Bifrost 4490

I'm really looking forward to your impressions.

Will also be curious about the installation process. I assume it's not much different than swapping cards out in a computer?

 

Pretty much. Installation was simple enough. There's a post out there which details the process step by step, but basically you undo about a dozen screws, slide out the main board, and pop the uber board out, the pop in the 4490 board in its place.

 

Impressions

 

Ya. Impressions please.

 

Yes, please. If not, it looks like we may be showing up on doorsteps with torches and pitchforks. Spill the beans!

@purrin, have you had a chance to hear it yet?

 

The 4490 and MB Bifrost loaners should be here in a few days - I will post my comparisons between the Uber, 4490, and Multibit Bifrosts.

 

Sorry guys, been busy with work and trying to get over a bad flu the past couple days.

Never thought I would say this in a million years, but I'm enjoying the 4490 upgrade more than I enjoyed the Bifrost Multibit. And yes, 4490 is a crazy upgrade from the Uber. I had my doubts prior, since I once thought Uber was already the shit, but boy was I wrong.

-4490 made the Uber seem grainy (which I didn't think was possible). We're talking about a huge step in clarity. Here is where Bifrost Multibit may fall short, I don't recall this level of crispness when I had the loaner.

-Soundstage is massive compared to both the Uber and Bifrost Multibit. Not only is it wider, but it also feels like you've moved back 5 rows in certain recordings.

-Bass impact and extension is superb on the 4490, far better than Uber and Bifrost Multibit. I recall @purrin saying that the "Moffat bass" was missing in the Bifrost Multibit, and I agree... there wasn't much of a change between Uber and Bifrost Multibit in regards to bass... but with 4490, you can really tell that "Moffat bass" is definitely there.

-Highs are as nonfatiguing, smooth, and effortless as Bifrost Multibit. No signs of digital harshness that the Uber once had.

So what does the Bifrost Multibit do better than 4490? Not much, in my opinion. 4490 actually sounds better, and the differences are apparent right away. To me, Bifrost Multibit was more of a difference in presentation (relative to the Uber). Though, compared to 4490, layering was done better and center image was more focused, maybe better separation, but my memory is a bit hazy.

What did surprise me the most was how great 4490 sounded on my cheap Sony speakers. The improved clarity and bass was really obvious. The bass used to distort much easier on my speakers, but since the 4490 upgrade, the added clarity and bass tautness literally transformed them. None of this was experienced with the Bifrost Multibit.

So for $70? Insanely good deal. Besides, my goal is to save up for Gungnir Multibit anyway, but this should keep me happy for a long long time.

 

Interesting! You're working off memory on the Bifrost Multibit, right? I'd love to hear some side by side comparisons for people who have both on hand. Right now the 4490 is available on Schiit for $349 as b-stock. That seems like quite a deal if it's as good as you say.

 

Yeah, the Bifrost Multibit impressions are from memory, I'm afraid. Hope to read some side by side comparisons too!

 

Thanks for your 4490 impressions, Pyruvate.. any additional thoughts on the 4490's tonal qualities in the midrange and treble? You mention a larger soundstage.. how accurate is imaging? Do you find micro- and macro-dynamics to be fluid and natural or overly smooth on the 4490?

 

I will be receiving loaner units for the 4490 and Bifrost MB and I will have them at the same time to do A/B comparisons. I will actually be comparing three versions of the Bifrost - the Uber, the 4490, and the Multi-bit. Stay tuned.

 

You've got my attention!

 

The Alchemist this is awsome ... I am thinking of a 4490 upgrade ...

 

Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

 

I'm very interested in the comparison also. Will this be done with both headphones and speakers?

 

thank guys. I will do my best to convey the differences between the 3 Bifrosts. I have a strong feeling that some may underestimate the bifrost 4490 so I am eager to compare that to the Multibit

 

Definitely with headphones (HD800 Z28 Mod). Speakers - possibly, I do not have monitors but I do have some good speakers. So we'll see how it goes. I will do the best I can to accurately post my impressions of the 3 Bifrosts.

 

*wonders if it's worth the $350 for B-stock or if he should wait for the next generation of Schiit*

 

Well, I'm thinking this is the next Gen for Bifrost - the d/s was upgraded, and they added MB. I suspect they will rev Modi soon though, if that's what you're thinking.

 

Specifically I'm thinking about a Modi with a 4490 chip upgrade.