Is this a meaningful upgrade?

Thanks for all the input. I decided to get an Innuos Pulse to replace my Node 2i. That way I can use the USB input in the BitFrost and evaluate how that sounds. 

You will likely find that it is an upgrade, however I would give some consideration to other brands. I had a Gungnir MB and I really liked it, and I have had an Yggy MIB in my system for a few days. I am not knocking Schiit, but it might be worth looking around. 

I upgraded from an older Bifrost to an older Yggdrasil (this was years ago before the newer versions), and it felt like a meaningful upgrade to me. I liked the Bifrost so much I kept it in another small system and later gave it away to a friend who was just starting to catch the audiophile bug. He enjoys it to this day. 

Not sure I would call it a transformative upgrade or anything, but it seemed noticeable and beneficial for me. 

You will not hear any difference whatsoever by switching DACs. Enjoy what you have. 

The Music Room often has used yggies. Buy one, listen for yourself and return it if it doesn't please you. Note that you will have to pay shipping and a restock fee. Perhaps you could borrow one? 

If it makes you happy, and will bring you joy then it's worth it! 

Get it, do an A/B if it's better, then keep it, if not send it back. 

DAC's are so personal, differences can be so subtle, that it's almost impossible to speculate, unless you got a crap DAC and move to a high end. 

As with probably 95% of other systems out there, you’d likely be far better off saving the difference toward a speaker upgrade. 
 

DACs are an attractive upgrade route because they are relatively lightweight and easy to ship. I get it. However, unfortunately, the diminishing returns in DACs are some of the greatest. Inexpensive DACs have gotten crazy good over the past decade. Can’t say the same for speakers. 

I've been using the upgraded Bifrost 2/64 for a while and it's great. Bought an URD last year mostly to try the "nexus" input and that combo has really excellent sound. I'd have to a/b anything I'd consider to replace the Bifrost and that's not likely to happen, and I don't care that much. If they issue and upgrade card for the Bifrost I'd buy that out of curiosity.

Another vote for upgrading both your DAC and streamer.  Innuos equipment will make a difference you can hear in my experience.  

I own both the Bifrost, and the Yggy. I can tell you the Yggy is a meaningful upgrade.

My dealer sold me a AES/EBU cable to run between the pulse and the str preamp dac input. I assumed that was the best option.

So yes so yes you should get the yggy if you’re interested in the pulse, for the aes connection. 

And yes you should be looking at the pulse. Lovely little piece of work. 

@buellrider97 

When the 4311s were the most popular studio monitors, they almost always had a 1/3 octave equalizer in the chain. I expect the 4312s were the same. You might consider trying one. It can be fun to dial in your sound if nothing else. 

Yes , I want but couldn’t afford the Pulse. I settled for a used Pulse Mini with a LPS. I will be getting the Pulse in the future. I’m old and had JBL L 26 and Century 100’s with Dynaco when I was young. I have a friend with 4311’s and Bryston for mixing. He moved up to Westlake BBSM’s ( twinge 15” JBL drivers ) bi amped with a pair of Bryston 4 SST’s. It was definitely big boy stuff. He ran it off his mixing board. At first it was in his living room and he let me play some CD’s through it. It was quite impressive and he had an agreement with the neighbors behind him that they would flash their yard lights if we were too loud. I lasted about 15 minutes before they flashed the lights. 😆 I run my Bifrost and Yiggy with the usb inputs. If I’m not mistaken when using the usb, the DAC clocking is implemented, but not with the coax. I bought the 4312A’s about 15 years ago trying to relive my youth. Under very limited circumstances they sound good. The main problem is they are not a music speaker. I just had a pair of Rogue M-180’s upgraded to Dark status and acquired the matching Hera. So I broke out the JBL’s to burn them in and even rolling tubes they are hard on the ears. I’m going to change to an aftermarket crossover before I write them off. I need to come up with some big speakers for my pending system as I currently run low power tubes to Zu Omens. One of the guys that reviews for Moon and others recommended the Tekton Moab’s. I’m also considering MoFi 888’s and Tannoy. Unfortunately I’m going to have to do a road trip to audition. Anyway I think a streamer would be your best shot if you already like the Schiit sound. I like the Cardas and Starlight platinum usb cables. Happy Hunting, Mike B. 

@buellrider97 

The 4311As are really the only model I really love. I like the JBL sound in general but these have some unique features. Even so, I'm using a graphic equalizer to tame some peaks. I haven't heard any others with the micro dynamics and transparency of the 4311, and I've looked extensively. But it's a taste I acquired decades ago. 

I'm torn between upgrading my streamer and DAC. I can only do one. I was looking at an Innuos Pulse but it seemed weird to have a $4k streamer feeding an $800 DAC. On the other hand, I'd like to hear the BitFrost with the USB input instead of the coax. 

Decisions Decisions 

I checked your system, I’ll literally listening to JBL 4312A’s on Sound Anchor stands as I type. 😆 A long time ago , I went from a Schiit Bifrost Uber Analog to a used first generation Schiit Yiggy. 2 months ago I updated to the Gen 5 usb. For me it was worth it. I’m not sure how your newer Bifrost would compare but I would get the Yiggy. If I were you I’d consider upgrading to a better streamer as that would probably yield an equal or better improvement. BTW I’m trying to like these 4312A’s but can’t. I’m gonna try a new crossover and if that doesn’t help , they have to go. 

I'd say you should only spend money once you've heard a difference that's worth that much.

Even Schiit Audio will tell you it is not a needed purchase. You want to scratch an itch you have and I can only deter you as best as I can but if you wanna get it you would but I'd say rather than spend money on buying new gear you can use it for something else as the current one you have is incredible @mashif