Bifrost 4490

So I bit the bullet and put in an order for the 4490. Hope it's a big step up from the Modi 2U!

 

My first impression coming from the Uber is HOLY BASS, BATMAN.

I'm actually hoping it settles in a little. I'm finding it a tad distracting.

It's only been running for 2 hours, so plenty of time before I start drawing any real conclusions.

 

Sounds great, I was hoping for some improved lower end over the M2U. Would like to hear your impressions of the 4490 vs the Bifrost Multibit.

 

Here's a thread comparing the 4490 to the Bifrost Multibit: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...-bifrost-multibit-subjective-comparison.1313/

 

Okay, confession time. The extreme bass was due to...uhhhh...user error

Completely unrelated to the 4490 installation and all fixed now.

That said, YES, there is definitely a noticeable increase to bass and drum impact compared to the Uberfrost (and Modi2U). But, it's very nicely done and certainly not distracting as I said above. *phew*

The biggest improvement you'll notice is a sudden lack of congestion. The 4490 sound is more open/spacious and pleasant to listen to. And this is from someone that thought the Uberfrost was a really great-sounding DAC (which it is).

Compared to the Bifrost Multibit, I can't do a better job than The Alchemist in the thread linked above. He pretty much nailed it. The Bifrost Multibit is a tad smoother and the 4490 a tad more exciting. But, this is a subtle difference...certainly far more subtle than the jump from Uberfrost to 4490.

Keep in mind, though, that I'm going off audio memory for the MB, which is far less reliable than the Alchemist's side by side comparison.

Bottom Line: I'm amazed at what a tiny $70 upgrade can do. Very impressive.

 

A friend who works in the IC company told me the ES9038 is the best so far (better than 4497) but nobody has heard it.

 

That might be the least useful information I've ever heard.

 

A simple comparison of specs means almost nothing in the DAC/Amp business. If specs were everything, the Magni would be better than the Studio, but it simply isn't.

 

Skyline, how was the install process any pointers? Thx for the feedback ... now I am checking the tracking every 15 min

 

Read the head-fi thread above and read a couple of pages past the picture guide.

The picture guide is good for taking it apart, but you don't want to put it back together in reverse order. A summary of reassembly:

1) Place the outer shell face down (I just put it between my legs). Let the input cycle button rest in the hole so gravity is holding it in place. Insert the circuit board carefully trying to line up the LEDs. Then you should be able to reach in with your hand and push the LEDs into place. It may take a few minutes to get them lined up. And, remember that the LEDs are attached to flexible leads for a reason. They can be bent and adjusted a bit to line them up properly.

2) Carefully slide the inner shell into place and attach it to the circuit board with the 4 screws.

3) Now you're ready to replace the rest of the screws starting with the interior screws on the bottom of the unit and going from there.

Also, be sure to pay attention to the screw size. The screws on the corners near the feet are shorter as well as the screws on top of the unit, I believe. The screws that actually hold the circuit board in place are a little longer. No biggie...just keep them organized.

Let me know if you have questions

 

Thank you Skyline for the hints ... worked flawlessly . I have to say that I am very pleased with the upgrade. I was upgrading from the original Bifrost so the differences are quite evident. I would say 3 things jumped at me right of the bat:

1. More and better bass
   
2. smoother highs
3. better instrument separation

Well worth the investment!

 

^ I second that. After spending some time with the 4490, the most apparent things coming from the the Modi2U were increased extension on both ends, much wider soundstage, and increased clarity. It also seems to have a bit of a sweeter tone to the music. This upgrade has really made my modest system sing.

 

I'm not sure if anyone else has experienced this, but after running the 4490 for a couple of weeks I feel like it has really smoothed out. Don't know if it's actual burn-in or brain burn-in, but I feel like it's that much closer to the MB version now than I did when I first got it.

 

told you the 4490 kicks-ass!

 

Zang. This seems like such a gonzo DAC for $400.

 

the 4490 is no joke.

 

I actually experienced this a week into listening. I've never heard the multibit, but compared to my initial impression, the 4490 has become a lot more laid back while retaining its detail. While not as "exciting" and aggressive as it initially was, it is much less fatiguing to listen to and makes it easier to pick up subtle layering in the music. Though, I'm not sure if this is due to actual burn in or just my ears adjusting. Either way, it still sounds great!

 

@Maven86 I think what you meant to say is you like your new custom DAC so much you're going to sell me the 4490.

 

^ The custom DAC is still en route but my crystal ball tells me that I just might be saying that in a few days.

 

Can anyone confirm what filter is used in this? I hope Schiit used the "traditional tone" / "original sound" filter.