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Is there a better DAC than the Schiit Bifrost for $300?

I have a Schiit Modi 2 Uber as my DAC. I'm not completely dissatisfied with it but understand that it is low end and that there must be room for improvement. I've got a nice older system but I'm not a fanatic about SQ (yet). I could use the Modi elsewhere or sell it...although Schiit just came out with the Modi 3 so the Modi 2 Uber is only worth about $60-$70 now.

There are open box Bifrosts on eBay for around $330. They are $400 new.

My questions are:

Should I see noticeable improvement going from the Modi 2 to the Bifrost?
What if I just went to a Modi 2 Multibit at $250 new, $200 used?
Is there another DAC I should consider in the $250-$300 range?
n80

Showing 10 responses by n80

n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
@docknow  Good info. There is a multibit Modi 2 on eBay now. A tad overpriced but I'll watch it or consider new.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
Well, even a used Bifrost is pushing my budget cut off. I think the Multibit is $500 new and I'm looking for something sub $300.

I am glad to hear that you can hear the difference. I'm always worried I'm going to spend money and then not hear the expected improvement.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
genesis777, I have a deep suspicion that those sorts of results would be true more than most audiophiles would like to admit. 

Anyway, thanks for the advice guys. I'll look into some of these other units.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
The Topping is $250 new. No used ones on eBay

The Pre Box S2 Digital is $400 new. 1 used on eBay at $350

Schiit Bifrost with latest hardware is $400 new. 1 used on eBay at $330

Schiit Bifrost Multibit is $600 new. No used ones on eBay

Schiit Modi Multibit is $250 new. One used on eBay for $190 (not sure if it is the same as the current one).

There are plenty of Modi 2 and Modi 2 Ubers (like mine) on eBay for cheap since the Modi 3 came out.

n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
@mesch When I say I'm not a fanatic about SQ I mean that I'm not inclined to spend thousands on a DAC. 

I might be willing to spend $300.

My amp is 250 wpc. Speakers are Aerial Acoustics 7B towers.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
I guess if I had any criticism of the Modi 2 Uber that I have is that it is not as bright as the DAC in my Arcam CDP (which may have been too bright). It is certainly warmer.

So maybe a Modi Multibit would bring a little of that back but I'm fairly sensitive to too sibilant/metallic highs. So who knows.

Its funny, the Modi Multbit I was watching on eBay (new, open box....which is a joke of a description if you ask me) had a $170 minimum bid. Zero bids. $18 shipping.

Now it has a buy-it-now price of $221. With shipping that would be $239.

You can get a new one from Schiit for $250. I don't know what people are thinking. Maybe some rube will buy it.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
The cables from my CD transport are good. The USB cable from my computer is not. I'm not likely to spend $100 on a 6' USB cable but I might spend $30. 

Whole system is getting ready to be moved off Monoprice component stand when I finish custom bookshelves and cabinet for them so will wait to buy better USB cable because not sure what length I'll need.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
"Of course. Too many to take the time to list. "

That's good to know. Please name two that haven't been mentioned that are definitely better AND cost less than $300. Thanks.
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
There is a Schiit Bifrost on eBay for $400. The description states that it was upgraded to the multibit card and that it comes with the documentation and the old card that was removed.

I am not going to buy it but it makes me wonder about buying upgraded components. How do you know the actual upgrade is in there? There are no pictures of the interior. It has the "multibit" decal on the back but the multibit serial number is marked out.

Again, not planing on buying but just wonder how you know? Maybe ask the seller for interior pictures?
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
Good point. As mentioned, not in the market for this unit but may need to know how to go about this in the future. Thanks.
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