WTB: MMB1/2 or Airist R2R DAC

I'm looking for a MMB 1 and don't know much about the opamp mods, but fi you do, I'm just looking for a netural reference type sound. Let me know if you have one to sell thanks.

Edit: or id also love a Drop Airist R2R DAC

 

I have a modded one you're welcome to borrow.

 

Thanks! This is for a friend's setup so I need to buy one.

 

For whatever it's worth I feel like the Modi MB2 is pretty neutral with the oversampling filter engaged, and "warm-neutral" in NOS mode (at the expense of worse low-bass extension and fuzzier imaging IME).

The treble is definitely a bit etched in OS mode to my ear but I think it's just enough to draw attention to poorly mastered tracks and oughtn't be too bothersome with anything even relatively normally voiced. Even Marv's gone on record as calling the MMB2 "neutral" barring that slight treble itch. It's not a horrible match with something like the Magni Piety which DEFINITELY has a fair bit of treble sizzle and so needs either darker or normal sounding gear paired to not be a bother

Either way, seems that what you're looking for is a Modi MB1 with the OPA1612 in the IV stage as that's apparently the neutral one. Hope you find something that works!

 

Stageone is selling an RDAC: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...al-clear-grado-hemp-sw51-rdac-aegir-x2.14969/

I nearly snagged it myself as there's also a lovely Massdrop Cavalli Tube Hybrid for sale on head-fi and the two make for a great stack (I had this system a few years ago and loved it). Great for mid-fi paradise: https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/cavalli-tube-hybrid.84510/

 

Hi @rhythmdevils - I believe this is an MMB 1 (see photos) which you are welcome to have if you would like. Still fires up fine but I haven't done any testing beyond plugging it in.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BTVmcQea5VcSrbut8

 

This is the way. I'm only going on memory but the Airist R2R is a completely different take on R2R sound compared to the MB1 (in my desktop setup now) with the upgraded OPA chips.

 

OPA1656 though, right? I've been PMing with @rhythmdevils about mine with a 2156, but if anyone has a 1656 one, it might suit his friend better.

 

Would you mind saying a bit more about the Airist R2R vs the MB1 with OPA 1516? I loved the Airist when I had it, but i do want this so be a netural DAC or at least something along the lines of Yggrdasl A2/og (even if you don't think that's neutral, that has been my reference DAC).

And is the neutral opemp for the MB1 OPA1516 or OPA1656? I've got quotes from Marv saying both are the neutral one.

thanks everyone! Feeling the love!

 

Again, only going on memory with the Airist, but MB1 modded has much greater air and space; MB1 stages quite well, on the order of BF2 2/64 without the added crispiness of the 2/64. MB1 modded isn't quite at the same level as Yggdrasil (regardless of cards) but for the price and the need for it to be modded, I'd suggest that it's closer to tonally neutral compared to the Airist, if we're considering A2 to be target neutral.

 

This post from the Hacking Schiit thread is well worth a read