 the amount of the regen. This is why @Bill-P started cap rolling Wyrds.

Overall, I prefer the straight USB implementation to either the Wyrd or the Regen and I own both.

 

I find the Gungnir Multibit is better with the Wyrd as well. It helps it whereas I think it hinders the Yggdrasil. I think I wouldn't bother if the Gungnir Multibit had a USB Gen 3 board in it.

 

The Gungnir Multibit + Wyrd is pretty great. Really, the difference between the sources doesn't matter as much as moving to vinyl. Yes, the Yggdrasil is better and more resolving and has a better USB implementation, but don't rule out the Gungnir Multibit.