Schiit Modius DAC Review and Measurements

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by purr1n, Jun 3, 2020.

  1. shuto

    shuto Acquaintance

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    Do you have any other micro usb cables around try? I've used a few different ones - all cheap and basic - and I haven't had an issue in the year I've had it.
     
  2. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    That gap is normal. This is max insertion with the board removed from the chassis. A standard USB micro cable does not actually go all the way into the socket.

    PXL_20210618_203212451.jpg

    Do you have a pic of your USB cable?
     
  3. haywood

    haywood Friend

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    Micro-usb port is just a bad connector as far as reliability is concerned, it’s too bad the economics didn’t work out this iteration for usb-c which is small but really robust.
     
  4. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    USB-C is the new standard for all the small Schiit now I believe.
     
  5. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    I see USB-C on the Hel and Fulla photos, but not the Modi 3+.
     
  6. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    Modi 3+ was before the change. Maybe in a 3++ or 4 version.

    I would not put it past that all new Schiit DAC's have USB-C connectors as they come out new from this point forward. But with Schiit, never say ever.
     
  7. ColdsnapBry

    ColdsnapBry Almost "Made"

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    Any reason to get a Geshelli Labs J2 over a Modius ($50 premium for a J2)? I'll mostly be using RCA out.
     
  8. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    If you just need unbalanced, that is what a Modius is for. About the only thing different is that Modius as AES in, which you might not need.

    As far as the SQ differences between J2 and Modi3+/Modius unbalanced, the Schiit will be slightly more laid back in presentation.
     
  9. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Different sound. Geshelli is more neutral. Modius from RCAs is phat sounding.
     
  10. androxylo

    androxylo Acquaintance

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    Does Modius benefit from Linear Power Supply? I see a bunch of them online in $50 range, should beat my $5 wall plug...
     
  11. Baten

    Baten Friend

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    It's right their in the product's FAQ....

    Well, I’m gonna get me a fancy-shmantzy linear power supply, what do you think about that?
    We think you’re a little strange, because the output of that fancy power supply is going into a switcher, anyway. But if it makes you happy, we’re not going to stop you. Nor will we try to sell you such a power supply.
     
  12. señorhifi

    señorhifi Friend

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    I am getting mixed signals when I read about the Modius. Some say it's not fatiguing, others say it is. I am looking for a cheap(ish) DAC that provides a smooth listen, like the Modi 3 does. I could listen to that thing all day long. Modi MM is even easier to listen to overall, but I want an upgrade from both units.

    Compared to the Modi 3, does anybody know if the treble is more present (i.e. sparkly, bright, metallic, etc)? Modi 3 is soft in the treble for me, I am not sure how the Modius compares.

    Also, compared to Modi 3, are the vocals more recessed, or about the same in terms of presence?
     
  13. JellyRhino

    JellyRhino Facebook Friend

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    The Modius has recessed mids, annoying treble (long term) and phat bass. It has also great separation, resolution and blackground. I have the Modi Multibit, the Modius and the Bifrost 2. The Modius is a sidegrade compared to the Modi Multibit. It's focused on technicalities, but in the end it's less fun. The Bifrost 2 was a real upgrade for me.
     
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2021
  14. haywood

    haywood Friend

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    I’d suggest anyone looking into Modius read the thread from the start paying particular attention to purr1n’s initial review with regard to outputs (and recognizing fotm doing its thing with all the initial hype).

    https://superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/schiit-modius-dac-review-and-measurements.9379/

    @GoldenOne’s youtube video is also pretty good:



    As for BF2… if the tilted frequency response works in your system I’d say that it has a lot of advantages compared to Modius but it’s also 3.5x the price.
     
  15. androxylo

    androxylo Acquaintance

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    I've paired Modius with Raspberry Pi USB and comparing to other random computers USBs it's still working pretty well. I think Unison is doing good job not being affected much by USB quality.
     
  16. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    ^ This.

    To add, XLR sounds better, strong bass instead of phat bass, less recessed Velvet mids. Actually mids are quite good with XLR. The highs are a problem. The highs of the AKM line get worse as we go up the chip ladder. The AKM4490 with all its velvety-ness has more bearable highs. The AKM4493 is a bit more difficult with respect to digititus. It gets worse are we go up the chain, which is why I presume Schiit didn't pick the "better" chips. It's all relative. I still think the Modius (XLR out) is a great DAC for $200 and wouldn't have a problem it for pro use, e.g. monitoring, etc.

    One thing that I like to say is look or ask what people are actually doing instead of what reviews say. This is how you immunize yourself from FOTM. At my desk (the bargain setups), the Modius is used as the DAC for my measurement rig. The Modi Multibit is the one I use for listening. The only other affordable DAC I would be interested in is the iFi Audio Zen Signature 2 DAC. iFi Audio gets the "treble fuckery" thing, which is what eventually got on my nerves with the Modius in the longer term. I reviewed the V1 here of the Zen Sig: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...n-dac-signature-review-and-measurements.9608/

    Would be curious to see if we can get the V2 and put it on the loaner program. @iFi audio?

    BTW, and you guys didn't hear it here and things are all subject to change: the latest Modi Multibit DACs flying off the shelves have the better OPA2156 opamps in them per the Hacking Schiit thread: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/hacking-schiit.11261/ (details on the OPA2156 start on page 3 or 4). No soldering required if you pick one up, if supplies last. Don't know if this change was coincidence or somebody read the thread. Most likely coincidence because of supply chain these days - parts substitution is normal.
     
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2021
  17. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    All three op amps?
     
  18. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Doubt the servo opamp was changed since that part is usually readily available in quantities of 9000.
     
  19. roshambo123

    roshambo123 Friend

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    I'll just add my notes on a few different pairings.

    Modius + Jotunheim 2 + HD600 (BAL)
    Bought Modius for this work setup and it hits the mark: technical competence without distracting engagement. The presentation is upfront with assertive slightly prickly highs, boomy low end, and great blackground without focus disturbing amounts of plankton. I couldn't ask for a better setup for tearing through spreadsheets.

    I showed it to three people at our facility and the clarity impressed everyone but people also pointed out the recessed mids and somewhat tricky treble situation. After learning Modius was only $200, each asked me to send them a purchase link.

    Our audio engineer was particularly fascinated Modius had an XLR AES input, which meant we could in theory use a 75 > 110 ohm impedance transformer and a couple cables to connect to the AES audio patch bay. That would let us use Modius for monitoring or analog conversion for delivery to another device. There's more efficient rackmount solutions, but we haven't seen much in this size and price with an XLR AES input, so we may buy one simply to have it around for utility use.

    Modius + Mjolnir 2 + HD800SDR (BAL)
    Taking Modius home wasn't as successful. It's a bit like the brilliant colleague that you all the same don't want at your dinner party. There is a lack of refinement, engagement, and cohesive ease that makes for a simultaneously dull and irritating experience. MJ2 is particularly offended as Modius accentuates it's already dry-ish treble, adds bass boom where none is required, and further sinks MJ2's already somewhat deemphasized mids, all the while somehow fighting against MJ2's desire to be laidback despite its eccentricities. Arguably, a worse marriage than Charles and Diana.

    Modius + DarkVoice 336SE + HD6XX (SE)
    A bit better than the previous combination. Not great, not terrible. A rather conflict free couple that each bring reasonably good qualities to the table, get along, but have little passion. The DarkVoice is gooey enough to absorb some of the DAC's ragged digit-itus while the clarity of the Modius gives some focus and intellectuality to the spontaneous and lively Darkvoice. It's well enough and stable but hardly worth aspiring to when there are better options out there. An acceptable fruitcake you'd rather not eat.
     
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    Last edited: Jan 13, 2022
  20. Senorx12562

    Senorx12562 Case of the mondays

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    In one post you have managed to deconstruct both my lack of social engagement and the failure of my marriage. Bravo. For you not me, ofc.
     
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