Schiit Bifrost 2

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by RobS, Aug 28, 2019.

  1. Oaudio1

    Oaudio1 New

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    My point to all of this is when you buy a newer model you expect it to be an improvement, I'm not convinced this is the case. By the way, I had purchased a UNIT and not a CARD. I intend to return the unit and may purchase the GUNGNIR. It has the Analog Devices DAC's so I cross my fingers...I'm seeking an improvement over the Bifrost 2. ;-)
     
  2. NightFlight

    NightFlight New

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    Are there any caps on the (SE) outputs on the BF2 output board? The WIMA film are suspect in my humble fool-like cursory inspection. Since I'm likely to upgrade this board in the future- I'm prone to test boutique output caps on my original board for fun and experimentation.
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2022
  3. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    Output should have zero capacitors. Last design I think they made with a capacitor coupled output was the USB powered Modi 2
     
  4. Beefy

    Beefy Friend

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    I concur, I see nothing that would indicate output caps, and it wouldn't make sense to have output caps given the design. The Wima film caps in the photos would be power rail capacitors or part of a low-pass analog filter.
     
  5. NightFlight

    NightFlight New

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    Ok. WIMA film caps are usually selected where they might have impact on the signal path with fairly good results on the cheap. When in the path, say a crossover - I find them a hair screechy and best replaced with copper foil like the MiFlex.
     
  6. animus

    animus Almost "Made"

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    I don't have anything cool to talk about like the new BF64 card, but I what I do want to say is that I think the NOS mode is pretty nice. It's far from a cure-all for all the numerous complaints I've heard (and had) over the last few years about the BF2 as a DAC, but it does make it less sharp and metallic sounding up top, at least enough to a point where I don't feel nearly as fatigued listening to it as I did when I first listened to it again after not having heard it for over a year.

    Granted, some people aren't going to be able to tolerate the NOS sound (I personally have no problem with it and sometimes I even prefer it. I don't think being able to pinpoint the exact location of the 3rd flautist or the 4th hornist in a 100 man orchestra is normal sounding) and the NOS mode does decrease apparent dynamic range even further than the already somewhat compressed range on the BF2, but like I said, it's not a cure-all. It just fixes one very specific issue which does increase my listening enjoyment by just a little, but a little is more than good enough. That's all I had to say really, just thought I would provide some positive impressions about the NOS mode as a counterpoint to some of the negative ones in the thread.
     
  7. ilikebananafudge_

    ilikebananafudge_ Friend

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    I've been enjoying NOS mode, as well. I've found that if I use HQ Player to send a 192k stream to the BF2/64 in NOS mode it's a great compromise between the extra clarity of oversampling and the smooth treble of NOS.
     
  8. schneller

    schneller Acquaintance

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    Any updates about there being a "blind" comparison of BF2/64, Gungnir A2/MB, and Yggdrasil LIM?
     
  9. roshambo123

    roshambo123 Friend

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    If you're this far down the rabbit hole and like BF2, probably just go LIM. Gungnir is potentially just different / lateral.
     
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  10. bobdac

    bobdac New

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    Same here. I find I enjoy orchestral music more with NOS (with 2/64). Previously Bifrost 2 (with Jot2) was not good match for Classical. With headphones I made the pick (MB, NOS, HQP-NOS, HQP-MB) almost immediately when listening to the beginning of My Sweet Lord. I would now like to try NOS firmware with the LIM.
     
  11. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    What sample rates are you feeding it for this comparison?
     
  12. animus

    animus Almost "Made"

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    Standard redbook. I have a decent number of hi-res and DSD files, but I also downsample those to redbook (or 48khz depending on the sample rate multiple) for compatibility with my DDC of choice. I’m still opting to skip Unison since I find it too diffuse and homogenous sounding.
     
  13. Oaudio1

    Oaudio1 New

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    Good point and thanks for your comment. I did in fact buy the Gungnir and find it has more body but I loose the clarity of the Bifrost 2. I think what everyone hears truly depends on their components and how resolving they are. It also depends on how one interprets what they hear.
     
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  14. Empyah

    Empyah Facebook Friend

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    The guys here seem to recommend a dedicated PCIE USB card, preferably powered directly from you PSU(if it's not crap) for Unison.
     
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    Last edited: Aug 24, 2022
  15. animus

    animus Almost "Made"

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    Not really applicable to me since my listening computer is a Macbook. I’m very familiar with how Unison sounds and I get why people like it, I just don’t care for it myself.
     
  16. Empyah

    Empyah Facebook Friend

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    Last edited: Aug 24, 2022
  17. animus

    animus Almost "Made"

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  18. nishan99

    nishan99 Friend

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    Simple question: Is the 64 board as bassy as the 2?
     
  19. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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  20. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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