Schiit Gungnir Multibit impressions

Have a gungnir multibit with usb gen 5 that crena has lent me to compare to my LIM. using single ended cables, I have a studio b, having read in many posts that balanced is better would using balanced to rca (for studio b) take advantage of the benefit of balanced since it would have to go to single ended at the studio b. Im really enjoying the dac.
best

 

No, do not use XLR -> RCA cables because those typically short pin1 and pin3 together. Not only do you lose the "benefit" of balanced, but you're risking damage to your dac. If you absolutely must use your XLR outputs, then you need a transformer to convert it to RCA safely. Around here the Jensen boxes are popular for that.

 

Thanks for the warning. I am leaning towards the Gungnir over the LIm. It’s more fun and engaging while the LIm is clearer and cleaner and less engaging. Will continue to compare. So now is the Burl b2. The next step up with this type of dac?

 

You may find this thread useful: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...-bomber-dac-review-holy-sh-this-is-good.9575/

This post in particular has more comparisons to the Gungnir:
https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...-holy-sh-this-is-good.9575/page-2#post-309007

 

I recently started using balanced outs on a Gungnir MB Gen 5 usb through a cinimag transformer box to SE. Its like a light was turned on, everything is clearer with more snap. Definitely worthwhile

 

also there is twice the gain? I would at times go to 9 o clock on the studio b now between 7 and 8 o clock

 

Balanced outs should be +6db over SE, IIRC.

 

oh yes, its really good

 

Has anyone experimented with an external LPS for the Gungnir MB?

 

Care to explain what benefit it may or may not provide?

I ask, because in my uneducated head, I've been wondering if there is a way to mimic the benefits of a choke in Gungnir and Ragnarok 2.

 

I wouldn't worry about the power supply all that much. It already has a pretty complex LPS. It has separate transformers for analog and digital voltage and is regulated in multiple stages. First to 5V, 3.3V and analog rails. Then with additional low-noise regulation near the DAC chips. Experimenting with the PS would basically mean taking out the DAC board and putting it in it's own case.

If you are going to do any modding it'll be with the analog output section. Which after the A2 upgrade seems pretty solid and would be difficult to mess with anyway since it's discrete.

Choke regulation is more for high powered applications. For the Gungnir it wouldn't be much benefit since it's a low power, low current device even though it has a class A output. It could apply to the Ragnarok, but it's optimized for headphone use and already very low noise.

 

appreciate your thoughts on the power supply. Im not a tech guy and was wondering
best,
Josh

 

Yggdrasil has a choke supply, AFAIK. Not as big of a choke as Tyr, obviously, but there.

 

Just bought a used Gungnir MB with Unison USB was using a Gungnir MB with Gen 5 USB , cold just plugged in the dac is much clearer with greater detail bass to treble, no harshness. My wife just said "wow it really sounds better on this female singer" I had never heard the difference that Unison makes before this.

 

I see you already have a custom built music PC, but Unison definitely rewards being fed with 'better' USB outputs, e.g. Marv's USB PCIe breakout card idea detailed in his thread.

I'm running a SOtM decrapifier (tX-USBultra) I picked up used into LIM's Unison input, definitely helps. Also did with BF2's Unison board.

 

Hello,
I had the top of the line Intona galvanic isolator and have sold it and changed to a custom Oc vok (not sure about spelling) its made by Reality Cables its as good as the Intona for much less money. My custom PC has a custom USB board also.

 

I am considering removing the fuse on my Gungnir Multibit. I upgraded two pairs of Maggies in the past and the most beneficial mod was removing the fuse altogether. FS and tonal balance improved , greater clarity, less grey glare. Has anyone tried this with a Schitt dac, a Gungnir Multibit?
best,
Josh

 

The fuses on the Gungnir and Maggies serve very different purposes. Do not remove the Gungnir fuse - it may one day save your life without you knowing it.