Schiit Modi 2 Uber

Ortho-Fiend

New Head-Fier
Pros: Accuracy, tonality, deep bass extension, "richness"
Cons: Lack of "Tubiness"?
I upgraded my Sennheiser 598's to Oppo PM-3's. I had been using both with my Schiit Modi 2 Uber, and found my PM-3's took the largest advantage there, as they are natively more accurate, faster, and full-bodied as a transducer. They were much more capable of transforming the more accurate signal into a huge improvement in SQ. I had begun to let my 598's to gather dust. Enter the Schiit Vali 2. It drives both of these easily driven cans with absolute authority, but we're not here to talk about something as simple as watts/ohms. I admit I drove my Oppo-PM-3's for weeks relishing every new detail. I enjoyed the new layers of detail and completeness of the sounds (We're talking 320 Kbps MP3's here). I will not deny that the sound I get out of my Oppo's has to be the best I've ever heard after getting my Vali 2, competing with my $3,000 5.1 theater (Comprised of Polk Audio and Yamaha amplification). I decided to brush off my 598's, and was VERY pleasantly surprised. The openness and detail in the highs remained, the acceptable soundstage was still present, but the Vali 2 introduced a fullness and detail of sound I had never heard out of them! If it were not for the slight graininess of the 598's upper register, they would compare with the significantly more expensive Oppos, as a direct result of the Schiit Vali 2. Point is, don't frown on a $169 amplifier just because it isn't a Ragnarok. If you own nothing better than a Fiio product, look nowhere else but Schiit for their Vali 2, and their likely as-impressive Magni 2 Uber. You'll be spending $169 plus shipping for something that takes $150 dollar cans to $400 can levels. $400 cans will sound better than anything under a grand. Don't hesitate, and buy some Schiit!
Jimmyblues1959
Jimmyblues1959
I've owned my Modi 2 Uber since I purchased it new in 2017, along with an original Schiit Magni 3. While It was quickly overshadowed by the Modi Multibit, I've always found the M2 Uber to be a very pleasant sounding dac. The USB input was always problematic though, but adding a Schiit EITR USB to S/PDIF bridge improved the performance of the M2 Uber significantly. Once you get past the FLOTM gear cycling, you become more appreciative of good audio gear and at least in my experience, don't find the need to constantly sell gear while chasing new components. This tends to make the hobby more enjoyable, and less costly.

Miles Johnson

New Head-Fier
Pros: Clear sound, multiple inputs, compact, and aesthetically pleasing.
Cons: Input navigator seems loose
Sound - 10/10: As expected, Schiit made a few improvements when developing the M2U. In comparison to it's predecessor, the original Modi, the M2U seems more passive. The first Modi's sound was a bit warmer, which for most wouldn't be a problem, though it was for me. I can say without doubt that the Modi 2U sounds more accurate and possibly a bit crisper. It performs perfectly, in my opinion, in all of the musical genres I tested it with. It emphasizes accuracy and precision without putting the treble and highs too forward. While paired with the Magni 2 Uber powering my Sennheiser HD400 headphones, the Modi 2 Uber shines. With a set up that is so solid state, any discrepancies between the devices would be extremely noticeable. To much ability there was none. A truly compatible DAC.
 
Design - 9.5/10: The M2U is a pretty DAC. Lightly reflective silver, one small button on the front, and three lights. It is a very nice looking and feeling DAC, being neither too heavy, or extremely light. The contrast while paired with the Magni 2 Uber is minimal, and makes for a very interesting, but not distracting duo. As far as functionality is concerned, everything works well, excluding the input switch on the front, which is a bit loose, but is still workable. The main reason I went for the Uber version of the Modi 2 was the inputs. I can use my computer, music dock, and gaming station, all at the same time, while switching through seamlessly. This is great, and works perfectly. The M2U doesn't get hot, which is awesome while living in a room without air conditioning. Looks and feels great, and functions amazingly. 
fredrico58
fredrico58
Seems like a lot of people on this Forum like the Schitt stuff. Any direct comparisons with the: Sony's (I had the HAP S-1), the ODAC ver. B, and lastly the Meridian Explorer2 ?
Miles Johnson
Miles Johnson
The only one of the DACs you mentioned that I have used more than a few hours is the ODAC. Unfortunately, I haven't used it with the Magni 2 Uber, so I can't give a perfect comparison since they were paired with different amps. What I can say, though, is in comparison to the original Modi, I actually preferred the ODAC. This was mostly because it seemed to sound crisper. If I had to compare it with the Modi 2 Uber, I would assume the Modi may come slightly ahead for my tastes, but other than the number of ports, I don't think there are many noticeable differences.

Aornic

Member of the Trade: Acorn Audio
Pros: Supports up to 24/192. Has multiple input methods.
Cons: Not as articulate/analytical as some other DACs. Front input selector buton is a little flimsy.
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mikoss

1000+ Head-Fier
Pros: Great price, small footprint, sound quality is great.
Cons: Uses external "wall wart" power supply. Not as dynamic sounding or involving as Schiits Multibit DACs.
Quick review of the Modi 2 Uber...
 
Sound
Much improved from the original Modi. In particular, the midrange has much better overall tonality, and the new Modi really brings forth a more detailed presentation. It has an overall tilt towards details, which I believe to be in the upper midrange/lower treble region... it also does so without sounding overly crisp, or bright.
 
I found it to be a much more revealing source than other similarly priced DACs. I find a lot of DACs in this price range to have some fatal flaws that can translate as a muddy sounding midrange, an overall flat presentation where details aren't apparent, or treble related issues. I believe the Modi 2 Uber has a nice overall linear sound, however I believe its detail oriented presentation would be most apparent using it to feed tube gear (some amps that come to mind are the Bottlehead Crack, Woo amps, etc...). I personally used it with the Eddie Current Zana Deux, which I felt already offered a very clean, transparent sound. I was surprised at the difference switching in the Modi 2 Uber as my source made... the Zana Deux sounded even more precise and revealing.
 
Overall I think the Modi 2 Uber is a strong recommendation for others on a limited budget looking for a detail oriented DAC. I have also auditioned other DACs in the Modi 2 Uber's price range, and this would be my go-to DAC for the price. I don't hear the same presentation from the other DACs, particularly in the new Modi's ability to resolve. I do tend to have a preference towards resolution oriented gear, as opposed to simply wanting dynamics and slam from my music, so this is probably why the Modi 2 Uber appeals to me.
 
Comparison to more expensive DACs...
It may sound silly to compare the Modi 2 Uber to the very expensive DACs, however I think a smart upgrade path would be from the Modi 2 Uber to Schiit's Multibit technologies.
 
The next step up would be the $599 MB Bifrost, however I have not heard this DAC. I do own the $1249 MB Gungnir, however, and can touch upon some of the differences with this upgrade. In particular, the bass comes across with much more authority than the Modi 2 Uber. The MB Gungnir is also slightly warm sounding, with the midrange having much improved timbre and overall resolution. The treble is also clean in the same way as the Modi 2 Uber, however it offers a much more natural sounding decay. I am reminded of the sound of treble from my turntable setup, where cymbals ring clear and naturally... percussion on the MB Gungnir sounds superb to me.
 
The Modi 2 Uber does do a very good job with overall resolution and resolving details, however the upgrade to a MB DAC is well worth the price, in my opinion. For myself, the Modi 2 Uber is my stand by DAC when I've loaned out my Gungnir. I am very happy and pleased with the sound of the Modi 2 Uber, even with my impressions of the Multibit technology above. 
 
Overall
At $149, the Modi 2 Uber offers great performance for its price. Schiit lives up to their standard of delivering top notch products without compromise at a price that is easy on the wallet. I can't think of a similarly priced DAC that offers the same presentation as the Modi 2 Uber at this point in time, and for that reason I think it's highly recommended. 
hifin00b117
hifin00b117
I actually preferred the sound from the Modi 2 Uber than the Bitfrost. But that is just me.
Krutsch
Krutsch
Nice review and I completely agree, with respect to the value. I picked one of these up for my 2-channel speaker system. After I replaced my speakers, I noticed that there is something wrong with the mid-range. I compared the Modi 2 Uber with a couple of other DACs and a spinner with an internal DAC - the other components sound a lot closer together, with the Modi2U standing apart. The high-end is great, the imaging is great (I was impressed with the imaging part), but the mid-range is thin - I mean, really thin. Maybe the Modi2U needs to be paired with a Magni/Vali to sound at its best?
Thazzz
Thazzz
Can you describe, more or less, the bass in Modi 2 uber?
Thanks!

Lethe

100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Small desk footprint, Great price to performance ratio, Versatile: has USB, optical and coaxial input, Cleans up any noise(s) from source, Pretty
Cons: Front button to change input is slightly wonky when pressed
This review is more for people seeking to enter into the audiophile world, or someone who just wants an inexpensive DAC that will perform as it should and is interested in the growing (justifiable) hype around Schiit products, as this is a product with an entry level price point. 
 
Disclaimer: Not affiliated to Schiit Audio, nor did they send me anything for free or a review unit etc. I am just another (satisfied paying customer

For you newcomers (skip this if you don't want to read about DAC explanations and general stuff about audiophiles):

Welcome, to the audiophile/music enthusiast/whatever you want to call it world! I'm very sorry if we seem confrontational and aggressive about all this stuff, but it's only because we are very passionate about it, and sometimes take things too personally. Please don't get scared off. This is a very enjoyable hobby if you get into it, and contrary to how we are perceived by non-audiophile types, we can be friendly too!
 
If you are reading this then you must have heard audiophile(s) talking about audio chains which includes DACs and amps and all that jazz or you're just curious. To keep things short, a DAC is a Digital Analogue Converter, it's function is to convert digital data (usually binary) to an analog signal (current, voltage, electrical charge). How that applies to audio is that your audio files are stored in a digital format in your computer hard-drive or in CDs/DVDs/etc. and the DAC converts the data into an analog signal that gets sent to an amplifier which amplifies the signal and that gets passed to your headphones/speakers to create sound. You can learn more about the audio chain in the newcomers forum section.
 

The Schiit Modi 2 Uber (M2U)

PYjrQuO.jpg
pictured above: my Schiit "stack" (Modi 2U, Magni 2)

Intro:

The Modi 2U is a $149 desktop DAC by Schiit Audio. Ok, intro done, let's move on. 
 

[size=20.0069999694824px]Headphones used:[/size]

Denon D5000 (closed over-ear headphone, impedance: 25 Ohms) 
ACS T15 (universal IEM, impedance: 41.5 Ohms)
 

Amp used:

Schiit Magni 2
 

[size=20.0069999694824px]Aesthetic stuff, Build Quality, Accessories:[/size]

The M2U measures at 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”, weighing in at 1 lb according to the spec sheet. It wears an aluminum (aluminium for the non-'Murcan types) top over a steel chassis, with an aluminum button at the front of the unit for switching different inputs along with 3 "subdued" white LED indicators on the side to show if it's getting input from USB, Optical, or Coaxial. 
 
The back of the unit (from right to left) has an power supply input, a power on/off toggle switch, a USB B-type input, a Toslink Optical input, a Coaxial input, and RCA output for left and right channels.
 
The M2U comes with rubber feet nubs that you can stick on the bottom of the unit to prevent scratches and helps make it less easy to slide around. It also comes with a wall wart for the power supply which you can choose which voltage you want which you can choose when purchasing it from the website (Schiit doesn't recommend using power adapters, as it will cause problems). And lastly it comes with a wafer thin piece of user manual. Simple device, simple instructions.
 

subjective thoughts

 
Ok, the M2U is a very simplistic looking piece of equipment. It's very pretty with the satin luster of the brushed aluminum top and the input switch button. I think the design is spartan as it lacks any fancy buttons for any additional features, which is in accordance to the general philosophy of this product (probably the whole company as well). Did I mention that it's very small? My (average size) hand could cover the entire top of the M2U, that is properly small considering that it's a desktop unit. This thing has a curved metal top at the front, with sharp straight edges all around, giving a very nice and clean look while feeling very premium. It does feel quite solid and hefty in my hands, but it's a desktop unit, so I shan't be talking about portability. However, it is a very transportable device. 
 

possible caveats

 
So far, I've been slightly smitten with the minimalist, spartan design which still manages to look elegant and pretty (to me anyways). However, there are a few things to note about the M2U. The input switching button at the front isn't very solidly built, it wobbles slightly when I push it to switch between inputs, and I can actually make the button spin when I turn it using the edge of my finger. The LED indicator is not "subdued" as Schiit calls it, it can actually be quite bright especially in dark rooms, but I didn't find it to be very distracting. The base is a little slippery, so on polished surfaces, it can slide quite readily, and sometimes that may scratch the bottom of the front panel. This is addressed by placing the provided rubber feet onto it, though, so it's a non issue really.
 

side note

Cables aren't provided, so you'll need to get a left and right RCA cable to connect your amp, and either a USB B-type cable, a Toslink Optical cable, or a Coaxial cable.
 

Sound:

Coming directly from plugging in my headphones directly into the 3.5mm headphone port at the side of my laptop, this thing is great.
 
Let me explain:
Laptops are infamous for having terrible audio output, period. Many laptop 3.5mm ports introduce hum from the internal electronics and hiss from poorly implemented parts. I've used laptops all the way from $400 HPs to $1700 Asus ROGs, and they have the consistent problem of bad audio outputs from the USB and 3.5mm port. 
 
Plugging in the M2U to my laptop bypasses the onboard DAC of my laptop and uses the one in the M2U, and the M2U sends a nice and clean analogue signal to an external amp. So far, I've heard no hiss or hum with the M2U, signal is clean and I can hear the absence of noise. Black background indeed. Switching between the USB and Toslink Optical inputs, I could hear an extremely slight "tss" when using the USB input, but that's only when I'm using my sensitive headphones, have no audio playing through them and have my amp on high gain and with the volume dial maxed out, so basically at death levels, so this is a non-issue as normal humans listen at non-death levels. Toslink Optical input produces 0 noise at any level. 
 
The M2U reproduces audio faithfully, and I can't say more about the sound without talking about the Magni 2 which I have paired my Modi 2U with. If a DAC does its job of reproducing bits perfectly without introducing artifacts, noise, etc. then it has done it's job, and the M2U has done its job well. Also, it is really the amp rather than the DAC that influences the sound sig of the audio before the reaches the headphones, but not nearly as much as the headphones themselves, of course.
 
No caveats for sound. Seriously, it just does what it's supposed to do without any hitches.
 

side note

The M2U will get warm under use. Warm, not hot. Not a problem. Just needed a mention. Also, if you want to use optical input from your pc, please make sure that it supports SPDIF first, and if it does support SPDIF but doesn't have a Toslink port, you'll need a 3.5mm to Toslink cable instead of a normal Toslink to Toslink cable. 
[size=17.0300006866455px] [/size]
[size=20.0069999694824px]Conclusion:[/size]
The Modi 2U is a very good, solidly built, entry level DAC which can also be an endgame DAC for many people, with a desk footprint of err well more or less the size of your actual foot, actually. It does what it does really well, and if you need a DAC to solve your computer audio output problems such as noise introduced by the internal components, and if you need/want optical and coaxial input at a $150 price then this is one of the top DAC options for you. If optical and coaxial is not your thing, and you only need/want USB input then check out the Modi 2 (non-Uber version) as it is at a very friendly price of $99, and with the exception of the lack of optical coaxial inputs, wall wart power supply, and painted metal finished instead of brushed aluminum, it is identical to the Modi 2U. I would also recommend that you look at the Magni 2/U amp which pairs great with the Modi 2/U for a complete "stack". Please note that you will need an amp in addition to the M2U, as it is only a standalone DAC. 
 
An decent alternative to the Modi 2/U would be the ODAC by JDSLabs. Pricing is similar, but features may be different with particular tradeoffs.  
 
Edit: I want to thank my accidental mentor @Music Alchemist for steering me towards the Schiit "stack", if it wasn't for him, I would still be haunting forums, desperate for a DAC/amp solution. 
TumbleButt
TumbleButt
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Music Alchemist
Music Alchemist
Thazzz
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!

RickTee

New Head-Fier
Pros: Inexpensive, Bigger Sound Stage, Highs more clear
Cons: Not a huge improvement to my higher end Denon built in DAC except with Airport Express
First off, I love the sound, and the changes to the soundstage. Highs are more clearly defined, which is where I heard most of the improvement, but midrange is a bit clearer too. Massive improvement on my PC, with the USB sounding just as good as the optical. Also a huge improvement playing my Airport Express through Airplay on my receiver. I assume that it handles the jitter better than the built in DAC in my Denon unit. Other inputs (Blu-Ray player or my my Oppo transport) don't sound different. I am sorry I do not have an original Modi or the Modi 2 (non-Uber) to compare, as this was my one question I had when purchasing the unit. I am interested in hearing anyone who compares the Modi 2 to the Uber- does the upgrades to the analog side on the Uber improve the sound noticably? 

To sum it up, the Modi 2 Uber has great sound, is easy to set up with no worry about USB power management configuration, and is an awesome way to get really fantastic sound out of your pc. I would say it is a wash when compared with well executed DACs built into more expensive receivers, but this is a huge win for a $150 device compared with a $1,500 integrated amp... Well done! 
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G_T_J
G_T_J
Great review. I'm torn between this and the modi 2 with just the USB input. May I ask you  a noob question? Do I have to swtch it on/off in every use or it's ok to leave it permanently on? The USB version as it is bus-powered  switches on and off with computer.
Jimmyblues1959
Jimmyblues1959
Have been using my Modi 2 Uber via its coax input, with a Schiit EITR. And it's a big improvement over the USB input on the Uber. I had really not used the Uber for quite awhile until adding the EITR. Performancewise, not far off the new Schiit Modius, which is quite good.
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