Schiit Owners Unite
Apr 19, 2014 at 5:25 AM Post #5,101 of 13,350
Apr 19, 2014 at 5:29 AM Post #5,102 of 13,350
  Note:  in another thread, minutes ago, Jason of Schiit hinted at a cheaper-than-BiFrost DAC with optical input.
don't know if that means it's a "Modi+optical"  or a new mini-Bifrost Uber with USB and optical" ???

 
He specifically said it was not a "Modi 2".
 
He said it was another DAC with optical capability. Presumably priced somewhat cheaper than a Bifrost. That is an excellent choice for their current lineup, since it's such a jump from a Modi to a Bifrost (Uber or not). Another DAC in the middle of that price range would be awesome.
 
Apr 19, 2014 at 5:33 AM Post #5,103 of 13,350
I would put your money into the amp first, then see how it sounds from there. The Modi is a fine little dac.

 
Respectfully disagree.
 
I used to think like this until I bought my first DAC. At that point I knew I needed to get a DAC for any audio setup where I use headphones. I'm spoiled now. If I have to listen to a setup with only a headphone, that's preferable as opposed to listening to an amp driven by a headphone jack (or similar). Those just sound ugly to me now. There's just no excuse to not own at least a Modi. It's such a big step up from no DAC, and it's just too easy to afford. There's no excuse to skip it.
 
Apr 19, 2014 at 8:12 AM Post #5,104 of 13,350
   
Respectfully disagree.
 
I used to think like this until I bought my first DAC. At that point I knew I needed to get a DAC for any audio setup where I use headphones. I'm spoiled now. If I have to listen to a setup with only a headphone, that's preferable as opposed to listening to an amp driven by a headphone jack (or similar). Those just sound ugly to me now. There's just no excuse to not own at least a Modi. It's such a big step up from no DAC, and it's just too easy to afford. There's no excuse to skip it.

I agree......U expressed it exactly as I do.
 
Apr 19, 2014 at 10:58 AM Post #5,105 of 13,350
   
Respectfully disagree.
 
I used to think like this until I bought my first DAC. At that point I knew I needed to get a DAC for any audio setup where I use headphones. I'm spoiled now. If I have to listen to a setup with only a headphone, that's preferable as opposed to listening to an amp driven by a headphone jack (or similar). Those just sound ugly to me now. There's just no excuse to not own at least a Modi. It's such a big step up from no DAC, and it's just too easy to afford. There's no excuse to skip it.

 
And I'll have to respectfully disagree as well.
 
For your setup I'm sure that was the case, but someone else's headphone jack might be significantly higher quality than what you were using (for example, my laptop's headphone out actually sounds fine with a couple of my cans).
 
Apr 19, 2014 at 11:54 AM Post #5,106 of 13,350
Respectfully disagree.

I used to think like this until I bought my first DAC. At that point I knew I needed to get a DAC for any audio setup where I use headphones. I'm spoiled now. If I have to listen to a setup with only a headphone, that's preferable as opposed to listening to an amp driven by a headphone jack (or similar). Those just sound ugly to me now. There's just no excuse to not own at least a Modi. It's such a big step up from no DAC, and it's just too easy to afford. There's no excuse to skip it.


Well that's your opinion and you are entitled to it. I would rather put funds into a single piece of the signal chain and build. That's how I've always built my systems. One piece at a time, other than the Magni and Modi which were just for fun. :beerchug:
 
Apr 19, 2014 at 12:21 PM Post #5,108 of 13,350
   
He specifically said it was not a "Modi 2".
 
He said it was another DAC with optical capability. Presumably priced somewhat cheaper than a Bifrost. That is an excellent choice for their current lineup, since it's such a jump from a Modi to a Bifrost (Uber or not). Another DAC in the middle of that price range would be awesome.

I agree, But only if its a tube amp or hybrid. I don't mind solid sate amps without a DAC 
 
Apr 20, 2014 at 5:08 AM Post #5,110 of 13,350
Hi, this is a moment that I ask myself this question. Voilà, the Magni and Vali have common points (of sound), how would you describe them? I think they have in common that they sound a bit "metallic" and without much body. They must have common components that do this ? (Clarification: I greatly magnified the line, in fact I love the Vali and Schiit stuff in general).
 
Apr 20, 2014 at 1:56 PM Post #5,111 of 13,350
Hi All!

Has anyone tried the Valhalla (newer version that allows tube rolling) and the Bifost Uber with the Sennheiser HD600 phones? What are your thoughts?

Please see my post in the recommendations thread for more background in the set-up and sound I am looking to create.

Thanks and happy listening!!!
 
Apr 20, 2014 at 3:28 PM Post #5,113 of 13,350
Yeah, the Valhalla amp still comes with a user manual that says that rolling tubes will not work, as the amplifier was specifically designed for the tubes they put in it (mine arrived two days ago).

If you want a Schiit amp that allows for tube rolling, you probably want to look at the Lyr. While it runs $100, it does offer a lot more, including higher power output, lower output impedance (for better compatibility with lower input impedance 'phones), and tube rolling.

The "Choosing a Headphone Amp" page does suggest that you can roll the tubes in Valhalla, but I would ask Schiit before I started any of that...you know what? I think I will go ahead and ask them about it. I'll let you know what I find out.
 
Apr 20, 2014 at 3:37 PM Post #5,114 of 13,350
The Valhalla's are now rollable. This was announced some time ago. You can check the specs out on Schiit's site.
 
Apr 20, 2014 at 4:08 PM Post #5,115 of 13,350
Anyone using the Valhalla and bifost with the Sennheiser HD 600? Wondering how good a choice this amp and DAC are for these headphones.

Tube rolling can have a real influence on the sound of an amp. Good to hear you can roll with the Valhalla.
 

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