The All Purpose Advice Thread

Hello,

Could anyone please offer any advice/suggestions/feedback on what would be a fab DAC to go with my 32.5 + 250 + Linn Sara Isobarik setup please. I have used an ifi NANO iDSD with my system but unfortunately one of the RCA sockets on this unit has failed so I need a new DAC and looking for a bit of an upgrade as well. I really liked the sound of the ifi which I would describe as quite a 'warm' sounding DAC.

I was looking at the Schiit Audio Bifrost Multibit + Wyrd but have been advised that this DAC/Schiit Audio products would be 'too bright' and not compatible with my setup as its quite old and the 32.5 isn't that kind to new digital sources.

I have a budget of up to £800, if anyone could offer advice I'd really appreciate it.

Kind regards,
Richard

 

I am not sure who you spoke with that stated Schiit products were "too bright" but I don't believe that is the case. I will say that the Bifrost Multibit is an amazing DAC for the price and it isn't going to "Brighten" your sound at all., at least that is my experience, someone else's may be different. The most likely things that may brighten your sound are 1) the headphones you are using and their sound signature 2) an amp may brighten your sound, 3) Source can brighten your sound especially if using EQ or any plugins. The only thing I can think of as far as why someone may have said Schiit products were "Bright" may have been referring to the Valhalla 2, however that isn't the correct statement to say it is "Bright". A more accurate description of the Valhalla 2 is that it isn't like your typical Tube amp. It is only slightly warm, and is more neutral than most typical tube amps, perhaps with some dry treble, but to say it is bright I believe is incorrect. Maybe I am wrong so someone else can chime in, but I don't think Schiit products are "Bright" especially Schiit Dacs. AS far as the Wyrd goes, I have not personally heard it make my setup sound any brighter, it is just a USB decrapifier and I haven't noticed it brightening my sound at all, that is my own personal experience though and my setup is different from yours, but I highly doubt the Wyrd is going to brighten your sound.But seriously, the Schiit Bifrost Multibit is an incredible DAC and value and it isn't going to "Brighten" your sound at least in my experience, but it will make for a damn good DAC for the price.

Keep in mind my statements above are only related to my setup and personal experience, so take it at that, some others may think the Schiit Bifrost Multibit is bright, but in my experience, that is not the case.

And you can read my review on the Bifrost Multibit and Bifrost 4490 here:
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...-bifrost-multibit-subjective-comparison.1313/

Another great thread to read on the Bifrost Multibit technical measurements:

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...aner-program-unit-technical-measurements.610/

 

Bifrost Multibit would be considered warm around these parts. The Modi Multibit would also be a great choice although it is not a warm dac. Neither of those dacs would be considered "bright" though.

On a side note, I moved your post to this thread. In addition, please take the time to read our rules and to introduce yourself.
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...ers-introduce-yourself.17/page-73#post-100800
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/must-read-seven-simple-guidelines.3/

 

Its more about how the Schiit will work with my Naim 32.5 pre amp. This is an old amp and not especially tolerant of modern digital sources, it worked fine with my ifi DAC but apparently all Schiit kit is 'bright' and this is concerning me how it would sound with my old Naim.....thats the dilemma!

 

Generally issues with motherboard optical outputs are down to borderline transceivers and using converted (i.e. a divider off the main system clock), rather than dedicated, clocks (which will result in elevated levels of jitter). These issues are not just common, but they're typical.

I have yet to see the bit-level data on an optical output be corrupted at the source unless there was a fault in the transmitter circuit.

If you're having noise/PSU related issues that are big enough to affect your optical output, I'd imagine you'd have other issues as well.

 

Yep, sorry, should have specified, "In the first instance, try a regular phono cable." If this were to show an improvement, one could then pick up a digital coax cable for long term use. (Though with an RCA digital cable you will get some impedance mismatch anyway because the connectors are not the right impedance).

 

Maybe I didn't explain myself well enough either. I thought we were posting things that are completely irrelevant to the question I asked. Instead of saying I should destroy my turntable maybe you should use your words and give me a well articulated response instead of posting this nonsensical bullshit.

 

You're in luck because the multibit technology in schiit's dacs are based off of the old R2R technology. FWIW, I've owned two vintage dacs: the Parasound D/AC-1100 and Sonic Frontiers Transdac. Schiit's multibit line is an evolution of those R2R dacs.

Sorry to say this, but your Naim is not special in that it is not tolerant of modern digital sources. It could be that your Naim is inherently bright or has issues that can be masked by a warmer source. I don't know where you're getting the idea that all Schiit is bright. I wouldn't consider any of their current dacs bright at all. Some amps, yes, but not dacs.

 

Blue Jeans Cable carries coaxial digital audio 75 ohm cables with connectors that are often recommended for keeping the impedance correct from end to end. They are not expensive.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/digital-audio/index.htm

 

Well, that attempt at humour went down like a lead balloon.

 

A question for the "old school" users I guess.

Back in the day I had a Headamp Gilmore Lite. I loved that little amp. I sold it years ago when I moved across the country for work.

Back then the Headamp GS-1 was something I always wanted to try as it was a higher quality version of the Gilmore Lite.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/headamp/gs1.html

I currently run the Asgard 2. If I could find a used GS-1 any idea how it compares to the Asgard 2?

 

@svperstar: Having owned both a GS-1 and (briefly) Asgard 2, I'd regard the GS-1 as a credible upgrade over the latter. Sonically, the GS-1 is a relative of Schiit's Jotunheim. I'd give the edge to the Jodie, but it's close. Both are forward, neutral amps, but the Jodie is bit more refined. Never heard a GS-1 with the upgraded modules that Justin (i.e. HeadAmp) later released, however.

Considering that the Jodie is cheaper than you're likely to find a used GS-1 for, I'd just buy that. Although I recently came across a rumor that the GS-1 may be due for a comeback of sorts. But take that with a substantial grain of salt, as it's pure hearsay.

 

I'm still on the fence on ordering the Mjolnir 2 for my Ether C and I don't want to rely on tubes all the time. Any impressions on how does the LISST equipped MJ2 compare with other solid state amplifiers in the 1000$ range?

 

I came to this forum knowing that Schiit's gear was highly regarded and preferred in many cases by the denizens here, but I'm seeing no high end DACs suggested at all except their stuff, which surprises me because there is a lot out there that has tried to bridge the quality divide, especially equipment that sits in the $300 to $1500 range. I also have my own preference of looking into the overlap of mastering gear for the use of audio enthusiasts, that is almost completely absent.

Am I correct in this feeling or have I just been seeing the cut away of the members who really prefer their uh... Schiit dominate the conversation on gear suggestions?

 

Is the lot out there that has "tried" to bridge the gap actually better than the Modi Multibit, though?

In any case, your statement above that "no high end DACs are suggested except Schiit" is false. Other options can be found here if you take a little time to read the appropriate subs.

 

Depends on tastes but DACs that I see mentioned the most are DACs from Schiit, Metrum, Mhdt Labs, and the new Holo Audio Spring DAC. You might want to check out the DAC chart of Awesomeness. There are quite a few on there. Read through the discussion as well.

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/marveys-dac-chart-of-awesomeness.63/

 

My apologies, I should have prefaced that with users who are actively seeking recommendations (in this thread) and noting "not many" as opposed to absolutes.

And that was kinda my question, has there been anything, but cursory exploration outside Schiit? For example, I heard a few rumblings on the dam1021 here, and outside these forums it has been said to compare favorably to units way outside its price ($200 and a few people have noted it's comparable to the Naim DAC and a few other random models. Specifically on DIYAudio, not quoting anything from HeadFi.)

So it is just curiosity on my part about I guess the cross section of knowledge people have here.

 

Oh... Thank you Skippy - reading that thread now... So much information here that it's hard to cut through what is relevant at times.

 

Most respected posters here are american based, hence the recommendations are mostly for american gear which they have access too.

 

I think also that Schiit gear is recommended a lot because it is really good and not just from a subjective point of view. It is easily available in the USA, UK and Europe. It is very reasonably priced, completely upgradabale and offers something at each price point.

There are other DACS recommended but normally these cost a lot more money, are maybe not so readily available, and maybe only offer a different flavour rather than a full on upgrade.

American or not, I will take a well made, upgradable and reasonably priced DAC any day.