Schiit DACs (Bifrost and Gungnir down, one to go)? The information and anticipation thread. - Page 203

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddiek997 

To further answer your question - usually there are 4 means of getting the audio from your computer to the Dac.

1. USB (my prefered) (Do not use a usb hub)

2. Optical digital (Toslink) (2nd best option as it's not as susceptible to emi but still can have jitter issues and not all computers have optical out.)

3. SPDIF coax digital (Prone to EMI and other noise and jitter from computer internals)

4. Headphone out. (worst case option, you wouldnlt connect this to your dac, just direct to amp)

 

Most people use a 3rd party media player. Foobar 2000 with wasapi output. Jriver mediacenter and mediamonkey. Itunes is usually a last resort for most people. There are other players that people like but I haven't experienced them so cannot comment on their usefulness/quality.
 

Also, there is a Lyr for sale in the forums with a bunch of tubes HERE looks likes a decent deal.

 

Hope this helps..

yea it does thanks again!

unfortunately I live in Canada so I can't really get that but yea it does look like a great deal

Quote:

Originally Posted by pukeman 

Hey guys, I am thinking about getting a Bifrost with Lyr for a HE500 I want to purchase. Just wondering is it worth getting the USB connection for the Bifrost? if not how do people connect it to their computer?

 

just wondering since I have never owned a amp or a dac, sorry for noob

For me the best solution is to use USB/SPDIF converter like JKSPDIF MK3 or Audiophilleo and make the following connection:

Computer USB-->USB converter-->Coax digital input in Bifrost

This solution however will be more expensive - you will save on USB option in Bifrost, but prices of USB/SPDIF converters are still relatively high.

Quote:

Originally Posted by korzena 

For me the best solution is to use USB/SPDIF converter like JKSPDIF MK3 or Audiophilleo and make the following connection:

Computer USB-->USB converter-->Coax digital input in Bifrost

This solution however will be more expensive - you will save on USB option in Bifrost, but prices of USB/SPDIF converters are still relatively high.

thanks for reply, wow two conflicting answers. hmm I might end up getting the Bifrost USB unless SPDIF is worth what you pay for it

Quote:

Originally Posted by pukeman 

thanks for reply, wow two conflicting answers. hmm I might end up getting the Bifrost USB unless SPDIF is worth what you pay for it

Sorry to confuse you:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by korzena 

Sorry to confuse you:)

 

To be honest I didn't have a chance to compare Bifrost USB connection vs Bifrost Coax input through USB/SPDIF converter as my Bifrost is without USB. 

Anybody compared it? Is it worth paying extra for the converter?

 

Anyway, a good thing about having a USB/SPDIF converter is that you are well set for future DAC purchases as in most DACs coax input provides the best sound quality. With the converter you never worry about using a computer  (USB) as a source to connect to DAC's coax input.

 

If you are looking for an economical solution, probably Bifrost USB will be OK. However if you are searching for the best sound quality, I would make more research on USB/SPDIF converters.

oh no worries

well I am spending soo much already so I am really not looking to buy any new headphones in the immediate future (I want to say never but who knows). I will spend some money on new tubes and maybe a cable byt yea, that's about it.

Guess I will settle for the USB connection then

I am considering upgrade path from Matrix mini.

Bifrost is the one?

In terms of topology it can be down grade because Bifrost has SE whereas Matrix mini has Balanced.

However I think well made SE is as good as Balanced.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pukeman 

 

oh no worries

 

well I am spending soo much already so I am really not looking to buy any new headphones in the immediate future (I want to say never but who knows). I will spend some money on new tubes and maybe a cable byt yea, that's about it.

 

Guess I will settle for the USB connection then

I have been using Musiland monitor US 02 for the converter, and the result is wonderful.

The cost of used Musiland monitor US 02 was 52 USD, that generates 192K signal.

How would I connect the non-USB Bifrost to my MacBook Pro? I'm sure this is a dumb question and has been answered but I can't seem to find it. Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Defiant00 


Your headphone jack is a multi-jack that can also output optical. You just need the correct cable (which I'm sure someone else will chime in with the name of), which would go from your headphone jack to the Bifrost's optical input.

Awesome, thanks. Do you know if there are any benefits to using one input over another? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by traehekat 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Defiant00 


Your headphone jack is a multi-jack that can also output optical. You just need the correct cable (which I'm sure someone else will chime in with the name of), which would go from your headphone jack to the Bifrost's optical input.

Awesome, thanks. Do you know if there are any benefits to using one input over another? 

You need a toslink to mini plug cable. The mini plug end goes straight into the MBP's hp out. I found toslink to sound better (clarity and coherence) than usb on all the macs I've owned when employing the Bifrost/Gungnir for dac duties. Some may prefer the warmth and more intimate presentation of usb though.

This is not to state optical is superior to usb from an MBP. It's more reflective of Schiit's implementation. I greatly prefer usb feeding my NAD M51 over toslink from my MBP.

I prefer optical unless using Integer Mode through an audio player such as Audirvana +.  In this case I have found USB to be superior with a more natural sound and more micro detail.