I'm surprised no one has said it yet... but this company and Pyle should do a collaboration on a DAC/Amp. Or maybe they shouldn't... thing would be a real Pyle o' Shiit.
You know... opening the gear really makes a big difference for a guy like me. Your reviews are incredibly comprehensive and engaging, it's no wonder this channel has grown so quickly. Keep up the amazing work, and keep showing us the internals😁
Great review! I really like the comparison to the alternatives. As someone who's just looking/dabbling in the space it's great to hear about what other options I can consider for the same price point.
I've gotta say, excellent review and video overall. I'm getting a Modi 3 for Christmas to pair with my Magni 3, and I love that you compared the Modi to the Dragonfly Black, since that's what I have right now. Can't wait to listen to the pair through my Fostex T60RP's! This is the first video I've seen from you, and I think its already enough to get me to hit that subscribe button. Keep up the good work!
I normally listen to my old (and new) records (Yeah I'm 55 so for me they are still records not vinyl) On a late 80's early 90's Technics SL-1900 turntable through a Little bear Tube buffered phono preamp into an NAD 45 watt per channel amp into a pair of Infinity RS 4/b speakers...it sounds awesome to me. I have though recently wanted to stream some FLAC files and high rate MP3 files so I have just now ordered the Schiit audio Modi DAC., I have an early 90's Technics CD player...sounds shitty, lol. But I can replace the CD's I have with other formats is needed...Thanks for a realistic review for those of us that don't want to spend ridiculous amounts of money on a DAC, Love the channel!!
Just tried out my new Modi 3 and wow what of a difference to the quality of the sound. Best invested 120 euros in a long time. All thumbs up for this product. Thanks John , the recommendation for the DAC was spot on :)
My favorite video of yours yet! I really appreciate the lower prices on these items combined with specific suggestions of devices you thought sounded good together, along with descriptions of the sound, and even specific cables and input methods. Love it.
After watching this I ordered a modi 3 to solve a problem of needing one more toslink input for streaming CD rips from my Airport Express to my amp. I ran an optical cable from the AE to the modi, then analog from the modi to amp. It sounds great and I’m very happy with this setup. Thanks Darko!
I bought the Schiit Modi 3+ and Echo Link based on your reviews. Holy crap, I love that setup. I’ve lost a few nights of sleep listening to music all night, after the pair helped resurrect my old 15yo Onkyo system. The change was very subtle at first, but when big complex (apex type?) sounds would hit, the sound is much fuller and richer. Definitely, like switching from standard quality to HD to the ears. Also, musical highs/lows are more transparent, especially when they are extended out in duration. Thanks for the reviews!
Mike Moffat, Schiit's Co-Founder, and head of digital development, said. "It's a Modi 3...with Unison USB, our own USB interface that took two person-years of development to complete. But it also has a few more tricks that improve performance even more than Modi 3-so it's our highest performing Modi, ever."
Ive been thinking alot abot this. Music is a funny thing. Even being in a good mood can effect music. I know when im down music can sound awful. The other thing is it can be subjective. One man could say the treble is to high and another could say its got insightful clarity or something. But i think if you put a blind fold on someone and take them in a room where there is say a 2 grand setup and a 10 or 15 grand set up and say all i want you to do is listen to the track, dont over think it or listen out for anything just enjoy both tracks. Dont tell them the price. Then afterwards say which one sound better. I have to think some wont be able to tell you or some will just prefer the sound signature of the cheaper one. I bet that chord sound amazing on some systems even better than the shit but on some it wont. Pairing is also so important. But i think say a 10 grand set up wont sound ten times as good as a two grand setup.
“This piece is going to attract a lot of newcomers.” I really liked that part, as I’m new to audiophilia, and I’ve never owned a DAC, an AMP, or even a speaker before. But I’ve seen the massive upgrade I had going from $2 earbuds to the stock EarPods, and I want to get another audio fidelity increase to make my favorite songs sound like new again, since they’re all starting to sound bad just because of my equipment making it sound flat. I really believe that I’ll buy this Schitt now.
@@vietle8157 Hmm the Moondrop looks very good but for $320 I rather just buy an over-ear pair for the same price and stick to regular cheapo Bluetooth earphones when I'm exercising.
@@killerch33z I've compared the Modi's 24bit 192khz to my computer's speakers, which also do 24bit 192khz sound. I can't believe that a laptop has the same functionality as a standalone DAC, so is there something else to it?
Excellent review, John. I really like your reviewing style, comments and insights. I was just listening to your interview with Jason and Mike at RMAF 2018 over the weekend and this makes for a very nice follow-up. From what I've heard and read, for a delta-sigma DAC, the Modi 3 sounds really very good. I have a Gumby for my main DAC and also Schiit's $149 DSD-only DAC, Loki (remember that?), which sounded truly amazing. Just subscribed. Look forward to watching more of your review videos. Thanks!
Awesome video... appreciate how you compare and contrast different devices at different prices and usage categories (really helpful!!!).. we are complex being often making easy and sometimes complex decisions about our hobby - sometimes its about quality, other times about price, aesthetic, or even peer reviews .. all things being equal, who wouldn't mind getting a Ferrari at the cost of a Toyota. I love your perspective because you've seen/heard $3K plus Dacs of all shapes and forms... of course we would all love it if you had a closet with 50 other DACs we'd like you to compare during your videos. all good... enjoyed sipping my coffee this morning to your video with good looking brews!
I have a Schitt modi paired with an Apple TV 4K running thru a hdmi audio splitter. I use this as a headless streamer. I’m a newbie to this audio world but really love the output the modi provides for the money. You nailed it with terms like rich and meaty. Thank you for a good review.
@scrambling blambles Yes, a TOSLINK will transmit a digital audio signal from a PC or TV effectively the same. You can directly connect the DAC to your TV; there's no need for a PC connection.
I realise this is five years old, but still informative and honest. For anyone else like me, ie Mr Budget, I can confirm what John says about low noise power. I just spent £69 on a iFi Power 2 and use it to feed my WiiM Pro Plus, the difference was amazing. And you can pick up a used Mojo for a hundred quid now, I use it as a desktop.
sub’d as soon as I saw B12’s Time Tourist in the background. Finally an audio enthusiasts who actually has some taste in music and doesn’t go on and on about Steely Dan
I purchased the Schiit Modi 3 DAC based on John D's review and I am 100% satisfied. If anything, John's review significantly under-states just how good this DAC is regardless of price. Its front to back sound stage is fantastic and voices and instruments sound very real. The DAC is driving Chris Daly's Stero Coffee volume control and source selector, Tom Christiansen's Modulus 86 mono-block amplifiers and Paul Carmody's Undefinition Sunflower Redux speakers. The source is Compact Discs. The Modi 3 is Highly Recommended.
This review sold me on the Schiit Modi and I couldn't be happier. My next dac upgrade (when I upgrade my amp) will be the Denefrips Ares. Love the bit about the term "musical" being bullshit. Darko us keeping it real.
I own the Schiit Mani phono pre. And i have bought 4 other preamps, (sub $500) that are pretty good. But the Schiit Audio Mani is spectacular with the Swagman labs psu. I am very, very impressed with these guys, and will be getting the modi 3, and probably other gear as well.
For my office setup, I picked up the black version (Very nice design) to pass over DAC duties from my Monoprice Headphone Amp. I followed your suggestion and grabbed that IFI PSU from B&H in NYC. This really stepped up my sound. This is feeding out via USB/Tidal Hifi to Preamp and a pair of JBL 306P MkII, the attack and just heft of the sound is brilliant and very well rounded. Even at low volumes.
Ho hum... "acoustic mass", "more punch", "treble refinement"... that may be informative to you. To me it sounds like the same way some people discuss wine. I'd be better served with the same audio played through the different DACS, resampled, and played back. That way I could form my own opinion about his opinion :)
Love your style of delivery of all relevant information with just the right amount of “in my opinion “ and that too is important as you have the product in your home environment.. Please keep up the good work..
If that digital cable you have is what I believe, with crimped Canare plugs, it’s probably miles better than loads of other “hi-fi high-end” stuff that populates this world.
I really liked this video. Good presentation and great job on making a video about a DAC fun to watch.
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Thanks to your review, my Schiit is on its way ... ;-) Ganz lieben Dank für Deine tollen und hilfreichen Videos! Grade für jemanden, der einsteigt in das Thema "Besser hören" extrem hilfreich!
Great review......the best I have seen on this unit. I have been on the fence about which inexpensive DAC to get and this review convinced me to buy some Schiit! I loved the Schiit counter.....made me laugh so hard!
Funny, I stopped listening because of the counter. But reading a review of the review like yours means I won't reject the product, just look for more reviews.
I recently got a Schiit Modi 3 and put it between my Yamaha BD A1040 bluray player and my receiver. I thought the Yamaha had a pretty good dac but the Modi blew it away. Big improvement in all ways.
Unless the output of each DAC is level matched to within 0,1dB of each other and switching between them is blinded to the listener, any comparison of audio quality is absolutely moot! You can cry "golden ears", "my *this box* is better than yours" and stuff like that, all you want, but reality is, we're extremely susceptible to bias when listening to audio, our audio memory is not good and there are countless factors that impact our ability to differentiate and/or evaluate aural stimuli. In reality, modern DACs all have very low levels of all types of distortion and high frequency linearity, making any difference in audio output absolutely minute, when the chip is properly implemented.
yeah i took a gamble and got this and so far i could not tell a single difference compared to on board audio form a mid-high end board. i knew it was snake oil but least next motherboard i can cheap out more @@Abrikosmanden
The source does not matter for cheap system. Just like expensive tires does not matter for cheap cars. However things work differently for high end equipment.
Mickey Majkic Snake oil? I wouldn’t call any Schiit DAC snake oil. They ARE well engineered audio products that sell for a reasonable price. Made In USA ain’t bad to boot. With Schiit DACs especially the way I look at it is pick a price point and you can be happy with the DAC that Schiit has in that bracket. When people start talking about a Modi 2U being tizzy or harsh in the treble that’s when I call hog wash. It seems like it’s an attitude to adopt to justify buying a $2000 DAC. There’s nothing wrong with a $2000 DAC..... just don’t tell me my $150 or now $100 DAC sounds like garbage compared to your $2000 DAC. I’ll be grabbing a Modi 3. The compatibility with Android and IOS alone is worth the $100 allowing anyone to easily use a tablet as a music server.
@@shaggyfeng9110 Expensive tires dont matter on cheap cars? So you are saying that mecanical grip is different for the same contact patch becasue you pay more for the weight pushing it to the ground? Expensive fuel doesnt matter on everyday cars but getting better tires matters on all cars.
Awesome review! Recently got a Schiit Modi 3 (and Magni 3) myself and absolutely love it. Sounds worlds better than the audio coming out of my Macbook Pro 2015. Just a note on the review, I personally found the sound coupled with the Schiit counter a bit annoying. I felt distracted from from the review whenever it pinged. It was funny at the start but by the end I was just wanting it to be over. Perhaps a counter without the sounds instead?
Since I upgraded from my Marantz 8801 to the 8805, I’ve been finding the new sound less appealing. I like the fullness of the 8801 better, but the 8805 does everything else miles better. I’m currently using a Chord Qutest and Brooklyn plus DACs and after this review I decided to buy a Modi 3 to see how this meaty dac compares to my other two. Since John liked the Modi better on his Rotel, and considering I have Rotel RB-1581 mono blocks, it’ll be interesting to hear the difference, if any. If I like the Modi 3, I’ll then try the Multibit. The Modi 3 should arrive tomorrow, ordered the ifi psu also.
skampster, I have both. The two sound quite different from each other. How they integrate with the system makes a big difference. With my Musical Fidelity integrated and Tekton Double Impact speakers, I prefer the Modi 3 over the Modi Multibit. The Modi 3 is just a bit crisper on the top end and has a slightly better 3D stage and depth. The Multi sounds a bit rolled off and too warm. A bit too much of an analog tube sound. The Tekton and MF combination is very neutral and not hyper detailed. The Modi Multibit is a great match for my other system with an NAD integrated and .5 “baby” Thiele on 12” stands, which most certainly is on the lean side of neutral. I did substitute a nice 5vdc 1amp linear power supply For the iPhone charger PS. The difference, at to me, is great improvement in low frequency extension and dynamics. Cheers.
In regards to budget dacs that (allegedly) sounds good. I think you should review the SMSL SU-8 The feature set, sound quality and performance is supposed to be really good at its price point. Would love to hear your thoughts on it.
I read this review (watched it later) and immediately ordered the Modi 3. The results? I was very underwhelmed. I had the Sound Blaster AE-5 and me and my wife both felt the AE-5 sounded much better! This is a Sound Blaster card (albeit a very good sound quality one). But, watching this review, you would think the Modi 3 would sound better. Other DACs I have heard for less than $150 that sound better: -Khadas Tone Board $100+$15.00 case (better all around and much more detail) I own and kept this, sold the Modi 3. It needs a case but you can get creative with it. -Topping D10: $80. Hard to beat for the price and handily beats the Modi 3, sounds better doing it too. I believe it even measures better and has a display. Another huge advantage is it has -Topping D30: $100-130 A more dynamic version of the D10, but no display. Deeper bass and mids than the D10, walks all over the Modi 3! -SMSL Sanskrit Mk II: $110-120 Better DAC chipset, measures better, newer AKM 4493 vs AKM 4490 in the Modi 3. Never heard it but likely sounds better and more capable, plus it has a display. -Sound Blaster G6: Around $150 Likely sounds better, if it sounds anything like the AE-5. Yes, it is a Sound Blaster but that does not matter, it has killer sound and more features for gamers. This is not saying it is a bad DAC, it is a step in the right direction for Schiit. But once you watch and hear this review (I read the online version) you would think it is the best device ever made and nothing can touch it under $150, which clearly is not the case.
Oh shit you mentioned blue jean cable! I first found them in 2005-2006 I think it was. Some great quality cables for the money without really obsessing on cables.
You are simply amazing!! I was considering the bluesound node 2i but the price was holding me back but after watching this I have realised there are cheaper options out there. My main way of listening to music would be at Home streaming Amazon hd music.
I think one of the key features of this DAC is the hard analogue input switch. Most if not all the DACs out there anywhere close to this have digital or gate switches which definitely, or have the chance to reset if the power goes out. The design is great for people that want to set it for one input and forget they have it.
I knew I liked you when you paused to brew a good cup of coffee plus you got a good sense of humor & that is some really good Schiit. You have a new subscriber from across the pond my friend, thanks.
Hi. This looks like one of the better choices, but I can see from the photo of the PC board that this has only the dual 5V power. That is (+/- 5V inside) which powers the DAC and output op-amps. This is much better then some cheap ones I tested which only had a single 3.2V supply and sounded terrible. I have wondered about the Analog Devices AD1855 High Performance Multi bit delta sigma DAC and found on digikey where they sell an evaluation board called the EVAL-AD1955 and it's where you can see the layout and schematic. This uses +/- 12V power which would give it much more headroom and openness with the higher voltage. I could add a low noise regulated power supply to one of these and I bet it would sound awesome. When you have the lower operating voltages and various other shortcuts plus a combination of cheap parts from china, you get what you pay for but this one for 100 bucks, looks like it's worth a try.
You're my favorite youtuber nowadays, I've been into hifi only for a year or so - but I'm still learning, also thanks to your videos. Keep up the great work. Maybe a video on digital-digital converters (Gustard U16, Singxer SU 1 or 6...)?
I'm trying to wrap my brain around the whole DAC thing. I have most of my CD collection and some 24/96 music on an external drive connected to my Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray. I know it's subjective, but will the $99 Modi 3 outperform the DAC in the Oppo? Also, what about the base model vs the multi-bit version? Thanks.
Thanks for the advice. Got it yesterday. Really, largely outperforms the built-in DAC the Halo Integrated (hint) from Parasound offers (it has an ESS Sabre reference DAC from 2016). I used both the coax to Parasound and optical to the Mani wires of the squeezebox duet for easy A/B comparison. Need to upgrade my transport now (Logitech Squeezebox Duet, as mentioned above)! Tone is so much better (on piano, brass and voices mostly), it is more revealing, detailed and spacious, but keeps 'musicality' (for whatever that last word's worth!). Bass is even tighter and cleaner as it used to be. The highs, surprisingly so, are more present without any sort of agressivity though, that ESS might have ended-up projecting. I couldn't stop listening! Oh I'm listening Flac off my NAS on Dynaudio Contour S1.4 Limited Edition bookshelves, mounted on Atacama Nexus 7i.
Forgot to mention I was also considering JdsLabs OL-DAC, apparently a serious improvement over their previous yet still more expensive lineup. Got the C5D for my Grados SR325e so I know the brand, it's pretty good but I was a bit short in 'wow factor' 😉, probably too clean/polite...
Great vid John. I appreciate your continued willingness to focus some of your time on the mid and low end of the audio spectrum. I have the Modi 2 now and I'm going "Hmmm my oldest son uses the built-in DAC on his Emotiva pre-amp, I could grab the Modi 3 for me and upgrade him to the Modi 2 in one swoop". I found your comment about the potential power upgrades for the Modi 3 especially interesting. I'm contrasting the 3's USB power supply to the 16vac power utilized by it's predecessor and wondering why Schiit made the change? Unfortunately I don't have a great grasp on the minutia of consumer electronics power requirements.
The change in power supply allows the Modi to be used with a computer without necessarily needing to find a wall socket for power. It can use the computer's 5v power to do the job. I can see someone making a small battery unit for this.
@@CubanB1978 Ahhh makes sense. I wasn't a big fan of the wall wart anyway. The one for the Magni 3 is even bigger/heavier and mine went bad but Schiit took care of me and is sending a replacement.
I have the Fulla model, which also has a very nice headphone amp and volume control in addition to the DAC that goes out to my Cambridge integrated amp. I'm very happy with it!
Funfact: Actually the son of Thor (Actually it's really Tor without the H) is Mode not Modi. But english transelation changes the name🙈 Always liked the Schiit name since I first heard it😝
It's pretty hard to find differences in DACs unless if your DAC is really worse.. Just get a Topping D30 instead. Someone on Reddit testing and compared the Schiit Modi Multibit to the Topping D30 and they were on par while the Topping D30 doing a little bit better for only $99. The Schiit Modi Multibit is $200.
He is reviewing the regular version with Akm dac, not multi-bit with Analog devices dac chip. What defines sound characteristics is output stage, the outputs have opamp and capacitors and that colors, widens, deepens, detail etc the sound. I myself prefer output stage that uses Analog devices Opamps, I just find them organic sounding.
John Darko's Podcasts have been very helpful to me learning how to get into building my own Raspberry Pi Streamer. If I may ask a question.... how do I cable up the Allo Relay Attentuator to the Allo DigiOne ? This will be my first build and I hope to make it a great one... thank you John Darko for your expertise... without people like you, we'd still be in the dark ages...
I used my Modi connected via toslink to my digital output on my TV and play lossless audio from the appletv. Sounds amazing. Next step is to get the lightening camera adapter to play from my phone directly.
I bought a Bryston 4b cubed amp with bp26 pre amp about 8 months ago. My question is, should I stick with Bryston regarding their Dac? Is it beneficial using only one manufacturer's components? Ps. I don't think Byrston gets the attention it deserves in the audiophile world. They are mainly a professional pa company, providing sound system to stadiums around North America. However their new cubed amp series are unbelievable good and at reasonable prices. I wish more people reviewed them, their clarify, power and slam are amazing! They don't "colour" the sound. I am new to this hobby and I am being to think true audiophile's like their music coloured, even if they say they don't.
Its the stage before it reaches your headphone amplifier, The chain sorta goes like this Computer -> USB Cable -> Schiit Modi 3 -> RCA Cable -> Headphone amp -> Headphones
I had the Schiit Modi 2 Uber and I loved it. Kind of regret selling it tbh :/ but I might consider getting this one, especially at this price! Considering I paid for my Modi 2 Uber at around $160 a couple of years ago. Great Schiit!
My interpretation would be hearing multiple instruments that might be playing similar frequencies as it's own track much like in a studio environment when the engineer is mixing the individual tacks/instruments together. Some DACs might just mush two instruments that are playing the same frequency at the same time as a single xxxHz sine wave as opposed to being two completely separate tracks within the file/song. That's my take on it anyway.
I own both a Schiit Modi 2 and Gungnir DAC. The Modi 2 offered a nice sound quality considering the price level and I was satisfied with it initially. However, the durability of both the Modi 2 and the Gunghir proved to be substandard. The Modi 2 started to be unreliable within a year. Slowly the maximum bitrate I could use went down until it gave no sound at all. The Gungnir lasted longer, but after a few years showed the same problem as the Modi 2. Sometimes I can go up to 192 kHz on the coaxial input, sometimes I cannot. Occaisionally it gives no sound at all. The cause of the problem are not my computers, since these work fine with 2 other DAC’s I have bought.
Is there any way to actually scientifically measure the differences in sound from one DAC to another? I appreciate your descriptive words like "Meaty Weight" but measurements would go a long way in showing an actual difference.
Measurement is only half the story though... human minds/perceptions are far trickier, you will slowly find those words start making sense when you are in this hobby for long enough :) Just go to any respectable hi end store and test the music you like, or you can start from this Schiit introduced here, see how it compares to your onboard DAC.
I'm surprised no one has said it yet... but this company and Pyle should do a collaboration on a DAC/Amp. Or maybe they shouldn't... thing would be a real Pyle o' Shiit.
This is really funny xD
100% for effort on trying to be funny.
Pyle o' shit is already common in the audio/HiFi vernacular
pair the pyle with the schiit!
Shit Audio featuring Pile
You know... opening the gear really makes a big difference for a guy like me. Your reviews are incredibly comprehensive and engaging, it's no wonder this channel has grown so quickly. Keep up the amazing work, and keep showing us the internals😁
Great review! I really like the comparison to the alternatives. As someone who's just looking/dabbling in the space it's great to hear about what other options I can consider for the same price point.
I've gotta say, excellent review and video overall. I'm getting a Modi 3 for Christmas to pair with my Magni 3, and I love that you compared the Modi to the Dragonfly Black, since that's what I have right now. Can't wait to listen to the pair through my Fostex T60RP's! This is the first video I've seen from you, and I think its already enough to get me to hit that subscribe button. Keep up the good work!
I normally listen to my old (and new) records (Yeah I'm 55 so for me they are still records not vinyl) On a late 80's early 90's Technics SL-1900 turntable through a Little bear Tube buffered phono preamp into an NAD 45 watt per channel amp into a pair of Infinity RS 4/b speakers...it sounds awesome to me. I have though recently wanted to stream some FLAC files and high rate MP3 files so I have just now ordered the Schiit audio Modi DAC., I have an early 90's Technics CD player...sounds shitty, lol. But I can replace the CD's I have with other formats is needed...Thanks for a realistic review for those of us that don't want to spend ridiculous amounts of money on a DAC, Love the channel!!
Just tried out my new Modi 3 and wow what of a difference to the quality of the sound. Best invested 120 euros in a long time. All thumbs up for this product. Thanks John , the recommendation for the DAC was spot on :)
Just got my Modi 3 today and am very pleased.
Love that you made coffee during the review. Class!
My favorite video of yours yet! I really appreciate the lower prices on these items combined with specific suggestions of devices you thought sounded good together, along with descriptions of the sound, and even specific cables and input methods. Love it.
After watching this I ordered a modi 3 to solve a problem of needing one more toslink input for streaming CD rips from my Airport Express to my amp. I ran an optical cable from the AE to the modi, then analog from the modi to amp. It sounds great and I’m very happy with this setup. Thanks Darko!
I bought the Schiit Modi 3+ and Echo Link based on your reviews. Holy crap, I love that setup. I’ve lost a few nights of sleep listening to music all night, after the pair helped resurrect my old 15yo Onkyo system.
The change was very subtle at first, but when big complex (apex type?) sounds would hit, the sound is much fuller and richer. Definitely, like switching from standard quality to HD to the ears. Also, musical highs/lows are more transparent, especially when they are extended out in duration. Thanks for the reviews!
Mike Moffat, Schiit's Co-Founder, and head of digital development, said. "It's a Modi 3...with Unison USB, our own USB interface that took two person-years of development to complete. But it also has a few more tricks that improve performance even more than Modi 3-so it's our highest performing Modi, ever."
The Audiophile forgets about the law of diminishing returns. One can spend thousands and expect more but total satisfaction will never be obtained.
Ive been thinking alot abot this. Music is a funny thing. Even being in a good mood can effect music. I know when im down music can sound awful. The other thing is it can be subjective. One man could say the treble is to high and another could say its got insightful clarity or something. But i think if you put a blind fold on someone and take them in a room where there is say a 2 grand setup and a 10 or 15 grand set up and say all i want you to do is listen to the track, dont over think it or listen out for anything just enjoy both tracks. Dont tell them the price. Then afterwards say which one sound better. I have to think some wont be able to tell you or some will just prefer the sound signature of the cheaper one. I bet that chord sound amazing on some systems even better than the shit but on some it wont. Pairing is also so important. But i think say a 10 grand set up wont sound ten times as good as a two grand setup.
a lot of them seem to take it too far. Music is art, not science!
“This piece is going to attract a lot of newcomers.” I really liked that part, as I’m new to audiophilia, and I’ve never owned a DAC, an AMP, or even a speaker before. But I’ve seen the massive upgrade I had going from $2 earbuds to the stock EarPods, and I want to get another audio fidelity increase to make my favorite songs sound like new again, since they’re all starting to sound bad just because of my equipment making it sound flat. I really believe that I’ll buy this Schitt now.
Get the Schiit Modi 3, Schiit Magni 3+, and some good audiophile headphones. It'll blow your mind.
If you want to stick to in ears, then I'd suggest the Moondrop Blessing 2 and the apple usb c to 3.5mm adapter.
@@vietle8157 Hmm the Moondrop looks very good but for $320 I rather just buy an over-ear pair for the same price and stick to regular cheapo Bluetooth earphones when I'm exercising.
@@killerch33z I've compared the Modi's 24bit 192khz to my computer's speakers, which also do 24bit 192khz sound. I can't believe that a laptop has the same functionality as a standalone DAC, so is there something else to it?
Excellent review, John. I really like your reviewing style, comments and insights. I was just listening to your interview with Jason and Mike at RMAF 2018 over the weekend and this makes for a very nice follow-up. From what I've heard and read, for a delta-sigma DAC, the Modi 3 sounds really very good. I have a Gumby for my main DAC and also Schiit's $149 DSD-only DAC, Loki (remember that?), which sounded truly amazing. Just subscribed. Look forward to watching more of your review videos. Thanks!
I just lucked out at a thrift shop on this Schiit 😆👌 $5 bucks with original box! So hyped! Thank you for the review.
$5 for schiit modi 3? 😮
You LUCKY SOB!
Holy schitt!
That’s some bull Schitt. Didn’t happen.
When cheap Shiit becomes dirt-cheap Shiit, well… you got a good deal on some Shiit.
Nice cinematography, beautiful set of eclipse and equipment, great video and very informative with a splash of humour! Subscribed!
You 100% get where I am coming from, which means you are *precisely* the kind of person I am talking to with these videos -- so welcome.
*puts cover on and screws it back up*
Me: *waiting for the line*
"Now I've got my Schiit together"... damn, no luck :(
Me too I was expecting it...
Awesome video... appreciate how you compare and contrast different devices at different prices and usage categories (really helpful!!!).. we are complex being often making easy and sometimes complex decisions about our hobby - sometimes its about quality, other times about price, aesthetic, or even peer reviews .. all things being equal, who wouldn't mind getting a Ferrari at the cost of a Toyota. I love your perspective because you've seen/heard $3K plus Dacs of all shapes and forms... of course we would all love it if you had a closet with 50 other DACs we'd like you to compare during your videos. all good... enjoyed sipping my coffee this morning to your video with good looking brews!
I have a Schitt modi paired with an Apple TV 4K running thru a hdmi audio splitter. I use this as a headless streamer. I’m a newbie to this audio world but really love the output the modi provides for the money. You nailed it with terms like rich and meaty. Thank you for a good review.
@scrambling blambles Yes, a TOSLINK will transmit a digital audio signal from a PC or TV effectively the same. You can directly connect the DAC to your TV; there's no need for a PC connection.
I realise this is five years old, but still informative and honest. For anyone else like me, ie Mr Budget, I can confirm what John says about low noise power. I just spent £69 on a iFi Power 2 and use it to feed my WiiM Pro Plus, the difference was amazing. And you can pick up a used Mojo for a hundred quid now, I use it as a desktop.
sub’d as soon as I saw B12’s Time Tourist in the background. Finally an audio enthusiasts who actually has some taste in music and doesn’t go on and on about Steely Dan
Not sure what you're blathering on about, if I bought one of these, the first thing I might play is Steely Dan.
I purchased the Schiit Modi 3 DAC based on John D's review and I am 100% satisfied. If anything, John's review significantly under-states just how good this DAC is regardless of price. Its front to back sound stage is fantastic and voices and instruments sound very real. The DAC is driving Chris Daly's Stero Coffee volume control and source selector, Tom Christiansen's Modulus 86 mono-block amplifiers and Paul Carmody's Undefinition Sunflower Redux speakers. The source is Compact Discs. The Modi 3 is Highly Recommended.
This review sold me on the Schiit Modi and I couldn't be happier. My next dac upgrade (when I upgrade my amp) will be the Denefrips Ares. Love the bit about the term "musical" being bullshit. Darko us keeping it real.
Your videos are the BEST audio related videos I've seen here. Keep it up, man! Going to buy this Shiit right now
I own the Schiit Mani phono pre. And i have bought 4 other preamps, (sub $500) that are pretty good. But the Schiit Audio Mani is spectacular with the Swagman labs psu. I am very, very impressed with these guys, and will be getting the modi 3, and probably other gear as well.
Can’t relate to most of what you’re saying from an audio perspective, but love the look and sound of your video! Good good work.
I would love to see Schiit produce a nice solid 50w/channel stereo amp. Price it around 200-250 dollars and i think they'll have a real winner.
John, that would sound like ass. You are an idiot.
For my office setup, I picked up the black version (Very nice design) to pass over DAC duties from my Monoprice Headphone Amp. I followed your suggestion and grabbed that IFI PSU from B&H in NYC. This really stepped up my sound.
This is feeding out via USB/Tidal Hifi to Preamp and a pair of JBL 306P MkII, the attack and just heft of the sound is brilliant and very well rounded. Even at low volumes.
Cool review: no snake oil, no bs, just straight up info and opinion on the gear at hand. Awesome editing too.
Ho hum... "acoustic mass", "more punch", "treble refinement"... that may be informative to you. To me it sounds like the same way some people discuss wine.
I'd be better served with the same audio played through the different DACS, resampled, and played back. That way I could form my own opinion about his opinion :)
Love your style of delivery of all relevant information with just the right amount of “in my opinion “ and that too is important as you have the product in your home environment..
Please keep up the good work..
If that digital cable you have is what I believe, with crimped Canare plugs, it’s probably miles better than loads of other “hi-fi high-end” stuff that populates this world.
I do prefer my Ceado coffee grinder, but I just purchased a Shiit Modi 3 based on your video. Nicely done and thank-you.
I really liked this video. Good presentation and great job on making a video about a DAC fun to watch.
Thanks to your review, my Schiit is on its way ... ;-) Ganz lieben Dank für Deine tollen und hilfreichen Videos! Grade für jemanden, der einsteigt in das Thema "Besser hören" extrem hilfreich!
Great review......the best I have seen on this unit. I have been on the fence about which inexpensive DAC to get and this review convinced me to buy some Schiit! I loved the Schiit counter.....made me laugh so hard!
Funny, I stopped listening because of the counter. But reading a review of the review like yours means I won't reject the product, just look for more reviews.
Your videos transcend reviews. This is pure art! thanks
Deadmau5 told me to get this dac cause of the value lol
I recently got a Schiit Modi 3 and put it between my Yamaha BD A1040 bluray player and my receiver. I thought the Yamaha had a pretty good dac but the Modi blew it away. Big improvement in all ways.
Love this Schiit video! Thinking about buying the Modi 3 or the Multibit. Love your video's!
I m thinking the 99$ version would be perfect now! All I have is a Fulla 1!
Best schiit review on TH-cam. Prove me wrong...
I have a original Schiit Modi, and it still sounds great !
Of course it sounds great, it's the Schiit
Came here for the Schiit counter, totally worth it! Good job man!
Unless the output of each DAC is level matched to within 0,1dB of each other and switching between them is blinded to the listener, any comparison of audio quality is absolutely moot!
You can cry "golden ears", "my *this box* is better than yours" and stuff like that, all you want, but reality is, we're extremely susceptible to bias when listening to audio, our audio memory is not good and there are countless factors that impact our ability to differentiate and/or evaluate aural stimuli.
In reality, modern DACs all have very low levels of all types of distortion and high frequency linearity, making any difference in audio output absolutely minute, when the chip is properly implemented.
Having said that, the video was very well produced and a pleasure to watch!
yeah i took a gamble and got this and so far i could not tell a single difference compared to on board audio form a mid-high end board. i knew it was snake oil but least next motherboard i can cheap out more @@Abrikosmanden
The source does not matter for cheap system. Just like expensive tires does not matter for cheap cars. However things work differently for high end equipment.
Mickey Majkic Snake oil? I wouldn’t call any Schiit DAC snake oil. They ARE well engineered audio products that sell for a reasonable price. Made In USA ain’t bad to boot. With Schiit DACs especially the way I look at it is pick a price point and you can be happy with the DAC that Schiit has in that bracket. When people start talking about a Modi 2U being tizzy or harsh in the treble that’s when I call hog wash. It seems like it’s an attitude to adopt to justify buying a $2000 DAC. There’s nothing wrong with a $2000 DAC..... just don’t tell me my $150 or now $100 DAC sounds like garbage compared to your $2000 DAC. I’ll be grabbing a Modi 3. The compatibility with Android and IOS alone is worth the $100 allowing anyone to easily use a tablet as a music server.
@@shaggyfeng9110 Expensive tires dont matter on cheap cars? So you are saying that mecanical grip is different for the same contact patch becasue you pay more for the weight pushing it to the ground? Expensive fuel doesnt matter on everyday cars but getting better tires matters on all cars.
Awesome review! Recently got a Schiit Modi 3 (and Magni 3) myself and absolutely love it. Sounds worlds better than the audio coming out of my Macbook Pro 2015. Just a note on the review, I personally found the sound coupled with the Schiit counter a bit annoying. I felt distracted from from the review whenever it pinged. It was funny at the start but by the end I was just wanting it to be over. Perhaps a counter without the sounds instead?
Mmmm this knob... So turnable.
You made my day!
By the way, review the Modi and Magni Schiit stack!
Since I upgraded from my Marantz 8801 to the 8805, I’ve been finding the new sound less appealing. I like the fullness of the 8801 better, but the 8805 does everything else miles better. I’m currently using a Chord Qutest and Brooklyn plus DACs and after this review I decided to buy a Modi 3 to see how this meaty dac compares to my other two. Since John liked the Modi better on his Rotel, and considering I have Rotel RB-1581 mono blocks, it’ll be interesting to hear the difference, if any. If I like the Modi 3, I’ll then try the Multibit. The Modi 3 should arrive tomorrow, ordered the ifi psu also.
skampster, I have both. The two sound quite different from each other. How they integrate with the system makes a big difference. With my Musical Fidelity integrated and Tekton Double Impact speakers, I prefer the Modi 3 over the Modi Multibit. The Modi 3 is just a bit crisper on the top end and has a slightly better 3D stage and depth. The Multi sounds a bit rolled off and too warm. A bit too much of an analog tube sound. The Tekton and MF combination is very neutral and not hyper detailed. The Modi Multibit is a great match for my other system with an NAD integrated and .5 “baby” Thiele on 12” stands, which most certainly is on the lean side of neutral. I did substitute a nice 5vdc 1amp linear power supply For the iPhone charger PS. The difference, at to me, is great improvement in low frequency extension and dynamics. Cheers.
In regards to budget dacs that (allegedly) sounds good. I think you should review the SMSL SU-8
The feature set, sound quality and performance is supposed to be really good at its price point. Would love to hear your thoughts on it.
I read this review (watched it later) and immediately ordered the Modi 3. The results? I was very underwhelmed. I had the Sound Blaster AE-5 and me and my wife both felt the AE-5 sounded much better! This is a Sound Blaster card (albeit a very good sound quality one). But, watching this review, you would think the Modi 3 would sound better. Other DACs I have heard for less than $150 that sound better:
-Khadas Tone Board $100+$15.00 case (better all around and much more detail) I own and kept this, sold the Modi 3. It needs a case but you can get creative with it.
-Topping D10: $80. Hard to beat for the price and handily beats the Modi 3, sounds better doing it too. I believe it even measures better and has a display. Another huge advantage is it has
-Topping D30: $100-130 A more dynamic version of the D10, but no display. Deeper bass and mids than the D10, walks all over the Modi 3!
-SMSL Sanskrit Mk II: $110-120 Better DAC chipset, measures better, newer AKM 4493 vs AKM 4490 in the Modi 3. Never heard it but likely sounds better and more capable, plus it has a display.
-Sound Blaster G6: Around $150 Likely sounds better, if it sounds anything like the AE-5. Yes, it is a Sound Blaster but that does not matter, it has killer sound and more features for gamers.
This is not saying it is a bad DAC, it is a step in the right direction for Schiit. But once you watch and hear this review (I read the online version) you would think it is the best device ever made and nothing can touch it under $150, which clearly is not the case.
Oh shit you mentioned blue jean cable! I first found them in 2005-2006 I think it was. Some great quality cables for the money without really obsessing on cables.
@@omi_god It's called build quality. They even tell you on the website that it's the same as any standard 75 ohm video cable.
You are simply amazing!!
I was considering the bluesound node 2i but the price was holding me back but after watching this I have realised there are cheaper options out there.
My main way of listening to music would be at Home streaming Amazon hd music.
What an incredible record Morphology - Traveller is !
I think one of the key features of this DAC is the hard analogue input switch. Most if not all the DACs out there anywhere close to this have digital or gate switches which definitely, or have the chance to reset if the power goes out. The design is great for people that want to set it for one input and forget they have it.
This is a nice video, fun to watch, congrats.
Khadas Tone Board, $99 DAC.
Yes, always very well put together.
Finally, a good comparison video with practical advice that focuses on the pros/cons in the different nuances of sound.
I knew I liked you when you paused to brew a good cup of coffee plus you got a good sense of humor & that is some really good Schiit. You have a new subscriber from across the pond my friend, thanks.
I have bought the Topping E30 for 125 dollar , it is on the way with FedEx. The Topping is include remote and could be use as preamp as well.
I came here for the schiits and giggles :)
I laughed way more than I should've watching this and am definitely mentally stunted.
I'm now craving more Schiit than ever !
No Schiit ?
Hi. This looks like one of the better choices, but I can see from the photo of the PC board that this has only the dual 5V power. That is (+/- 5V inside) which powers the DAC and output op-amps. This is much better then some cheap ones I tested which only had a single 3.2V supply and sounded terrible. I have wondered about the Analog Devices AD1855 High Performance Multi bit delta sigma DAC and found on digikey where they sell an evaluation board called the EVAL-AD1955 and it's where you can see the layout and schematic. This uses +/- 12V power which would give it much more headroom and openness with the higher voltage. I could add a low noise regulated power supply to one of these and I bet it would sound awesome. When you have the lower operating voltages and various other shortcuts plus a combination of cheap parts from china, you get what you pay for but this one for 100 bucks, looks like it's worth a try.
You're my favorite youtuber nowadays, I've been into hifi only for a year or so - but I'm still learning, also thanks to your videos. Keep up the great work. Maybe a video on digital-digital converters (Gustard U16, Singxer SU 1 or 6...)?
I so appreciate this suggestion, this improved sound from my HK3770 a lot!
With my JBL studio 230 it sounds great, love it. Thank you!
I'm trying to wrap my brain around the whole DAC thing. I have most of my CD collection and some 24/96 music on an external drive connected to my Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray. I know it's subjective, but will the $99 Modi 3 outperform the DAC in the Oppo? Also, what about the base model vs the multi-bit version? Thanks.
Yes it will trust me on this.
Thanks for the advice. Got it yesterday. Really, largely outperforms the built-in DAC the Halo Integrated (hint) from Parasound offers (it has an ESS Sabre reference DAC from 2016). I used both the coax to Parasound and optical to the Mani wires of the squeezebox duet for easy A/B comparison.
Need to upgrade my transport now (Logitech Squeezebox Duet, as mentioned above)! Tone is so much better (on piano, brass and voices mostly), it is more revealing, detailed and spacious, but keeps 'musicality' (for whatever that last word's worth!). Bass is even tighter and cleaner as it used to be. The highs, surprisingly so, are more present without any sort of agressivity though, that ESS might have ended-up projecting. I couldn't stop listening! Oh I'm listening Flac off my NAS on Dynaudio Contour S1.4 Limited Edition bookshelves, mounted on Atacama Nexus 7i.
Forgot to mention I was also considering JdsLabs OL-DAC, apparently a serious improvement over their previous yet still more expensive lineup. Got the C5D for my Grados SR325e so I know the brand, it's pretty good but I was a bit short in 'wow factor' 😉, probably too clean/polite...
Personally, I'm awaiting the release of the brown node.
Awesome review. Can't believe it's taken so long for me to find your video's.
Another great review John.. and love your “sh*t counter” 😁
I love this little DAC. I do wish (and don't hate me!) that they supported MQA. I like having all options available.
It was totally Schiit video, but still very watchable.
Your channel is a lot of fun. Reminds me of being a kid and reading Stereophile in the early 90s.
If someone makes fun of it just say " I don't give a Schiit!!". 😆
New subscriber and this is the second vid of yours I've watched. As good, if not better than the first. Well done.
Great vid John. I appreciate your continued willingness to focus some of your time on the mid and low end of the audio spectrum. I have the Modi 2 now and I'm going "Hmmm my oldest son uses the built-in DAC on his Emotiva pre-amp, I could grab the Modi 3 for me and upgrade him to the Modi 2 in one swoop". I found your comment about the potential power upgrades for the Modi 3 especially interesting. I'm contrasting the 3's USB power supply to the 16vac power utilized by it's predecessor and wondering why Schiit made the change? Unfortunately I don't have a great grasp on the minutia of consumer electronics power requirements.
The change in power supply allows the Modi to be used with a computer without necessarily needing to find a wall socket for power. It can use the computer's 5v power to do the job. I can see someone making a small battery unit for this.
@@CubanB1978 Ahhh makes sense. I wasn't a big fan of the wall wart anyway. The one for the Magni 3 is even bigger/heavier and mine went bad but Schiit took care of me and is sending a replacement.
I bought one of these about 2 years ago, and still haven’t hooked it up yet…. Guess what I will do tomorrow? Hopefully.
Perfect timing! My Schitt stack comes today.
I have the Fulla model, which also has a very nice headphone amp and volume control in addition to the DAC that goes out to my Cambridge integrated amp. I'm very happy with it!
"more acoustic mass" you're so cool.
I like the sound that comes everytime you say ' schiit modi'☺️
What is that 2 stack metal tubes on the Modi3 when hooked to Pi ?
Yeah, he explained that in another video. It's just for the vibrations and dunno-what-is-the-name waves and shit.
I’m using the Dragonfly Black on my computer but you sold me on the Schiit. Thank you!
I find it amazing this guy can listen to music and make espresso at the same time!
Insane!!!
I hope when I get a Modi, I can do that too!
Great highly detailed review, John... You really have your Schiit together... :)
Funfact:
Actually the son of Thor (Actually it's really Tor without the H) is Mode not Modi. But english transelation changes the name🙈
Always liked the Schiit name since I first heard it😝
I love how the closed captions completely ignore the word schiit like it doesn't exist
I tend do disagree on this one. I own the bluenode and a modi multi-bit. I hardly can tell a difference(if any) between the two.
Can we start calling it, "Shiiiiiit"? Just saying "Shit" takes away from the extra "i" in the name. Lol
It's pretty hard to find differences in DACs unless if your DAC is really worse.. Just get a Topping D30 instead. Someone on Reddit testing and compared the Schiit Modi Multibit to the Topping D30 and they were on par while the Topping D30 doing a little bit better for only $99. The Schiit Modi Multibit is $200.
@@dillacorn_linux $250
He is reviewing the regular version with Akm dac, not multi-bit with Analog devices dac chip. What defines sound characteristics is output stage, the outputs have opamp and capacitors and that colors, widens, deepens, detail etc the sound. I myself prefer output stage that uses Analog devices Opamps, I just find them organic sounding.
Both Bluenode and Modi and O2 are entry level DAC. It is much more noticeable if you downgrade from interface & DAC like 8xr to hdvd800.
John Darko's Podcasts have been very helpful to me learning how to get into building my own Raspberry Pi Streamer. If I may ask a question.... how do I cable up the Allo Relay Attentuator to the Allo DigiOne ? This will be my first build and I hope to make it a great one... thank you John Darko for your expertise... without people like you, we'd still be in the dark ages...
I used my Modi connected via toslink to my digital output on my TV and play lossless audio from the appletv. Sounds amazing.
Next step is to get the lightening camera adapter to play from my phone directly.
I bought a Bryston 4b cubed amp with bp26 pre amp about 8 months ago. My question is, should I stick with Bryston regarding their Dac? Is it beneficial using only one manufacturer's components?
Ps. I don't think Byrston gets the attention it deserves in the audiophile world. They are mainly a professional pa company, providing sound system to stadiums around North America. However their new cubed amp series are unbelievable good and at reasonable prices. I wish more people reviewed them, their clarify, power and slam are amazing! They don't "colour" the sound. I am new to this hobby and I am being to think true audiophile's like their music coloured, even if they say they don't.
A decent DAC for under $100? Holy Schiit!
I Schiit you not this is an excellent product !
What do you use it for? Obviously there's no HDMI connections. :\
Its the stage before it reaches your headphone amplifier, The chain sorta goes like this Computer -> USB Cable -> Schiit Modi 3 -> RCA Cable -> Headphone amp -> Headphones
I had the Schiit Modi 2 Uber and I loved it. Kind of regret selling it tbh :/ but I might consider getting this one, especially at this price! Considering I paid for my Modi 2 Uber at around $160 a couple of years ago. Great Schiit!
Can this be connected via an amp through speakers?
Finally a Schiit review! Be sure to handle that Schiit with care, you dont wanna mess that Schiit up do you?
guy goes to all the trouble of making fancy coffee in his expensive machines... and then dumps milk all over it...
Some people even put ketchup on their food.
Kia Ora from New Zealand. Love the channel. Subbed. Keep them coming!
When John says the phrase at 5:01 "player outlines" what does that phrase mean?
My interpretation would be hearing multiple instruments that might be playing similar frequencies as it's own track much like in a studio environment when the engineer is mixing the individual tacks/instruments together. Some DACs might just mush two instruments that are playing the same frequency at the same time as a single xxxHz sine wave as opposed to being two completely separate tracks within the file/song. That's my take on it anyway.
this guy knows his schiit
I like the Audioengine D1 dac for an entry-level for the money because it also serves as a preamp.
Nice video John. Loved the Schiit count!
Cracked up every time the poop counter increased. :)
I own both a Schiit Modi 2 and Gungnir DAC. The Modi 2 offered a nice sound quality considering the price level and I was satisfied with it initially. However, the durability of both the Modi 2 and the Gunghir proved to be substandard. The Modi 2 started to be unreliable within a year. Slowly the maximum bitrate I could use went down until it gave no sound at all. The Gungnir lasted longer, but after a few years showed the same problem as the Modi 2. Sometimes I can go up to 192 kHz on the coaxial input, sometimes I cannot. Occaisionally it gives no sound at all. The cause of the problem are not my computers, since these work fine with 2 other DAC’s I have bought.
I don"t just prefer, I love the DAC!
absolutely agree , I have one Schiit , and it sound as it should !
Is there any way to actually scientifically measure the differences in sound from one DAC to another? I appreciate your descriptive words like "Meaty Weight" but measurements would go a long way in showing an actual difference.
You'll need to find someone else for measurements, I'm afraid.
@@DarkoAudio are measurements even possible? To show improvement?
Per my above comment, I don't do measurements. End of story. :)
🤣
Measurement is only half the story though... human minds/perceptions are far trickier, you will slowly find those words start making sense when you are in this hobby for long enough :) Just go to any respectable hi end store and test the music you like, or you can start from this Schiit introduced here, see how it compares to your onboard DAC.
Love the Modi 3. Actually have 2 now - one for CD and other for Roon. Nice to get a solid piece that works great and looks good.