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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
firstnot's avatar
firstnot
248 posts
 
I had bad experiences with Schitt Products as well as their "Customer Service". They ship out goods with used parts and then take 10% restocking fee off when you return their "problem" merchandise.
Perhaps there is value but I am done schitting around with those
"my way or the highway" folks.
therobert
51 posts
 
You might want to check out a Peachtree Dac itX if you can find one for sale. Very analog sounding. 
dumacker
22 posts
 
I owned one of these and was very pleased with the sound.  Check which generation upgrade is being sold.  You can expect good support with regular upgrades to hardware making this a product that does not become obsolete in the near future.  Go for it!

good luck,

jhv
sanvara's avatar
sanvara
23 posts
 

pappan1 posts Pre Box S2 Digital - 32bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 , FULL hardware MQA decoding, Dual mono high end ESS Sabre ESS9038 dual DAC
The best DAC money can buy not in that price but even double its price.
https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/pre-box-s2-digital/

If I’m not planning to use the MQA and DSD capabilities does the Pre Box S2  still make sense at the $400 price point or is there something that will beat it in sound quality in the $300-$500 range? I have a Modi 2 Multibit and think it sounds very good but may want to upgrade.
celander's avatar
celander
1,502 posts
 
I’d follow mzkmxcv’s recommendation of the Topping D50. I ordered one based on only the measurements posted in the review on the following URL site:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-topping-d50-da...

I’m planning on using a decent 5V/1A battery power cell having a decent capacity (20,000 mAh). If one sets the digital volume to max (0.00 dBFS), then the IM distortion should be quite low at that setting, based on the measurements. I’m not planning on using it as a preamp, though one can do that. 
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