Happy as a Pig in Schiit: Introducing Modi Multibit | Page 93 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

JoeKickass · Oct 13, 2016 at 1:17 AM

I heard back from Schiit, they gave the OK on powering the Modi with an inverter, but it sounds like the modified sine inverter might cause noise:

Quote:

Schiit said:
The inverter shouldn’t damage the Modi but with the relatively small power supply in the Modi it may not filter out all the noise, you may hear that in the audio output. Really can’t say for sure.

Otherwise it should be fine. If you are in a region where internal temps can reach 140F it would be better off.

Letmebefrank · Oct 13, 2016 at 2:35 AM

adg4 said:
I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on changing my headphone/desktop speaker setup:

Modi 2 Uber > Bottlehead Crack + Speedball > HD 650
> Emotiva Fusion Flex (50 watt amplifier) > Emotiva Airmotiv B1 (http://emotiva.com/products/speakers/airmotiv-b1)

I am using two RCA Y-adapters on the back of the Modi 2 Uber to send audio to my Bottlehead and Emotiva amps.

I bought my Emotiva speakers a few weeks ago, and I've been mostly listening to my speakers and not my headphones. That said, I'm noticing that music just seems too sharp or forward, although I'm not sure that's an accurate description of what I'm not liking. I like audiophile equipment and listening to music, but I don't have a sophisticated audio palate yet. I can't say for sure what I don't like, but I just don't love how things sound. Maybe I'm looking for warmer or more euphonic sound. Also, it's possible my speakers just need more time to break in. I've heard it takes about 100 hours.

When I switch to my HD 650's, things sound nice, but I still feel some of the tonal qualities present with the speakers are present with the headphones.

I play mostly Apple Lossless music through Jriver Media Center using WASAPI, so I think the only things affecting my sound quality are in my hardware audio chain.

So, this brings me to the question about my setup. Is it possible that changing my DAC would give me some kind of different results? I ordered my Modi 2 Uber in January 2016, which seems to be before Schiit started using a different chip in the unit Uber. Would going to a Mimby potentially give me a noticeably different or improved sound? I'm happy to list my Uber 2 for sale and pay the difference for a Mimby, but I don't want to do it if it won't make much of a difference.

Thanks!

I upgraded from the same Modi 2 Uber as you (pre-AK4490) to the Modi Multibit. It is a noticeable upgrade, and should be very apparent with your emotiva speakers / HD650s. Slightly warmer sound, much more detail. The old Modi2Uber is very lean in comparison.

nicoch46 · Oct 13, 2016 at 3:56 AM

bigro said:
If said person does not know what a diode is or that orientation of the diode relative to the polarity dictates which works and which does not is leading that person who does not have experience with Electronics down a rabbit hole which can be dangerous and they could royally mess something up. Basic Common sense. If you are willing to do this yourself and create a how to go for it, telling someone with no experience this path will work without any details or safety precautions is irresponsible.

well now you know that can be done ... if not just google "feed dc into bridge rectifier" :wink:

nicoch46 · Oct 13, 2016 at 4:10 AM

jimmers said:
the transformer is the AC plug pack, i.e. the AC input connects to ground and where the diodes connect to each other, typical AC plug pack powered dual rail PSU.

basic elettronic

sorry but is wrong, don't confuse psu ground with safety ground ,that arent in wall AC plug pack .

ColtMrFire · Oct 13, 2016 at 7:16 AM

letmebefrank said:
I upgraded from the same Modi 2 Uber as you (pre-AK4490) to the Modi Multibit. It is a noticeable upgrade, and should be very apparent with your emotiva speakers / HD650s. Slightly warmer sound, much more detail. The old Modi2Uber is very lean in comparison.

What he said.

nojwe · Oct 13, 2016 at 11:01 AM

coltmrfire said:
Initially it started in only one channel. And ebbed and flowed with higher pitched notes in the music (wasn't constant).

I just had the same thing happen to me. USB Mimby -> Wa7. Ringing/buzzing sound in the left channel that got louder and softer with the music.Tried changing tubes, flipping cables, tried a different set of cans. Restarting the Mimby did the trick.

bigro · Oct 13, 2016 at 11:22 AM

nicoch46 said:
well now you know that can be done ... if not just google "feed dc into bridge rectifier"

Again if you know electronics and decide to experiment sure. No need to Google anything The OP did not seem to have very big understanding of electronics. Again short Vague posts are not helping. If you are willing to go into detail please do but telling some one to run something in a method it is not designed to with out any details is irresponsible.

bigro · Oct 13, 2016 at 11:35 AM

adg4 said:
I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on changing my headphone/desktop speaker setup:

Modi 2 Uber > Bottlehead Crack + Speedball > HD 650
> Emotiva Fusion Flex (50 watt amplifier) > Emotiva Airmotiv B1 (http://emotiva.com/products/speakers/airmotiv-b1)

I am using two RCA Y-adapters on the back of the Modi 2 Uber to send audio to my Bottlehead and Emotiva amps.

I bought my Emotiva speakers a few weeks ago, and I've been mostly listening to my speakers and not my headphones. That said, I'm noticing that music just seems too sharp or forward, although I'm not sure that's an accurate description of what I'm not liking. I like audiophile equipment and listening to music, but I don't have a sophisticated audio palate yet. I can't say for sure what I don't like, but I just don't love how things sound. Maybe I'm looking for warmer or more euphonic sound. Also, it's possible my speakers just need more time to break in. I've heard it takes about 100 hours.

When I switch to my HD 650's, things sound nice, but I still feel some of the tonal qualities present with the speakers are present with the headphones.

I play mostly Apple Lossless music through Jriver Media Center using WASAPI, so I think the only things affecting my sound quality are in my hardware audio chain.

So, this brings me to the question about my setup. Is it possible that changing my DAC would give me some kind of different results? I ordered my Modi 2 Uber in January 2016, which seems to be before Schiit started using a different chip in the unit Uber. Would going to a Mimby potentially give me a noticeably different or improved sound? I'm happy to list my Uber 2 for sale and pay the difference for a Mimby, but I don't want to do it if it won't make much of a difference.

Thanks!

I have a Fusion FLex I use it with a Valhalla 2 as a preamp and on the second Input with no preamp. It is way better with a preamp. I use it with out preamp when I don't want to turn on the Valhalla. With the Valhalla, Bass has more impact, Mids have more body and highs don't sound as veiled. Sure the tube may cause some of this but the main thin is I can play way louder with a preamp.

On Speakers. Placement relative to your seating area is key. Also generally the tweeter and Midrange should have line up to your ears. You may need to space them out some if the sound to sharp or forward.

This explains the basics but there are more comprehensive articles out there.
http://www.audiogurus.com/learn/speakers/speaker-placement/100

ColtMrFire · Oct 13, 2016 at 11:42 AM

nojwe said:
I just had the same thing happen to me. USB Mimby -> Wa7. Ringing/buzzing sound in the left channel that got louder and softer with the music.Tried changing tubes, flipping cables, tried a different set of cans. Restarting the Mimby did the trick.

Had you disconnected/reconnected a cable from Mimby prior to this? Me and the other guy it happened to did just that.

nojwe · Oct 13, 2016 at 12:07 PM

coltmrfire said:
Had you disconnected/reconnected a cable from Mimby prior to this? Me and the other guy it happened to did just that.

I had swapped in a new set of tubes to the Wa7TP, but no other changes.

senorx12562 · Oct 13, 2016 at 7:45 PM

adg4 said:
I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on changing my headphone/desktop speaker setup:

Modi 2 Uber > Bottlehead Crack + Speedball > HD 650
> Emotiva Fusion Flex (50 watt amplifier) > Emotiva Airmotiv B1 (http://emotiva.com/products/speakers/airmotiv-b1)

I am using two RCA Y-adapters on the back of the Modi 2 Uber to send audio to my Bottlehead and Emotiva amps.

I bought my Emotiva speakers a few weeks ago, and I've been mostly listening to my speakers and not my headphones. That said, I'm noticing that music just seems too sharp or forward, although I'm not sure that's an accurate description of what I'm not liking. I like audiophile equipment and listening to music, but I don't have a sophisticated audio palate yet. I can't say for sure what I don't like, but I just don't love how things sound. Maybe I'm looking for warmer or more euphonic sound. Also, it's possible my speakers just need more time to break in. I've heard it takes about 100 hours.

When I switch to my HD 650's, things sound nice, but I still feel some of the tonal qualities present with the speakers are present with the headphones.

I play mostly Apple Lossless music through Jriver Media Center using WASAPI, so I think the only things affecting my sound quality are in my hardware audio chain.

So, this brings me to the question about my setup. Is it possible that changing my DAC would give me some kind of different results? I ordered my Modi 2 Uber in January 2016, which seems to be before Schiit started using a different chip in the unit Uber. Would going to a Mimby potentially give me a noticeably different or improved sound? I'm happy to list my Uber 2 for sale and pay the difference for a Mimby, but I don't want to do it if it won't make much of a difference.

Thanks!

This is kind of weird for a few reasons. I've never heard the emotiva pieces, but am very familiar with the others, and the hd650s and bottlehead are among the least likely components to come across as too forward or sharp (fatiguing, maybe? Just trying to understand what you are hearing.) Both are commonly thought of as pretty smooth and laid back, especially the hd650. It is possible that the speakers will get better with time, but that kind of change is usually pretty subtle/incremental, whereas it sounds like you are wishing for a more substantial change. The modi multibit is a pretty noticeable and substantial change from the 4396 uber, especially for different versions of the same model, but differences between dacs are always pretty subtle. Definitely much better to my ears though. Just don't know if it will fix what you are unhappy with though. When you say you are using "2 y adapters" to connect the modi to your amps, what does this mean? It should not take adapters of any kind to connect them, just an rca cable from the analog outs of the modi to the input of whatever amp you are using. Maybe you just are using different terms? Also curious as to what the speakers, Fusion, and Modi replaced, thinking maybe just a very different sound signature requiring a big adjustment? Aside from all of that though, I absolutely love my Mimby, best $250 I have ever spent.

BarDash · Oct 14, 2016 at 12:08 AM

I have a connection question. I currently own the Jotunheim and just purchased the Modi Multibit and am awaiting delivery on Friday. I use windows 10 & Jriver.
I want to continue using the balanced output on the Jot for my headphones. I know I use RCA cables to connect the Jot & Modi Multi? Which USB output to my computer do I use, The Jots or the Modi Multi or do I need to use 2 usb cables? One out of the Jot to my computer and one out of the Modi Multi to my computer? Also do I need to download different drivers for the Modi?
Thanks in advance and excuse my noobiness.

Baldr · Oct 14, 2016 at 12:11 AM

Random electrostatic pulses, minor line brownouts, and even minor emps into poorly shielded cables can cause the DSP processor in the Mimby to slip a bit and exhibit odd sounds. In that case, a quick reset by cycling power will clear all up. No worries.

Vigrith · Oct 14, 2016 at 12:22 AM

bardash said:
I have a connection question. I currently own the Jotunheim and just purchased the Modi Multibit and am awaiting delivery on Friday. I use windows 10 & Jriver.
I want to continue using the balanced output on the Jot for my headphones. I know I use RCA cables to connect the Jot & Modi Multi? Which USB output to my computer do I use, The Jots or the Modi Multi or do I need to use 2 usb cables? One out of the Jot to my computer and one out of the Modi Multi to my computer? Also do I need to download different drivers for the Modi?
Thanks in advance and excuse my noobiness.

USB from computer to Modi MB, RCAs from Modi MB to Jotunheim, balanced headphone out to balanced headphone wire to your headphones.

BarDash · Oct 14, 2016 at 12:38 AM

vigrith said:
USB from computer to Modi MB, RCAs from Modi MB to Jotunheim, balanced headphone out to balanced headphone wire to your headphones.

Thank you...

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