Hey golden, I have recently purchased a multi mullion dollar audio setup to fully appreciate the richness and timbre of you voice. Now I can rejoice whilst my financial life crumbles down upon me. ♥
THANK YOU. I swear I thought I was going crazy when I noticed a significant difference between the sound from the S/PDIF and USB inputs despite using the same bit rate / depth.
Just found your video whilst researching DACs: Thank you for a wonderfully thorough review and the best, most relevant explanation I've heard yet of the difference between D/S and R2R designs. I've subscribed midway through this review.
Enjoy. The new Jotunheim is a special amp, and it is fantastic with the Bifrost 2; I'm listening to this video through that very combo (and a pair of Focal Clears) right now.
@@alondite215 How big of a difference does it make to the sound when played individually vs. when paired together? I've been eyeing this combo for a while but haven't seen many people with this pairing, so any input would be appreciated
@@SynysterCondom I assume you mean the Bifrost vs. the optional DAC module that you can get in the Jotunheim? The Bifrost 2 is significantly better than any of the DAC modules you can have installed in Jotunheim.
Really awesome content. At first, from the thumbnails I thought it was another z review. But, like others said, you actually know your stuff and doesn't ramble on and on. AND you made me discover PLINI. So, subscribed.
Thank you! You just made me buy the ADI-2 FS. I was looking for a DAC upgrade with a remote. Almost bought the Bifrost 2. But I've decided to go for clean sound from the ADI and ad a Xduoo mt-602 for when I want to switch from critical to fun listening:) cheers from Denmark.
anyone with the Modi Multi-bit version 1 owes it to themselves to upgrade to the v2. It's a simple firmware update, I had the chip sent to me and I swapped it out in about 10 minutes. Or you can send it in to Schiit. I did the upgrade a little over a year ago and it cost $35 for them to send me the chip. It really makes the MM an entirely new DAC.
It's really true. Modi Multibit v2 is an amazing DAC. Holding onto that thing like Jewish gold. Nobody can know how good they are now that they're gone. Easiest way to get that r2r tonal specialness for a long time.
Thanks for the heads-up! I bought mine in 2017, and heard about the new firmware but didn't think it made much of a difference. But because of this comment I decided to order the ROM chip. Eager to hear the difference!
Interesting. I have a Modi Multibit. I learned about the firmware update and purchased and installed the chip. I haven't compared the two firmware versions, but I had kinda set the Modi aside not being so enamored of it. Even after changing the chip, I gave it a cursory listen to make sure it worked. After watching this video and reading this reply, I pulled it out and gave it another go. I'm listening to it right now, and it does sound pretty darned good. Probably just a bias confirmation 🤨
Met you on the Z Telegram Chat, love your reviews. Keep it up. I've subscribed and will now go back and look at all your stuff. I really like how you placed it in the category, where it fit in relation to things above it and below it. That's very useful for a purchasing decision.
Just started watching your vids after the MQA deep dive. Would love to see some reviews of entry level stuff. I just got some HD6XX headphones and started frying my brain figuring out what to do to drive them. Right now I'm at a JDS Atom amp and just got the $9 Apple dongle to use as a DAC from my PC, and it's pretty OK. I can't tell if an Atom DAC would be better. Also the Atom amp sounds better than the straight dongle with these headphones, but I don't know why. I wish I did!
My friend, Schiit audio is the entry level for REAL audio. We are all so accustomed to whatever is built into our computers that we've forgotten what music sounds like. And, no slave labor was involved in the building of this Schiit.
I totally agree with your sound assessment of the Bifrost 2. It does a great job at removing any digital glare I was dealing with from my CD transport. My Cds sound so much fuller now. The Bifrost is a great DAC when you want to put some meat on the bone in the midbass and midrange. My Draco takes care of my music streamer in a very analog way. Why not have two DACs in a stereo speaker setup? Thanks for the video GoldenSound. Keep em' coming. Happy holidays
Thank you for the Plini recommendation! Would have not heard of this guy had it not been for this video. Now enjoying his discography through my Bifrost 2 as well.
Well explained with great examples of music. You obviously have a well trained ear. One thing about the video is that all that video movement had me move from my 24 inch screen to a smartphone , I think I had a touch of motion sickness.
This is a very clearly explained review focusing on both the technical aspects and the actual sound quality of the DAC. The only problem for me was the very rapid A/B switching between DACs, which was so fast that I could not begin to notice the difference due to a lack of time to actually listen to each one. But overall great review!
Bit late to the party, but you won't actually hear a difference because he's recording the sounds for the video directly off the computer, so we'll never hear the DAC switch. This is clarified in later videos of his, but not on this one. Yes, it is confusing when you don't know this information
@GoldenSound Love your A/B testing! How does the Bifrost 2 MultiBit DAC compare to the Ares II R2R Ladder DAC in your A/B tests? Are both R2R Ladder Dacs, or is the Ares II different in that it uses physical resistor ladders? Any advantages/disadvantages comparing Schiit's Multibit vs Denafrips Resistor ladder type DAC from an electronics objective point of view.
R2R is named for using Resistors that are of size R and 2R (i.e. some value and twice that value) arranged in a particular way to get analog values for every binary number from 0000000000000000 to 11111111111111111111 for a 16 bit example with 16 of each resistor size for each channel. Of cause any percentage error in any component will make it through to the output, which is where the stability of digit clock circuits can allow for precise delta-sigma at high enough hidden clock frequency. For example 24 bit 192ksps would require more than 3.2 THz to not smear samples.
Zeos is a) fairly clueless about electronics, acoustics AND psychoacoustics b) not even that well travelled in the realm of headphones c) not interested in actually educating you. His content is fun but if you're looking for buying advice he will steer you FAR astray.
Upside down is because most people are leaning over it from the top when hooking up, not sitting on a desk. I'm old school audio and when leaning over a rack always wished the markings were upside down.
I compared the Modius and Modi Multibit (version 2) and thought the Modi sounded much better (at least with my Lyr3). FYI, I mostly used the HD600 and 6XX to make the comparison. The Eitr/Modi Multi-bit/Lyr3/Sennheiser 600 series combo has amazing timbre to my ears. That being said, I would love to try the Bifrost2. Great video!
@@jamesbittle2138 I've ordered a Bifrost 2, my first DAC. Do I need a high quality USB cable, or does the Unison eliminate all noise from the computer? Thanks
@@jamesbittle2138 I have the modius maximus. I have been looking for justification to spend 2x+ on a BF2/64. I too have sennheiser and the LYR++ with a tung sol 6sn7GTB.
After owning my Gungnir Multibit for 3+ years, I don't think I will ever go back to d/s for my main dac. Just my preference, or maybe I haven't heard it yet? Love the Plini rec.
Halo I solved that pc dac noise problem with my scarlett by putting a ifi usb noise filter in between, it also made my scarlett sound better than my portable ifi dac on the same pc/system. Played on some nice home made OB Accuton speakers 123 hypex Amp. Before that, that noise was killing me.
I'm in the UK and was lucky to manage to get a brand new black Bifrost 2 from ebay and I've loved it ever since. I use an Asus Xonar U3 optical out (for the great EQ/Bass Boost you can apply) to the Bifrost 2 and then RCA out to the Topping A90 and it's a joy to use this with my Abyss Diana V2s. EDIT: It'd be nice to use the USB input if it's better, but for me I need a decent bass boost and it's just a lot harder to get that sort of thing when going over USB.
About 9 months ago I asked Schiit which multibit they would recommend for a 2 channel CD player outboard dac only, no internet connectivity needed. They recommended the Modi multibit. I ordered one and won't go back to the onboard DAC.
Great review. I’ve been sitting on the fence about getting the Denafrips Ares II or the Bifrost 2. My main goal is taking my digital rig a little bit closer to my vinyl rig. I will will be replacing a Chord mojo (yes I’ve been using the mojo mostly as a desktop dac and it is amazing) I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this
Ares II is warmer than BF2. I compared it with my BF2 (both coupled with tube amp and hd800s), noticeable difference is just Ares II has more air up top and wider soundstage This video mentioned ares ii has better resolution, but i disagree i dont notice that difference I prefer bf2 for my setup compared to ares ii because bf2 has better synergy and the timbre is more correct
@@HercahyoAdiSaputro Thanks. I ended up getting a Bifrost. I really dig the timbre, naturalness and bass slam and texture. Coming from chord mojo I am losing a bit of soundstage and a bit of air but now those attributes seem a bit pyrotechnical to me.
@@unklecorky2181 been sometime since i heard qutest I remember qutest is less warm, lighter bass/less punchy, cleaner and more detail presentation Tbf, the biggest drawback for me is the synergy to my cans (bf2 pairs better with hd800/hd650 imo) as well as absence of xlr connection
I'm with sham man...you need to do an a/b comparison with Denafrips Ares II...I'm looking forward to that one as dac is my next upgrade...thanks in advance...
I have been considering making the jump from the Modius to the Bifrost 2. I am honestly struggling to hear the difference between the dacs when you switch except for when you mention the roll off in the highs. I think I need more time listening between them and more experience with different equipment for it to be more apparent. 700 is a lot for me but I don't mind saving and spending within reason for my audio. My wife doesn't think 700 is within reason haha. Fortunately she doesn't care because my music hobby keeps me out of trouble. The things you are saying line up with what I have read on multiple forums and what actual owners of the Bifrost 2 I have spoken to say. I genuinely appreciate your effort and the time you put in for things like this. I'm def going to grab a Bifrost 2 at some point and give it a go. Have a great day!
The audio being played in the video is recorded directly from the player, not from the output of the DAC, so it will show no difference when I switch. I did contemplate recording into an ADC from the DACs themselves, but to truly show DAC differences the audio would need to be lossless and high sample rate which youtube does not support.
@@GoldenSound ok. That makes me feel better. I thought i heard something very small at some point. Specifically when you spoke about the slightly rolled off highs. Guess that was just expectation bias lol.
@@alan2698 important to note that expectation bias plays a huge role always in your perception of music. There is no evidence that I can find out there ATM to indicate there would be audible differences between sufficiently transparent DACs, or at least differences sufficient enough to warrant spending $700 on a DAC. I welcome evidence to the contrary, but I don't know how one can trust this review given there has been no work done to account for expectation bias. The more minute differences are, the more nefarious things become. Look at most reviews for overpriced audio cables. Despite our clear understanding of electronic engineering, the skin effect... etc. to tell us that there is no audible difference at all, many still claim to hear differences as if it were night and day.
@@thomasni123 I'm one of the ones that believe a cable makes no audible difference. I understand confirmation and expectation bias. I mentioned it in one of my comments. I do believe one may hear a difference between an r2r and sigma delta though. Not saying it will be as big of a change as you would hear between headphones of course. I can certainly hear a difference between my amps. But I will admit I have to usually actively listen for them. So I do get what you're saying. I also understand the concept of diminishing returns. You see, not only do I love music but I love electronics too. So I'm more interested in r2r tech than I am in finding a better sigma delta dac like the one I own. I am also a huge fan of Schiit. They offer great performance for the money and their Bifrost 2 is something I have been looking at and researching for a bit. Hope you have a great day! Stay safe!
Can you review the Modi Multibit with the new V2 firmware chip connected through the Eitr and or PI2AES? Very interested in hearing your thoughts on this combination.
I've had the Modius for a year, and it was an upgrade from the built-in 4490 DAC on my Jotunheim. When I got the Modius and heard it for the first time, I went, "Yep. That's that then". Since then, I've been sniffing around for an upgrade to the Modius, and I almost went the RME ADI-2 route, and I'm sure it's great, but why do that when I can spend somewhat less and get the Bifrost 2 with a sound signature I'm already familiar with. I LIKE the warm/live feel of Schiit, granted I haven't heard really much else, and this video just summed up my feelings for purchasing the Bifrost 2 the other day: totally justified. I will be getting a definite upgrade to the Modius, and I'm relieved.
@@Ray-dl5mp If I were like many others in the audio enthusiast/headphone community, I'd say, "Nope! Snake oil! Placebo! DACs absolutely have nothing to do with the sound; they just convert digital ones and zeroes into analog audio!". And that would be correct - partially. But, I'm not hearing shit when I plugged in my BF2 for the first time and it was audibly warmer and bigger-sounding than the Modius. Is it a huge difference? Nope. But it's definitely noticeable, and for a few hundred bucks extra totally worth it. I'd actually like to go back and try the Modius to hear what the difference is because I'm sure it'll be way more of a difference than the first time I swapped to the BF2.
@@DukeLetoIII thanks! yea that seems consistent with the passion of sound review of the difference between the two. Not sure on specifics, but I think he said he was having trouble finding differences at first but they were there. Not sure if there would be a bigger or less of a difference with the recent change to the Bifrost 2/64. But that’s cool you noticed a difference. The multibit technology sounds really interesting as in theory based on these reviews seems to provide the best of both worlds combining both the R2R like sound with the delta sigma type sound.
@@Ray-dl5mp Okay, so I just spent the last 45 minutes going back and forth between the BF2 and the Modius. At first, I was like, "Shit, why DID I spend the extra $400 on the Bifrost?". There was no audible difference. Then the more I tried different songs/styles of music, the more it became apparent. The Modius is more neutral sounding w/ an emphasis on highs. Not by much, but it's there. The Bifrost is warmer sounding but with the same resolution. The bass on both is about the same, but the BF2 takes the highs of most songs and rounds them off a bit. Not to the point of muddiness or being muffled. It just makes the highs less in your face. It clicked when I realized that the BF2 does what an OTL tube amp does (sort of; it's not an amp after all) in that it makes the music sound more live. Like in a live show/concert situation. It's more of like, "Oh, this live song by Jacob Collier sounds like I'm standing in the audience, feeling the sound around me. The Modius is more like, "Ah, I'm listening to music sitting here at my desk". That sounds like a huge difference, but it's really not. The BF2 is warm and alive. Body warmth. The Modius is cooler and sharper. Neither of these DACs are grating by any means - Schiit gear always leans warm. But one is clearly just warmer and more at the show than the other one that's cooler and in your home.
@@Ray-dl5mp Also, I may a/b the two with my Darkvoice tube amp to see if there's an even more apparent difference between the two. That'll be tomorrow.
The reason why delta/sigma DACs and ADCs are common is because it is far easier to make a 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 bit converter supporting a high sample frequency with the linearity you need for 16+ bits compared to making a 16+ bit converter running at a lower frequency. Essentially, DSM allows you to trade converter resolution for speed. Turns out speed is much easier than resolution (less things to trim, less things that can drift). Many precision converters are delta sigma nowadays for this reason as well. Though the comparison point here would generally be multi-slope converters, which are of the "easy in theory, complicated and expensive in practice" variety.
You seem pretty familiar with the differences between DACs but I haven't seen you really mention how good the adi-2 performance as a standalone DAC is when used as only a DAC hooked up to a headphone amp
Interesting review with comprehensive,easy to understand, well thought and ellaborate points made! Subscribed! Have my Bifrost 2 connected to my Focal Solo 6 monitors.. There is indeed a touch of warmth but I love the delicate and smooth yet resolving treble (I'm not a big fan of super bright and/or sibilant or super resolving ear fatiguing audio equipment) and I also like the synergy in the mid freq area with my Focals.. Lower end is just ok but I really love the sound signature of the DAC with my speakers.. I really do.. And I completely agree about being a bit on the dark side but with more 3D presence than I'm used too with Sigma Delta DACs. And surely soundstage could use a little bump. So what I did was to order the Freya + which I'm planning to use mostly in tube mode to add some of those characteristics that are not its selling point and add even more presence which I love in my sound.. Any thoughts would be more than welcome! :)
I cannot see how you can make a statement saying a transformer does not couple noise. If it can couple a signal it can couple noise. Galvanic isolation refer to the fact that the signals are not electrically phisically or electrically connected.
Nice review. Am I right in thinking that although this DAC has a "delicious flavour" to it and can (at least for some people) make certain music genres sound somewhat more engaging, a DAC such as the Topping D90 would be a safer overall choice for someone who listens to various genres, including classical music? In other words - by being technically more correct (measurements) the D90 can be a bit flat-sounding compared to the Bifrost 2 but is a better jack of all trades (and conversely - the Bifrost 2 may be a hit-and-miss depending on the genre/particular track)?
Depends on the rest of your equipment. Be very careful if your speakers are resolving and are a bit on the bright side adding a D90 which has an "in your face" Delta Sigma approach to it can be a mediocre or even bad synergy.. I have Bifrost 2 and I had DX7pro (which measures really well and is almost on par with D90) in which I've even swapped the opamps with much better ones.. I prefer my Bifrost 2, it adds more presence and the difference in resolution is minute.. It's very difficult to find notable differences even when A/Bing.. Bifrost 2 has presence.. It's alive.. And if the rest of your equipment can attest to this character the synergy can be amazing.
@@d4ydr33m3r second this. I compared with the SU-9, and the Bifrost simply sounds more believable. That's moving. It's far closer to the record player too. I'm staying with the Bifrost.
I just got my Bifrost 2, today. To test the resolution, I played the following recordings: Beethoven Symphony No. 1, Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique - John Eliot Gardner conducting. No problem following the super fast violin lines in the Menuetto. Allegro molto vivace. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.5, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardner conducting. The Bifrost handled the complex polyphony well. No problem picking an instrument out of the mix and following it. Beethoven Symphony No. 9, 5. Presto. O Freunde, nicht diese Tone. Allegro assai. Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique - John Eliot Gardner conducting. The famous "Ode to Joy" was a joy to listen to. No problem following the choral sections' lines and picking them out of the mix. Even with the chorus in full cry, it was easy to pick out the violins' lines, even though they were well back in the mix. Are there more resolving DACS? Yes. Does it matter? Not really. The Bifrost 2 resolves well enough to handle even complex classical music. And its timbre, particularly in the midrange (which is where most music happens) is superb.
@carey jones Thanks, this is encouraging as I recently bought a Bifrost 2 and do enjoy orchestral and acoustic music of many kinds and wondered if I had made a mistake after seeing this review. My choice was made partly because I needed to pair with the Jotunheim R amp which I was limited to because it powers my Raal Requisite headphones (which are hyper resolving) directly and only one other amp is capable of this and that is more than double the price. I am very happy with the sound but have limited opportunity to make direct AB comparisons with alternative set ups.
I’m aghast! 20 years ago, DACS made huge strides and sound quality was very good! Now these DACS are supposed to be vastly improved sonically, and yet all I’m hearing is that you somehow now need several different flavored DACS , depending on your musical sources!!!????? WTH?!!!!
I have found your reviews awesome and highly detailed. I found you through a comment about USB and how audacity isnt the best tool for the job... can you do a comparison of USB?
Since it impossible to get your hands on a Bifrost2 in Europe and I didn't want to wait any longer, I got me the Topping D70S MQA instead. Now this video made me wonder, should I have been more patient and have waited for Schiit to deliver to Europe some day again? On the other hand, I combined the D70s with a Topping A90 headphone amp to drive my Meze99 Classics (with deeper Brainwavz sheepskin earpads). No regrets. And yet the Schiit itch remains.
Fuck my life. I decided to take this into my own hands... Took the Bifrost 2 against the SU-9. Aaaand, yes, just what he's saying all along the video comparing the SGD1. Exactly it. Except, I do listen to classical and although it's great to have the extra detail of the SU-9, there is a problem. It's not as convincing still. So the Bifrost sounds more like the record player, and if I add no tubes, it's flatter. With a Tube preamp the Bifrost becomes more 3D, although still not as good as the Records (carts are Nagaoka MP-200 and AT33PTG) It's though though to think that the only solution to this is to fork 3.5k more and get the Holo May L2. That's a lot of records, money, stylus, or a whole trip. I guess the Bifrost must have to be good enough! Is it? To me? I can play CDs, Server, or Records and have a blast with either. Not so with the SU-9. Everything is great, except... I don't buy its sound. It's just not as involving. Both have great staging on speakers, sounds come from the sides, behind, and speakers disappear. But timbre is simply better on the crap measuring Bifrost 2. How odd.
Hello Golden, I've communicated with you in the past in reference to a review for the SOTM sms200 ultra neo. You mentioned you sold the SOTM to purchase a piece of test equipment before getting a review out. I'm hoping you can tie break me. I currently own a SOTM sms200ultra neo signature edition. I also possess a Topping D90 (hooked up to my SingXer SA1). I also hook it D90 up to my PI2AES all for headphone listening. My problem, I just sold my RME ADI2version 2 DAC (AKM4493) which I had the SOTM hooked up to for both headphone and stereo listening (PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP and an old Aragon 4004mk2 power amps). Here's the question, THe SOTM is not being used currently I was thinking of selling it (interested??), but then thought using the SOTM get a DAC and interface that to the power amps (thru an Aragon 24K pre, or directly). I don't want to spend a ton of money. I could get 20ft RCA cables and run the SOTM to the D90 up to the Singxer SA1 to the power amps with long RCAs. or I could purchase either a Schitt Bifrost 2, Denafrips Ares2 or Soncoz Sdg 1 dac to the stereo). They are priced similarly. I've never had a R2R. I have AKM chip dacs). Why have neutral when you can have fun! HELP!!!! I'd really appreciate your opinion because you did have the SOTM at one time. Would the Bifrost 2 USB implementation kind of be duplicated/negated because of the great USB in the SOTM? or does the fun factor win out. The SDG 1 brings a lot of tech (remote, Bluetooth, soundstage, etc). I lsitne to mainly jazz, blues, acoustics, EDM, not a lot of orchestral stuff, but on occasion. I could go on but i hope you get the gist. Can you please reply back when you get a moment? PS- I have currently Orchids Audio Pecan Pi Dac hooked up to stereo (WONDERFUL with a capital W). Side note (Im pondering leaving well enough alone, and trying to sell the SOTM sms200 ultra neo signature for about $900 give or take negating the need for new stuff. But its a real good streamer and not sure if I should part with it. If you know of anyone who might be interested in SOTM, that's a side note. OK, if you read this far big thank you. Neil ThegratefulDad signing off
19:01 this is bullshit, bought an XLR cable to test if there is a difference between the balance and SE outputs, and there is zero audible difference. I'm volume matched, can toggle back and forth as much as I want, nothing.
Also, it's US designed and built. This should tell you how much mark-up there is on high-end audio purchased retail. Buying direct instead of paying the designer, builder, distributor, and retailer. I would bet if this dac was sold retail, it would be 2x it's price. I have no affiliation with Schiit Audio, outside of being a customer.
Your reviews are super detailed and informative, keep it up! You have potential to really make it big. PS. How do you like the Aryas? I'm on the fence about buying a pair.
@@GoldenSound You are very knowledgeable and you have a gift for getting all that information across. Do you think the Topping D90+A90 combo would be a good one for the Aryas?
@@GoldenSound What do you think of pairing the Arya with the Bifrost 2 and Jotunheim 2? Or would scaling up/down the DAC and/or amp provide better value?
Both are warm-leaning dacs, but qutest is a much softer more 'delicate' presentation. Qutest is definitely more resolving and better for separation. It would be my choice for classical and acoustic. But the qutest lacks a fair bit in macrodynamics and lowend impact. BF2 would be better for most EDM/Rock type music
@@GoldenSound That's interesting. I had an Exogal Comet which I'd describe similarly: warm, delicate, high separation/staging. I wonder if there's an FGPA sound or if there's another shared design philosophy.
Thanks for this review. Had a Modi Multibit (v2) and hated it. Gave me listening fatigue within minutes. But after watching this video I think I'm gonna try the Bifrost 2.
Question for you.. I currently have the BF1 multibit and use the Burson Soloist 3XP as a headphone amp and pre amp. I’m planning on getting some Focal Solo 6 be monitors for my desktop to pair with it. Since these monitors use the berilium drivers and excel on treble and aire and resolution would you suggest upgrading to the bf2? Or do you think a d90 or soncoz sgd1 would be a better chain?
It's interesting how you describe dac performance with certain genres. I am looking for a suitable dac staying in a relative budget. Amp is a Keces E40 ($630) on Focal 807w and Triangle Zetas (dressed down version of color series). Right now I have a Lavaudio DS 600 (Topping D50s clone) and while there is good detail, the glare and accentuated sibilance detracts from music listening at times. A D70s I tried didn't have any glare, sounded great but the added warmth affected instrument separation a bit in comparison to the one in my Hegel which had better defined edges as well. I could have lived with the D70s but I figured so many dacs would be coming out soon after, I kept the DS600 as a temp (and it's not bad btw). Since classical, particulry small ensembles and piano are my main areas of listening as well as more folk and related such as Tom Russell, Ben Bedford and Nick Cave, I;m trying to find a balance between a very detailed dac that still sounds lifelike and had a good degree of depth. I get a little now but am looking for it. I think I would prefer the Topping D90/D90SE over the D70s and perhaps the Bitfrost 2 for those reasons, sharper edges, more separation but still want as much 3D in space and a lifelike sound as possible for the budget. A Modius would take away the glare with maybe a small hit on dynamics/transient response. Moving up, there are some other options in the $400 to $600 price range but I think the greatest utility may be realized in something like the Topping A90/now 90se with the Ess pro which is stated to lack any of that glare due to the redesign. Anything else seems it would be overkill for the equipment inteded unless I use it with my hegel H160. But my goal is to retain as much of that sound in a smaller/lighter package, hence the Keces E40 (that would make a nice review). Any guidance , thoughts appreciated. If I do downsize my Focals, I've considered the Triangles as they do alot of what the Focals do just not as well, however I am eyeing Amphions and related type speakers. If I do deviate, the only other speaker would be the new Elac Uni-Fi Reference. As I tend to like a more analytical presentation but still have a llifelike and some warmth sound, any dac recommendations or opinions welcome. Topping also seems to have a good reliability record in comparison to some others, but it's the SQ and ability I'm trying to maximize within the constraints of my other equipment. Listening to discs now but will hop into streaming sometime this year. BTW the best digital reproduction I heard as in timbre was from a Marantz CD5000 which used the TDA 1549. It's stage was smaller but boy was it sweet and piano had nice timbre/tone, as well as the human voice. All from a budget dac chip.
This was/is my next dac that I will pair with a Jotunheim 2, this for me will be a significant investment, would it be suitable as I listen to many genres of music as my main dac in your personal opinion of course?
6:00 Not sure if you already know but we have multi-bit delta-sigma DACs, too. In fact, besides DSD, all delta-sigma DACs are multi-bit. Mostly six bits, though.
Do you think selling the Modius and buying the Bifrost 2 would be worth it for me? I listen mostly to rock and metal (which is what the Bifrost is supposedly good at), I use the Topping A90 and Schiit Valhalla 2 as amps, and my main headphones are Beyer DT 1990. EDIT: Nevermind, I just came to the part in the video where you said yes :)
New subscriber here. This was very educational but raises a question. I love some classical music especially the more fully orchestrated offerings but I also love Hans Zimmer (movie sound tracks). I like jazz, (Bob James). old Moody Blues and anything new with a great melody. Did I mention folk as in Gordon Lightfoot. So here's my question ... Do I need 2 DACS? or is there one that would satisfy the entire spectrum. I've been considering the Schiit Gungir. Any comments or suggestions would appreciated. My budget is around 1800.00
@Charlesclifton: hey, even i have similar tastes in music.. wondering would i be better off with Denafrips Ares 2 especially for classical and jazz, albeit at the cost of a less punchier sound compared with BF2?
Referring back to the Denafrips Ares review, it was mentioned there was latency on the spdif input. I would wish to use the Bifrost's spdif to connect a satellite box for TV/movies so obviously latency would be an issue. Can anyone comment on this please? Thanks
Any idea if Bifrost 2 is different sounding than the original Bifrost multibit? Is there any difference in the architecture? (it doesn't have the balanced option)
Which USB cable are you using there? Supra? Or something else? Was looking a list of your kit in the comments but couldn't find it. Have you listed everything you use any where?
What I'm using changes quite frequently. For reviewing DACs though, I use a raspberry pi 4 (running RopieeeXL as a roon endpoint) as the source and usually an intona 7055-C galvanic isolator (though some DACs do not play nice without a USB ground so in some cases they'll be connected directly). As for USB cables, I have a few here, Curious Evolved, Intona Reference, Supra, Audioquest Carbon, Tripp-Lite, Holo etc. I've never found USB cables to make any audible difference, nor any measurable difference, and there is no functional explanation as to why they would. Other digital connections that are NOT asynchronous (I2S, AES, SPDIF etc) can in some cases be affected by the cable, but not USB.
@@GoldenSound Thanks for taking the time, appreciated. I use Supra, that's why I asked. I agree that one well made USB cable is the same as another, no need to spend silly money.
Hi, I dont understand why you say that people who love acoustic music wont like it and pop listeners are gonna. Everybody hears differently, everybody's taste is not the same, As a jazz musician, (also classical and acoustic listener in general) I can tell you that I much prefer to listen to a natural and warm presentation rather than something very detailed and sharp that is maybe very technical and "revealing" but doesn't reveal any music in it.
![ทางเดินชีวิต - ธีเดช ทองอภิชาติ x อ.ไข่ มาลีฮวนน่า [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1f3wcG16dd4/mqdefault.jpg)
![fellow fellow - PROUD feat. INK WARUNTORN [STRING QUARTET]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BQrVkMPTdHE/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey golden, I have recently purchased a multi mullion dollar audio setup to fully appreciate the richness and timbre of you voice. Now I can rejoice whilst my financial life crumbles down upon me. ♥
Welcome to the club bro
It's like Z reviews, but the reviewer bothers to know something about what they're reviewing.
Z is more about having fun with audio but I agree he could inform us and himself a bit more
True, but that dumb curved monitor destroys any credibility he might have. Pity.
What?
Most of Z's Shit that I've bought I don't like.
You mean you like Z's ads? lol
Dude...you are the Schiit!! Why am I just finding your channel now? Top notch stuff
THANK YOU. I swear I thought I was going crazy when I noticed a significant difference between the sound from the S/PDIF and USB inputs despite using the same bit rate / depth.
Just found your video whilst researching DACs: Thank you for a wonderfully thorough review and the best, most relevant explanation I've heard yet of the difference between D/S and R2R designs. I've subscribed midway through this review.
Just ordered the Bifrost 2 and a Jotunheim thanks to you! Incredible analysis
Enjoy. The new Jotunheim is a special amp, and it is fantastic with the Bifrost 2; I'm listening to this video through that very combo (and a pair of Focal Clears) right now.
@@alondite215 How big of a difference does it make to the sound when played individually vs. when paired together? I've been eyeing this combo for a while but haven't seen many people with this pairing, so any input would be appreciated
@@SynysterCondom What do you mean exactly? Would you mind rewording that to be a bit more clear?
@@alondite215 is the Bifrost 2 worth it if you already have the Jotenheim 2
@@SynysterCondom I assume you mean the Bifrost vs. the optional DAC module that you can get in the Jotunheim? The Bifrost 2 is significantly better than any of the DAC modules you can have installed in Jotunheim.
I came for the knowledge...stayed for the music lol. Love the Ultrawide. I have the Monoprice Dark Matter 34" and love it
I would love to see a YGGDRASIL review from you
What a great detailed review !
Really awesome content. At first, from the thumbnails I thought it was another z review. But, like others said, you actually know your stuff and doesn't ramble on and on.
AND you made me discover PLINI. So, subscribed.
Thank you! You just made me buy the ADI-2 FS. I was looking for a DAC upgrade with a remote. Almost bought the Bifrost 2. But I've decided to go for clean sound from the ADI and ad a Xduoo mt-602 for when I want to switch from critical to fun listening:) cheers from Denmark.
Been loving the Bitfrost 2 with my Superlux
Another technical and knowledgeable review, great content, also started listen to the artists......thanks
anyone with the Modi Multi-bit version 1 owes it to themselves to upgrade to the v2. It's a simple firmware update, I had the chip sent to me and I swapped it out in about 10 minutes. Or you can send it in to Schiit. I did the upgrade a little over a year ago and it cost $35 for them to send me the chip. It really makes the MM an entirely new DAC.
It's really true. Modi Multibit v2 is an amazing DAC. Holding onto that thing like Jewish gold. Nobody can know how good they are now that they're gone. Easiest way to get that r2r tonal specialness for a long time.
Thanks for the heads-up! I bought mine in 2017, and heard about the new firmware but didn't think it made much of a difference. But because of this comment I decided to order the ROM chip. Eager to hear the difference!
@@PixelPipes verdict? After your comment I am not curious haha
Interesting. I have a Modi Multibit. I learned about the firmware update and purchased and installed the chip. I haven't compared the two firmware versions, but I had kinda set the Modi aside not being so enamored of it. Even after changing the chip, I gave it a cursory listen to make sure it worked. After watching this video and reading this reply, I pulled it out and gave it another go. I'm listening to it right now, and it does sound pretty darned good. Probably just a bias confirmation 🤨
@@stevenjackson8226 or maybe you realized what good sound was ;)
Met you on the Z Telegram Chat, love your reviews. Keep it up. I've subscribed and will now go back and look at all your stuff. I really like how you placed it in the category, where it fit in relation to things above it and below it. That's very useful for a purchasing decision.
Just started watching your vids after the MQA deep dive. Would love to see some reviews of entry level stuff. I just got some HD6XX headphones and started frying my brain figuring out what to do to drive them. Right now I'm at a JDS Atom amp and just got the $9 Apple dongle to use as a DAC from my PC, and it's pretty OK. I can't tell if an Atom DAC would be better. Also the Atom amp sounds better than the straight dongle with these headphones, but I don't know why. I wish I did!
My friend, Schiit audio is the entry level for REAL audio. We are all so accustomed to whatever is built into our computers that we've forgotten what music sounds like. And, no slave labor was involved in the building of this Schiit.
atom is good
Thank you for exposing me to Plini. Quickly becoming one of my favorite artists.
I totally agree with your sound assessment of the Bifrost 2. It does a great job at removing any digital glare I was dealing with from my CD transport. My Cds sound so much fuller now. The Bifrost is a great DAC when you want to put some meat on the bone in the midbass and midrange. My Draco takes care of my music streamer in a very analog way. Why not have two DACs in a stereo speaker setup? Thanks for the video GoldenSound. Keep em' coming. Happy holidays
Great interview, and good to hear a reviewer talking about timbre and sibilance 👍
I would definitely update it myself and skip the selling and buying hassle.
You sure know your stuff - I am convinced that you get your great presentation skills from your grandad !!!!
Thank you for the Plini recommendation! Would have not heard of this guy had it not been for this video. Now enjoying his discography through my Bifrost 2 as well.
Well explained with great examples of music. You obviously have a well trained ear. One thing about the video is that all that video movement had me move from my 24 inch screen to a smartphone , I think I had a touch of motion sickness.
Excellent, entertaining review. What Amp might you recommenced for this this unit? Thank you.
Just found out about this amazing channel. Thanks for a great review! How does the Bifrost compare to the Denafrips Ares (any review coming up:) ) ?
This is a very clearly explained review focusing on both the technical aspects and the actual sound quality of the DAC. The only problem for me was the very rapid A/B switching between DACs, which was so fast that I could not begin to notice the difference due to a lack of time to actually listen to each one. But overall great review!
Bit late to the party, but you won't actually hear a difference because he's recording the sounds for the video directly off the computer, so we'll never hear the DAC switch. This is clarified in later videos of his, but not on this one. Yes, it is confusing when you don't know this information
Simply the best reviews on utube.
How TF did i miss this till now?
Fantastic review! Keep up the great work!
@GoldenSound Love your A/B testing!
How does the Bifrost 2 MultiBit DAC compare to the Ares II R2R Ladder DAC in your A/B tests?
Are both R2R Ladder Dacs, or is the Ares II different in that it uses physical resistor ladders?
Any advantages/disadvantages comparing Schiit's Multibit vs Denafrips Resistor ladder type DAC from an electronics objective point of view.
R2R is named for using Resistors that are of size R and 2R (i.e. some value and twice that value) arranged in a particular way to get analog values for every binary number from 0000000000000000 to 11111111111111111111 for a 16 bit example with 16 of each resistor size for each channel. Of cause any percentage error in any component will make it through to the output, which is where the stability of digit clock circuits can allow for precise delta-sigma at high enough hidden clock frequency. For example 24 bit 192ksps would require more than 3.2 THz to not smear samples.
What a great channel, being able to listen is great!!!!! Subscribed
Finally, someone who is better than Zeos with explaining things
it helps that this guy actually knows what he's talking about.
@@DueM I’m just enjoying him not cursing every other word
Zeos is a) fairly clueless about electronics, acoustics AND psychoacoustics b) not even that well travelled in the realm of headphones c) not interested in actually educating you. His content is fun but if you're looking for buying advice he will steer you FAR astray.
Amazing review!
Thanks for this in depth review, do you have any plans to test the new Bifrost 2/64 (either as a new unit or as a dac module upgrade)?
Upside down is because most people are leaning over it from the top when hooking up, not sitting on a desk. I'm old school audio and when leaning over a rack always wished the markings were upside down.
Well done 👍
I compared the Modius and Modi Multibit (version 2) and thought the Modi sounded much better (at least with my Lyr3). FYI, I mostly used the HD600 and 6XX to make the comparison. The Eitr/Modi Multi-bit/Lyr3/Sennheiser 600 series combo has amazing timbre to my ears. That being said, I would love to try the Bifrost2.
Great video!
Update: I've since bought a Bifrost 2. Very pleased. I think it's a clear upgrade over the Modi MB (which is still great).
@@jamesbittle2138 I've ordered a Bifrost 2, my first DAC. Do I need a high quality USB cable, or does the Unison eliminate all noise from the computer? Thanks
@@marzcapone9939 Any decent one should be fine. I never heard any noise whatsoever.
@@jamesbittle2138 Thanks. There's some pretty expensive cables out there.
@@jamesbittle2138 I have the modius maximus. I have been looking for justification to spend 2x+ on a BF2/64. I too have sennheiser and the LYR++ with a tung sol 6sn7GTB.
I didn't come here for music recommendations and yet I'm getting some great ones. Getting 2 birds with one stone is always nice
After owning my Gungnir Multibit for 3+ years, I don't think I will ever go back to d/s for my main dac. Just my preference, or maybe I haven't heard it yet? Love the Plini rec.
100% agree. Gumby 4 LIFE!
Lol. Love the snapping
Halo I solved that pc dac noise problem with my scarlett by putting a ifi usb noise filter in between, it also made my scarlett sound better than my portable ifi dac on the same pc/system.
Played on some nice home made OB Accuton speakers 123 hypex Amp.
Before that, that noise was killing me.
Wow, Zeos could really learn a thing or two from your channel. Highly impressive!
Zeos head movements are so ADHD-esque, so much I'd have to close my eyes and just listen to the man.
Saw Plini live a couple of years ago, simply amazing artist with instrumental songs that gets under your skin
As I normally listen to folk, I didn't really get what you were saying until I put on some rave music on my bifrost. Went instantly into party mode.
I'm in the UK and was lucky to manage to get a brand new black Bifrost 2 from ebay and I've loved it ever since.
I use an Asus Xonar U3 optical out (for the great EQ/Bass Boost you can apply) to the Bifrost 2 and then RCA out to the Topping A90 and it's a joy to use this with my Abyss Diana V2s.
EDIT: It'd be nice to use the USB input if it's better, but for me I need a decent bass boost and it's just a lot harder to get that sort of thing when going over USB.
About 9 months ago I asked Schiit which multibit they would recommend for a 2 channel CD player outboard dac only, no internet connectivity needed. They recommended the Modi multibit. I ordered one and won't go back to the onboard DAC.
Great review. I’ve been sitting on the fence about getting the Denafrips Ares II or the Bifrost 2. My main goal is taking my digital rig a little bit closer to my vinyl rig. I will will be replacing a Chord mojo (yes I’ve been using the mojo mostly as a desktop dac and it is amazing) I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this
Ares II is warmer than BF2.
I compared it with my BF2 (both coupled with tube amp and hd800s), noticeable difference is just Ares II has more air up top and wider soundstage
This video mentioned ares ii has better resolution, but i disagree i dont notice that difference
I prefer bf2 for my setup compared to ares ii because bf2 has better synergy and the timbre is more correct
@@HercahyoAdiSaputro Thanks. I ended up getting a Bifrost. I really dig the timbre, naturalness and bass slam and texture. Coming from chord mojo I am losing a bit of soundstage and a bit of air but now those attributes seem a bit pyrotechnical to me.
@@MrKarlengel haha yea, i dont mind having less soundstage on my senn hd800s, it has too much of it already 😂
@@HercahyoAdiSaputro how would the bitfrost two compare to the chord qutest if we are taking price out of the equation.
@@unklecorky2181 been sometime since i heard qutest
I remember qutest is less warm, lighter bass/less punchy, cleaner and more detail presentation
Tbf, the biggest drawback for me is the synergy to my cans (bf2 pairs better with hd800/hd650 imo) as well as absence of xlr connection
what would you recommend for large scale Classical music.
I'm with sham man...you need to do an a/b comparison with Denafrips Ares II...I'm looking forward to that one as dac is my next upgrade...thanks in advance...
I have been considering making the jump from the Modius to the Bifrost 2. I am honestly struggling to hear the difference between the dacs when you switch except for when you mention the roll off in the highs. I think I need more time listening between them and more experience with different equipment for it to be more apparent. 700 is a lot for me but I don't mind saving and spending within reason for my audio. My wife doesn't think 700 is within reason haha. Fortunately she doesn't care because my music hobby keeps me out of trouble. The things you are saying line up with what I have read on multiple forums and what actual owners of the Bifrost 2 I have spoken to say. I genuinely appreciate your effort and the time you put in for things like this. I'm def going to grab a Bifrost 2 at some point and give it a go. Have a great day!
The audio being played in the video is recorded directly from the player, not from the output of the DAC, so it will show no difference when I switch.
I did contemplate recording into an ADC from the DACs themselves, but to truly show DAC differences the audio would need to be lossless and high sample rate which youtube does not support.
@@GoldenSound ok. That makes me feel better. I thought i heard something very small at some point. Specifically when you spoke about the slightly rolled off highs. Guess that was just expectation bias lol.
You talk about best measurements for holo may. What about measurements for this dac ?
@@alan2698 important to note that expectation bias plays a huge role always in your perception of music. There is no evidence that I can find out there ATM to indicate there would be audible differences between sufficiently transparent DACs, or at least differences sufficient enough to warrant spending $700 on a DAC. I welcome evidence to the contrary, but I don't know how one can trust this review given there has been no work done to account for expectation bias.
The more minute differences are, the more nefarious things become. Look at most reviews for overpriced audio cables. Despite our clear understanding of electronic engineering, the skin effect... etc. to tell us that there is no audible difference at all, many still claim to hear differences as if it were night and day.
@@thomasni123 I'm one of the ones that believe a cable makes no audible difference. I understand confirmation and expectation bias. I mentioned it in one of my comments. I do believe one may hear a difference between an r2r and sigma delta though. Not saying it will be as big of a change as you would hear between headphones of course. I can certainly hear a difference between my amps. But I will admit I have to usually actively listen for them. So I do get what you're saying. I also understand the concept of diminishing returns. You see, not only do I love music but I love electronics too. So I'm more interested in r2r tech than I am in finding a better sigma delta dac like the one I own. I am also a huge fan of Schiit. They offer great performance for the money and their Bifrost 2 is something I have been looking at and researching for a bit. Hope you have a great day! Stay safe!
Can you review the Modi Multibit with the new V2 firmware chip connected through the Eitr and or PI2AES? Very interested in hearing your thoughts on this combination.
A review of the Allo Digione Signature vs Pi2AES may be a solution to the USB noise issues discussed in the review.
I've had the Modius for a year, and it was an upgrade from the built-in 4490 DAC on my Jotunheim. When I got the Modius and heard it for the first time, I went, "Yep. That's that then". Since then, I've been sniffing around for an upgrade to the Modius, and I almost went the RME ADI-2 route, and I'm sure it's great, but why do that when I can spend somewhat less and get the Bifrost 2 with a sound signature I'm already familiar with. I LIKE the warm/live feel of Schiit, granted I haven't heard really much else, and this video just summed up my feelings for purchasing the Bifrost 2 the other day: totally justified. I will be getting a definite upgrade to the Modius, and I'm relieved.
Hi Alec. Not sure if you’ll see this. But did you notice a difference? I have the modius now and I’m in the same boat you were in 4 months ago. : )
@@Ray-dl5mp If I were like many others in the audio enthusiast/headphone community, I'd say, "Nope! Snake oil! Placebo! DACs absolutely have nothing to do with the sound; they just convert digital ones and zeroes into analog audio!". And that would be correct - partially. But, I'm not hearing shit when I plugged in my BF2 for the first time and it was audibly warmer and bigger-sounding than the Modius. Is it a huge difference? Nope. But it's definitely noticeable, and for a few hundred bucks extra totally worth it.
I'd actually like to go back and try the Modius to hear what the difference is because I'm sure it'll be way more of a difference than the first time I swapped to the BF2.
@@DukeLetoIII thanks! yea that seems consistent with the passion of sound review of the difference between the two. Not sure on specifics, but I think he said he was having trouble finding differences at first but they were there. Not sure if there would be a bigger or less of a difference with the recent change to the Bifrost 2/64. But that’s cool you noticed a difference. The multibit technology sounds really interesting as in theory based on these reviews seems to provide the best of both worlds combining both the R2R like sound with the delta sigma type sound.
@@Ray-dl5mp Okay, so I just spent the last 45 minutes going back and forth between the BF2 and the Modius. At first, I was like, "Shit, why DID I spend the extra $400 on the Bifrost?". There was no audible difference. Then the more I tried different songs/styles of music, the more it became apparent. The Modius is more neutral sounding w/ an emphasis on highs. Not by much, but it's there. The Bifrost is warmer sounding but with the same resolution. The bass on both is about the same, but the BF2 takes the highs of most songs and rounds them off a bit. Not to the point of muddiness or being muffled. It just makes the highs less in your face. It clicked when I realized that the BF2 does what an OTL tube amp does (sort of; it's not an amp after all) in that it makes the music sound more live. Like in a live show/concert situation. It's more of like, "Oh, this live song by Jacob Collier sounds like I'm standing in the audience, feeling the sound around me. The Modius is more like, "Ah, I'm listening to music sitting here at my desk". That sounds like a huge difference, but it's really not. The BF2 is warm and alive. Body warmth. The Modius is cooler and sharper. Neither of these DACs are grating by any means - Schiit gear always leans warm. But one is clearly just warmer and more at the show than the other one that's cooler and in your home.
@@Ray-dl5mp Also, I may a/b the two with my Darkvoice tube amp to see if there's an even more apparent difference between the two. That'll be tomorrow.
Any chance you could compare this to the Denafrips Ares 2? Thank you.
What do you mean when saying "resolving?" My guess is decay time of a sound is what is trying to be described. Either way, video liked. Cheers.
I like your channel
@goldensound I know the post is old but would you happen to have an opinion between the bifrost 2/64 and Denefrips ares 2?
The reason why delta/sigma DACs and ADCs are common is because it is far easier to make a 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 bit converter supporting a high sample frequency with the linearity you need for 16+ bits compared to making a 16+ bit converter running at a lower frequency. Essentially, DSM allows you to trade converter resolution for speed. Turns out speed is much easier than resolution (less things to trim, less things that can drift). Many precision converters are delta sigma nowadays for this reason as well. Though the comparison point here would generally be multi-slope converters, which are of the "easy in theory, complicated and expensive in practice" variety.
You seem pretty familiar with the differences between DACs but I haven't seen you really mention how good the adi-2 performance as a standalone DAC is when used as only a DAC hooked up to a headphone amp
Hmm, I'm thinking this, the d90, or the ares II...
The Plini recommendation earned you a sub :)
Interesting review with comprehensive,easy to understand, well thought and ellaborate points made! Subscribed! Have my Bifrost 2 connected to my Focal Solo 6 monitors.. There is indeed a touch of warmth but I love the delicate and smooth yet resolving treble (I'm not a big fan of super bright and/or sibilant or super resolving ear fatiguing audio equipment) and I also like the synergy in the mid freq area with my Focals.. Lower end is just ok but I really love the sound signature of the DAC with my speakers.. I really do..
And I completely agree about being a bit on the dark side but with more 3D presence than I'm used too with Sigma Delta DACs. And surely soundstage could use a little bump.
So what I did was to order the Freya + which I'm planning to use mostly in tube mode to add some of those characteristics that are not its selling point and add even more presence which I love in my sound..
Any thoughts would be more than welcome! :)
I cannot see how you can make a statement saying a transformer does not couple noise. If it can couple a signal it can couple noise. Galvanic isolation refer to the fact that the signals are not electrically phisically or electrically connected.
Hey , excellent review. Will also do a review for SONCOZ SGD1 - coming soon ? I'm more interested in SGD1 now than Bifrost
Nice review. Am I right in thinking that although this DAC has a "delicious flavour" to it and can (at least for some people) make certain music genres sound somewhat more engaging, a DAC such as the Topping D90 would be a safer overall choice for someone who listens to various genres, including classical music? In other words - by being technically more correct (measurements) the D90 can be a bit flat-sounding compared to the Bifrost 2 but is a better jack of all trades (and conversely - the Bifrost 2 may be a hit-and-miss depending on the genre/particular track)?
Depends on the rest of your equipment. Be very careful if your speakers are resolving and are a bit on the bright side adding a D90 which has an "in your face" Delta Sigma approach to it can be a mediocre or even bad synergy..
I have Bifrost 2 and I had DX7pro (which measures really well and is almost on par with D90) in which I've even swapped the opamps with much better ones.. I prefer my Bifrost 2, it adds more presence and the difference in resolution is minute.. It's very difficult to find notable differences even when A/Bing.. Bifrost 2 has presence.. It's alive.. And if the rest of your equipment can attest to this character the synergy can be amazing.
@@d4ydr33m3r second this. I compared with the SU-9, and the Bifrost simply sounds more believable. That's moving. It's far closer to the record player too. I'm staying with the Bifrost.
I just got my Bifrost 2, today. To test the resolution, I played the following recordings:
Beethoven Symphony No. 1, Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique - John Eliot Gardner conducting. No problem following the super fast violin lines in the Menuetto. Allegro molto vivace.
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.5, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardner conducting. The Bifrost handled the complex polyphony well. No problem picking an instrument out of the mix and following it.
Beethoven Symphony No. 9, 5. Presto. O Freunde, nicht diese Tone. Allegro assai. Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique - John Eliot Gardner conducting. The famous "Ode to Joy" was a joy to listen to. No problem following the choral sections' lines and picking them out of the mix. Even with the chorus in full cry, it was easy to pick out the violins' lines, even though they were well back in the mix.
Are there more resolving DACS? Yes. Does it matter? Not really. The Bifrost 2 resolves well enough to handle even complex classical music. And its timbre, particularly in the midrange (which is where most music happens) is superb.
@carey jones Thanks, this is encouraging as I recently bought a Bifrost 2 and do enjoy orchestral and acoustic music of many kinds and wondered if I had made a mistake after seeing this review. My choice was made partly because I needed to pair with the Jotunheim R amp which I was limited to because it powers my Raal Requisite headphones (which are hyper resolving) directly and only one other amp is capable of this and that is more than double the price. I am very happy with the sound but have limited opportunity to make direct AB comparisons with alternative set ups.
Lovely video of your animated hands 🙌 🤦♀️😆
P E R T A M A X
I’m aghast! 20 years ago, DACS made huge strides and sound quality was very good! Now these DACS are supposed to be vastly improved sonically, and yet all I’m hearing is that you somehow now need several different flavored DACS , depending on your musical sources!!!????? WTH?!!!!
No one wants to admit they would fail blind tests nevermind double blind tests.
I have found your reviews awesome and highly detailed. I found you through a comment about USB and how audacity isnt the best tool for the job... can you do a comparison of USB?
Since it impossible to get your hands on a Bifrost2 in Europe and I didn't want to wait any longer, I got me the Topping D70S MQA instead. Now this video made me wonder, should I have been more patient and have waited for Schiit to deliver to Europe some day again? On the other hand, I combined the D70s with a Topping A90 headphone amp to drive my Meze99 Classics (with deeper Brainwavz sheepskin earpads). No regrets. And yet the Schiit itch remains.
Can I pair 2 Gjallahorn amps to this DAC for mono configuration? then a preamp
This one goes head to head with an Apple USB-C Dongle.
Fuck my life. I decided to take this into my own hands...
Took the Bifrost 2 against the SU-9. Aaaand, yes, just what he's saying all along the video comparing the SGD1. Exactly it. Except, I do listen to classical and although it's great to have the extra detail of the SU-9, there is a problem. It's not as convincing still.
So the Bifrost sounds more like the record player, and if I add no tubes, it's flatter. With a Tube preamp the Bifrost becomes more 3D, although still not as good as the Records (carts are Nagaoka MP-200 and AT33PTG)
It's though though to think that the only solution to this is to fork 3.5k more and get the Holo May L2. That's a lot of records, money, stylus, or a whole trip.
I guess the Bifrost must have to be good enough! Is it? To me? I can play CDs, Server, or Records and have a blast with either. Not so with the SU-9. Everything is great, except... I don't buy its sound. It's just not as involving. Both have great staging on speakers, sounds come from the sides, behind, and speakers disappear. But timbre is simply better on the crap measuring Bifrost 2.
How odd.
Hello Golden, I've communicated with you in the past in reference to a review for the SOTM sms200 ultra neo. You mentioned you sold the SOTM to purchase a piece of test equipment before getting a review out. I'm hoping you can tie break me. I currently own a SOTM sms200ultra neo signature edition. I also possess a Topping D90 (hooked up to my SingXer SA1). I also hook it D90 up to my PI2AES all for headphone listening. My problem, I just sold my RME ADI2version 2 DAC (AKM4493) which I had the SOTM hooked up to for both headphone and stereo listening (PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP and an old Aragon 4004mk2 power amps). Here's the question, THe SOTM is not being used currently I was thinking of selling it (interested??), but then thought using the SOTM get a DAC and interface that to the power amps (thru an Aragon 24K pre, or directly). I don't want to spend a ton of money. I could get 20ft RCA cables and run the SOTM to the D90 up to the Singxer SA1 to the power amps with long RCAs. or I could purchase either a Schitt Bifrost 2, Denafrips Ares2 or Soncoz Sdg 1 dac to the stereo). They are priced similarly. I've never had a R2R. I have AKM chip dacs). Why have neutral when you can have fun! HELP!!!! I'd really appreciate your opinion because you did have the SOTM at one time. Would the Bifrost 2 USB implementation kind of be duplicated/negated because of the great USB in the SOTM? or does the fun factor win out. The SDG 1 brings a lot of tech (remote, Bluetooth, soundstage, etc). I lsitne to mainly jazz, blues, acoustics, EDM, not a lot of orchestral stuff, but on occasion. I could go on but i hope you get the gist. Can you please reply back when you get a moment? PS- I have currently Orchids Audio Pecan Pi Dac hooked up to stereo (WONDERFUL with a capital W). Side note (Im pondering leaving well enough alone, and trying to sell the SOTM sms200 ultra neo signature for about $900 give or take negating the need for new stuff. But its a real good streamer and not sure if I should part with it. If you know of anyone who might be interested in SOTM, that's a side note. OK, if you read this far big thank you. Neil ThegratefulDad signing off
19:01 this is bullshit, bought an XLR cable to test if there is a difference between the balance and SE outputs, and there is zero audible difference. I'm volume matched, can toggle back and forth as much as I want, nothing.
Also, it's US designed and built. This should tell you how much mark-up there is on high-end audio purchased retail. Buying direct instead of paying the designer, builder, distributor, and retailer. I would bet if this dac was sold retail, it would be 2x it's price. I have no affiliation with Schiit Audio, outside of being a customer.
Your reviews are super detailed and informative, keep it up! You have potential to really make it big. PS. How do you like the Aryas? I'm on the fence about buying a pair.
Thank you very much! I appreciate that.
The aryas are spectacular. They do need a fairly beefy amp to sound their best, but they're great
@@GoldenSound You are very knowledgeable and you have a gift for getting all that information across.
Do you think the Topping D90+A90 combo would be a good one for the Aryas?
@@GoldenSound What do you think of pairing the Arya with the Bifrost 2 and Jotunheim 2? Or would scaling up/down the DAC and/or amp provide better value?
@@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou also wondering this @goldensound
Timbre or tambre? is it the same meaning?
Disregarding the price differential, can you please comment on the B2 vs Qutest? Many thanks.
Both are warm-leaning dacs, but qutest is a much softer more 'delicate' presentation. Qutest is definitely more resolving and better for separation. It would be my choice for classical and acoustic. But the qutest lacks a fair bit in macrodynamics and lowend impact.
BF2 would be better for most EDM/Rock type music
@@GoldenSound That's interesting. I had an Exogal Comet which I'd describe similarly: warm, delicate, high separation/staging. I wonder if there's an FGPA sound or if there's another shared design philosophy.
Thanks for this review. Had a Modi Multibit (v2) and hated it. Gave me listening fatigue within minutes. But after watching this video I think I'm gonna try the Bifrost 2.
Question for you.. I currently have the BF1 multibit and use the Burson Soloist 3XP as a headphone amp and pre amp. I’m planning on getting some Focal Solo 6 be monitors for my desktop to pair with it. Since these monitors use the berilium drivers and excel on treble and aire and resolution would you suggest upgrading to the bf2? Or do you think a d90 or soncoz sgd1 would be a better chain?
Am super famous now
It's interesting how you describe dac performance with certain genres. I am looking for a suitable dac staying in a relative budget. Amp is a Keces E40 ($630) on Focal 807w and Triangle Zetas (dressed down version of color series). Right now I have a Lavaudio DS 600 (Topping D50s clone) and while there is good detail, the glare and accentuated sibilance detracts from music listening at times. A D70s I tried didn't have any glare, sounded great but the added warmth affected instrument separation a bit in comparison to the one in my Hegel which had better defined edges as well. I could have lived with the D70s but I figured so many dacs would be coming out soon after, I kept the DS600 as a temp (and it's not bad btw).
Since classical, particulry small ensembles and piano are my main areas of listening as well as more folk and related such as Tom Russell, Ben Bedford and Nick Cave, I;m trying to find a balance between a very detailed dac that still sounds lifelike and had a good degree of depth. I get a little now but am looking for it.
I think I would prefer the Topping D90/D90SE over the D70s and perhaps the Bitfrost 2 for those reasons, sharper edges, more separation but still want as much 3D in space and a lifelike sound as possible for the budget. A Modius would take away the glare with maybe a small hit on dynamics/transient response. Moving up, there are some other options in the $400 to $600 price range but I think the greatest utility may be realized in something like the Topping A90/now 90se with the Ess pro which is stated to lack any of that glare due to the redesign.
Anything else seems it would be overkill for the equipment inteded unless I use it with my hegel H160. But my goal is to retain as much of that sound in a smaller/lighter package, hence the Keces E40 (that would make a nice review).
Any guidance , thoughts appreciated. If I do downsize my Focals, I've considered the Triangles as they do alot of what the Focals do just not as well, however I am eyeing Amphions and related type speakers. If I do deviate, the only other speaker would be the new Elac Uni-Fi Reference.
As I tend to like a more analytical presentation but still have a llifelike and some warmth sound, any dac recommendations or opinions welcome. Topping also seems to have a good reliability record in comparison to some others, but it's the SQ and ability I'm trying to maximize within the constraints of my other equipment. Listening to discs now but will hop into streaming sometime this year.
BTW the best digital reproduction I heard as in timbre was from a Marantz CD5000 which used the TDA 1549. It's stage was smaller but boy was it sweet and piano had nice timbre/tone, as well as the human voice. All from a budget dac chip.
This was/is my next dac that I will pair with a Jotunheim 2, this for me will be a significant investment, would it be suitable as I listen to many genres of music as my main dac in your personal opinion of course?
6:00 Not sure if you already know but we have multi-bit delta-sigma DACs, too. In fact, besides DSD, all delta-sigma DACs are multi-bit. Mostly six bits, though.
Good call on Sweet Nothings, digging it!
Do you think selling the Modius and buying the Bifrost 2 would be worth it for me? I listen mostly to rock and metal (which is what the Bifrost is supposedly good at), I use the Topping A90 and Schiit Valhalla 2 as amps, and my main headphones are Beyer DT 1990.
EDIT: Nevermind, I just came to the part in the video where you said yes :)
New subscriber here. This was very educational but raises a question. I love some classical music
especially the more fully orchestrated offerings but I also love Hans Zimmer (movie sound tracks).
I like jazz, (Bob James). old Moody Blues and anything new with a great melody. Did I mention folk
as in Gordon Lightfoot. So here's my question ... Do I need 2 DACS? or is there one that would satisfy
the entire spectrum. I've been considering the Schiit Gungir. Any comments or suggestions would
appreciated. My budget is around 1800.00
I think you need to seek help for your audionervosa Charles.
@Charlesclifton: hey, even i have similar tastes in music.. wondering would i be better off with Denafrips Ares 2 especially for classical and jazz, albeit at the cost of a less punchier sound compared with BF2?
Referring back to the Denafrips Ares review, it was mentioned there was latency on the spdif input. I would wish to use the Bifrost's spdif to connect a satellite box for TV/movies so obviously latency would be an issue. Can anyone comment on this please? Thanks
Would you recommend pairing the Bifrost 2 with the Questyle CMA600i ?
Any idea if Bifrost 2 is different sounding than the original Bifrost multibit? Is there any difference in the architecture? (it doesn't have the balanced option)
Is Bifrost 2 the perfect gear to add to my speaker amp if my speakers are very slightly harsh in the treble and I want to remove that harshness?
Excellent, thank you
can you compare the Bitfrost 2 to the M2's DAC? can you compare the M2 to the Modius?
Splitting hairs friend, splinting hairs.
Bifrost n Soncoz are on par.
Entertaining anyhow.
Modius uses a switching power supply.
Plini. Holy crap. You weren't kidding... they're awesome!
Great review style love it. Maybe give us 10 seconds between switching inputs tho... that was annoying and not enough time to compare at all!
Which USB cable are you using there? Supra? Or something else? Was looking a list of your kit in the comments but couldn't find it. Have you listed everything you use any where?
What I'm using changes quite frequently. For reviewing DACs though, I use a raspberry pi 4 (running RopieeeXL as a roon endpoint) as the source and usually an intona 7055-C galvanic isolator (though some DACs do not play nice without a USB ground so in some cases they'll be connected directly).
As for USB cables, I have a few here, Curious Evolved, Intona Reference, Supra, Audioquest Carbon, Tripp-Lite, Holo etc.
I've never found USB cables to make any audible difference, nor any measurable difference, and there is no functional explanation as to why they would.
Other digital connections that are NOT asynchronous (I2S, AES, SPDIF etc) can in some cases be affected by the cable, but not USB.
@@GoldenSound Thanks for taking the time, appreciated. I use Supra, that's why I asked. I agree that one well made USB cable is the same as another, no need to spend silly money.
Hi, I dont understand why you say that people who love acoustic music wont like it and pop listeners are gonna. Everybody hears differently, everybody's taste is not the same, As a jazz musician, (also classical and acoustic listener in general) I can tell you that I much prefer to listen to a natural and warm presentation rather than something very detailed and sharp that is maybe very technical and "revealing" but doesn't reveal any music in it.