Schiit Modi 2 Uber

General Information

Modi is a complete family of affordable DACs for virtually any need. Whether you want better sound from your computer, from your Apple TV, from your CD player, or virtually any source, the Modi family has a model that will fit your needs perfectly.

Modi 2: Improve Any Computer’s Sound
Modi 2 plugs into virtually any computer—Windows, Mac, popular Linux distros, Intel Chromebooks, as well as iPhones and iPads. Just plug in via USB and go with no drivers in Standard Mode, up to 24/96 output. Switch to Expert Mode for extended high-res capabilities to 24/192. This will require drivers for Windows, but for no other OS (hello, Microsoft!)

Modi 2 Uber: The Complete Mini-DAC
Honey, I shrunk the Bifrost! That’s the idea behind Modi 2 Uber. Like Bifrost, Modi 2 Uber offers USB, Toslink, and RCA inputs, each individually selectable via a front-panel button. It also has a more sophisticated analog section. And, it’s ready for all sample rates, from 16/44.1 to 24/192. Again, Windows requires drivers. Alert to Microsoft: USB Audio Class 2 was, like, a decade ago. Please support it and stop requiring us to provide drivers. Seriously, Android phones support it.

Inputs: USB 2.0, Toslink SPDIF, Coaxial SPDIF

Sample Rates/Bit Depths: 16/44.1 to 24/192 via USB. 16/44.1 to 24/192 via Toslink* and Coax.
*Note: many optical transmitters cannot output 24/176 and 24/192 reliably

Input Receiver:
USB: C-Media CM6631A
SPDIF: AKM 4113

D/A Conversion IC: AKM4396
Analog Summing, Active Filtering: Based on AD8616 with precision thin-film resistors and film capacitors.
Output: RCA (single-ended)
Output Impedance: 75 ohms
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz, +/-0.1dB
Maximum Output: 1.5V RMS

THD: <0.002%, 20Hz-20KHz, at max output

IMD: <0.003%, CCIR

S/N: >104dB, referenced to 1.5VRMS, unweighted
Crosstalk: -80dB, 20-20kHz

Power Supply: Included 16VAC wall-wart

Size: 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”
Weight: 1 lb

Latest reviews

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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