Schiit Magni 2
Intro:
The Schiit Magni 2 is a small desktop amp that outputs quite a lot of power. It's the cheaper of 2 options, the other one is the Uber version which has more power and has more features.Headphones used: Denon D5000 (closed over-ear headphone, impedance: 25 Ohms)
ACS T15 (universal IEM, impedance: 41.5 Ohms)
Amp used: Schiit Modi 2 Uber
Aesthetic stuff, Build Quality, Accessories: The Magni 2 (M2) measures at 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”, weighing in at 1 lb according to the spec sheet. It has a 2-piece chassis of painted metal while the Uber version sports an aluminum plate. At the front of the M2 there is a volume pot sticking out about 2 cm from the unit, a "subdued" LED power indicator to the right, and a 6.35 mm audio output port, so if you have a headphone that uses a 3.5 mm jack you will need a 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter.
The top of the unit has 3 columns of small perforations for ventilation. The back of the M2 (from right to left) has a power supply input, a toggle switch for on/off, another toggle switch for high/low gain, and RCA input for left and right channels.
The M2 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.
There is a soft red LED that you can see from the top perforations when the unit is powered on.
subjective thoughts
The Magni 2's painted steel chassis is very solid, simple and elegant looking, although it doesn't look as pretty as the Uber version which has an aluminum top. It's the size of a very small paperback novel and stacks very neatly on top of my Modi 2 Uber, and they look great together as both units have an identical build cosmetically sans some ports and buttons.
possible caveats
The Magni 2 runs hot after 15-20 minutes of use as it is an A/B type amp. Not smartphone that's running load intensive apps hot, but butter-melting-within-15-seconds-upon-contact hot. It's well within tolerable but still hot. The hole in which the volume pot sticks out of has a gap of over 2mm, it is big enough that I can actually see the innards of the amp from arms length, and I'm sure this is not the intended design because it does look a bit unsightly. It's not the end of the world, but it's a small thing that I wish Schiit could address by having their metal guys mill a slightly smaller hole. The "subdued" white LED power indicator is quite bright, more so even than the one on the Modi 2U. You nocturnal types (or just sensitive to bright light types) might want to get a filter sticker to cover it. The indicator notch on the volume pot isn't very visible because it's just a cut-in notch, and with the finish of the volume pot being very reflective, it disappears sometimes.
side note Cables aren't provided, so you'll need to get a left and right RCA cable to connect your DAC, or an adapter for your pc, or whatever cable solution for your source is. Also, none of the possible caveats mentioned above are really bad enough for me to glare at (maybe except the volume pot hole gap because it doesn't look very good, and the volume notch visibility because it does affect usability ever so slightly)
Sound (x% objective, y% subjective):
The Magni 2 is a powerful discrete amp, according to the specs listed online it has a max output of 1.8W per channel at 16 ohms, and 130mW per channel at 600 ohms, which is more than enough power for even the more power hungry headphones. With my efficient D5000 (which one should noted that it has horrendous noise isolation for a closed-back and bleeds sound like crazy), in a typical home noise levels of 50+/- dB, my listening levels are between the 8 and 11:00 o'clock position of the volume pot on low gain. I should point out that I typically listen to music on the lower levels, so I had some other people with "normal" listening level preferences test out what they're comfortable with. Out of an average of 5 other people (sorry for the stupidly small sample size), listening levels are from 10 to 2 o'clock on low gain with my efficient (but bleedy) headphones.
Noise level on the M2 is loooow, in fact it's a black background with the volume pot on max (no audio playing through it of course, I don't want to die) on low gain with my both my headphones. The only time I can hear an extremely quiet hiss of a noise was when I switched my DAC input from optical to USB, on low gain, with the volume pot hitting max, with my headphoness plugged in (again, no audio playing). In fact on low gain (max volume pot etc.), I've plugged and unplugged my headphones and I couldn't tell the difference. No noise. Good job, Schiit.
The output impedance is rated by Schiit at 0.2 ohms, coupling that with the ability to power super high impedance headphones makes the Magni 2 a very versatile amp.
Here's the slightly more subjective part:
The Magni 2 makes my headphones sound incrementally better than they already do. One of those headphones (the T15) is a very neutral IEM with some veiling all across and decent soundstage (for IEMs), the other (the D5000) is a warm sounding headphone with a very luxurious sounding bass which are a little loose, has slightly veiled mids, and highs that are neutral (nothing special) but has some occasional sparkle to them. The M2 did lift some veiling over the T15, clarity is increased, and it does open up the soundstage making it very good for an IEM.
The headphone that the M2 paired the best with was the D5000. Initially, as I put on my music I thought "where on earth did the bass go??". The bass on my D5k is probably the most notable thing about the headphone: it is warm, luxurious and laid back, but loose at times and a bit fat. What the stack did was that it took one look at the bass and ordered a diet plan and a workout regime for it, and now it's fitter, faster, snappier and punches harder than before. Not by a huge margin but enough to be quite noticeable. That makes the lower end a little more athletic and strips it of a layer of "fat", giving it a bit more definition and texture than before.
Sometimes when I play tracks that require speed, my D5k seem to lag behind as they prefer to jog instead of run. The Magni 2 however, comes right in and makes the D5k pick up the slack. They won't make it sprint, but it does make the D5k jog fast enough that it can be considered running. The M2 did make my music sound more analytical and colder at first, but after a few more days of use and my ears (and brain) have been burned in* I noticed how much smoother they sound now. Having adjusted to the sound, I no longer feel that they are cold and bright at all, but that extra punch that it has provided my D5ks still remains very noticeable. This is why it's important to reserve judgement until you've used a product for a reasonable amount of time. So far it's making my music significantly more engaging than before.
Also, if the Magni 2 introduced any distortions, it isn't audible to my ears at least. That holds true to listening levels that are painful (yes painful, way beyond uncomfortable) for me on both low and high gain.
*I don't think that amps (especially solid state amps) benefit from burn it, or if burning it does change the sound then it's inaudible.
possible caveats
It could make your headphones sound more clinical, analytical, etc. if that's what they are already, and you may not like it. It could make your music more engaging to you; the only way that's a bad thing is if you do listen to music passively while reading/studying/working and the music that you usually put on as your background music (BGM) becomes so engaging that it's no longer background music, turning it from head-bobbing music to dancing-in-your-seat music. Yes, that did happen to me, and my BGM playlist is A LOT shorter than it was pre-Magni 2.
Conclusion: The Magni 2 is a small, powerful, and versatile discrete desktop amp. It adds quite a bit of punch and it will help tighten up bass and remove veiling from your headphone, all without audible distortion with a wallet friendly price of $99. An alternative desktop amp that can compete in terms of versatility, price and size is the O2 amp, each option of course has its particular flavor of features and tradeoffs. If you're looking for an entry level amp that does all the above then I would highly recommend that you look at the Magni 2; if you need preamp outputs for desktop monitors (or for connecting to any other power amp) and you want MOAR POWER then you can look up the Uber version of the Magni 2.
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 small, wallet-friendly DAC/amp solution.
View previous replies…
Willy 2 Streams
Yes, I do feel this amp is a much better match with warm and lush sounding cans like your D5K, or my Senn HD 650's, due to its somewhat analytical flavor. You pair this amp with something like the Beyer DT series cans, you're gonna get too much brightness! Your amp really runs that hot? Mine barely gets warm. Again, a great review...I think you've nailed it.
Lethe
Yea, I'm currently living in a tropical country atm and it gets up to 35C even indoors, the amp can get hot but not hot enough to give me any concerns. Also, it's just the chassis of the amp that gets hot, strangely the volume pot only gets warm when the chassis gets to the hottest I've felt it. Then again it's all relatively. I'm not a fan of the DT series X) they sound a bit...off to my ears, I can't tell exactly what it is though. I'll be getting a really revealing and forward sounding CIEM soon with a neutral sound overall with a slight bass lift, can't wait to hear what the Magni 2 will do to it.
Willy 2 Streams
Whoa!...that'd explain it! My room temp is 66 degrees this time of year.
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)
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
Denon D5000 (closed over-ear headphone, impedance: 25 Ohms)
ACS T15 (universal IEM, impedance: 41.5 Ohms)
Amp used: Schiit Modi 2 Uber
Aesthetic stuff, Build Quality, Accessories: The Magni 2 (M2) measures at 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”, weighing in at 1 lb according to the spec sheet. It has a 2-piece chassis of painted metal while the Uber version sports an aluminum plate. At the front of the M2 there is a volume pot sticking out about 2 cm from the unit, a "subdued" LED power indicator to the right, and a 6.35 mm audio output port, so if you have a headphone that uses a 3.5 mm jack you will need a 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter.
The top of the unit has 3 columns of small perforations for ventilation. The back of the M2 (from right to left) has a power supply input, a toggle switch for on/off, another toggle switch for high/low gain, and RCA input for left and right channels.
The M2 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.
There is a soft red LED that you can see from the top perforations when the unit is powered on.
subjective thoughts
The Magni 2's painted steel chassis is very solid, simple and elegant looking, although it doesn't look as pretty as the Uber version which has an aluminum top. It's the size of a very small paperback novel and stacks very neatly on top of my Modi 2 Uber, and they look great together as both units have an identical build cosmetically sans some ports and buttons.
possible caveats
The Magni 2 runs hot after 15-20 minutes of use as it is an A/B type amp. Not smartphone that's running load intensive apps hot, but butter-melting-within-15-seconds-upon-contact hot. It's well within tolerable but still hot. The hole in which the volume pot sticks out of has a gap of over 2mm, it is big enough that I can actually see the innards of the amp from arms length, and I'm sure this is not the intended design because it does look a bit unsightly. It's not the end of the world, but it's a small thing that I wish Schiit could address by having their metal guys mill a slightly smaller hole. The "subdued" white LED power indicator is quite bright, more so even than the one on the Modi 2U. You nocturnal types (or just sensitive to bright light types) might want to get a filter sticker to cover it. The indicator notch on the volume pot isn't very visible because it's just a cut-in notch, and with the finish of the volume pot being very reflective, it disappears sometimes.
side note Cables aren't provided, so you'll need to get a left and right RCA cable to connect your DAC, or an adapter for your pc, or whatever cable solution for your source is. Also, none of the possible caveats mentioned above are really bad enough for me to glare at (maybe except the volume pot hole gap because it doesn't look very good, and the volume notch visibility because it does affect usability ever so slightly)
Sound (x% objective, y% subjective):
The Magni 2 is a powerful discrete amp, according to the specs listed online it has a max output of 1.8W per channel at 16 ohms, and 130mW per channel at 600 ohms, which is more than enough power for even the more power hungry headphones. With my efficient D5000 (which one should noted that it has horrendous noise isolation for a closed-back and bleeds sound like crazy), in a typical home noise levels of 50+/- dB, my listening levels are between the 8 and 11:00 o'clock position of the volume pot on low gain. I should point out that I typically listen to music on the lower levels, so I had some other people with "normal" listening level preferences test out what they're comfortable with. Out of an average of 5 other people (sorry for the stupidly small sample size), listening levels are from 10 to 2 o'clock on low gain with my efficient (but bleedy) headphones.
Noise level on the M2 is loooow, in fact it's a black background with the volume pot on max (no audio playing through it of course, I don't want to die) on low gain with my both my headphones. The only time I can hear an extremely quiet hiss of a noise was when I switched my DAC input from optical to USB, on low gain, with the volume pot hitting max, with my headphoness plugged in (again, no audio playing). In fact on low gain (max volume pot etc.), I've plugged and unplugged my headphones and I couldn't tell the difference. No noise. Good job, Schiit.
The output impedance is rated by Schiit at 0.2 ohms, coupling that with the ability to power super high impedance headphones makes the Magni 2 a very versatile amp.
Here's the slightly more subjective part:
The Magni 2 makes my headphones sound incrementally better than they already do. One of those headphones (the T15) is a very neutral IEM with some veiling all across and decent soundstage (for IEMs), the other (the D5000) is a warm sounding headphone with a very luxurious sounding bass which are a little loose, has slightly veiled mids, and highs that are neutral (nothing special) but has some occasional sparkle to them. The M2 did lift some veiling over the T15, clarity is increased, and it does open up the soundstage making it very good for an IEM.
The headphone that the M2 paired the best with was the D5000. Initially, as I put on my music I thought "where on earth did the bass go??". The bass on my D5k is probably the most notable thing about the headphone: it is warm, luxurious and laid back, but loose at times and a bit fat. What the stack did was that it took one look at the bass and ordered a diet plan and a workout regime for it, and now it's fitter, faster, snappier and punches harder than before. Not by a huge margin but enough to be quite noticeable. That makes the lower end a little more athletic and strips it of a layer of "fat", giving it a bit more definition and texture than before.
Sometimes when I play tracks that require speed, my D5k seem to lag behind as they prefer to jog instead of run. The Magni 2 however, comes right in and makes the D5k pick up the slack. They won't make it sprint, but it does make the D5k jog fast enough that it can be considered running. The M2 did make my music sound more analytical and colder at first, but after a few more days of use and my ears (and brain) have been burned in* I noticed how much smoother they sound now. Having adjusted to the sound, I no longer feel that they are cold and bright at all, but that extra punch that it has provided my D5ks still remains very noticeable. This is why it's important to reserve judgement until you've used a product for a reasonable amount of time. So far it's making my music significantly more engaging than before.
Also, if the Magni 2 introduced any distortions, it isn't audible to my ears at least. That holds true to listening levels that are painful (yes painful, way beyond uncomfortable) for me on both low and high gain.
*I don't think that amps (especially solid state amps) benefit from burn it, or if burning it does change the sound then it's inaudible.
possible caveats
It could make your headphones sound more clinical, analytical, etc. if that's what they are already, and you may not like it. It could make your music more engaging to you; the only way that's a bad thing is if you do listen to music passively while reading/studying/working and the music that you usually put on as your background music (BGM) becomes so engaging that it's no longer background music, turning it from head-bobbing music to dancing-in-your-seat music. Yes, that did happen to me, and my BGM playlist is A LOT shorter than it was pre-Magni 2.
Conclusion: The Magni 2 is a small, powerful, and versatile discrete desktop amp. It adds quite a bit of punch and it will help tighten up bass and remove veiling from your headphone, all without audible distortion with a wallet friendly price of $99. An alternative desktop amp that can compete in terms of versatility, price and size is the O2 amp, each option of course has its particular flavor of features and tradeoffs. If you're looking for an entry level amp that does all the above then I would highly recommend that you look at the Magni 2; if you need preamp outputs for desktop monitors (or for connecting to any other power amp) and you want MOAR POWER then you can look up the Uber version of the Magni 2.
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 small, wallet-friendly DAC/amp solution.
View previous replies…
Willy 2 Streams
Yes, I do feel this amp is a much better match with warm and lush sounding cans like your D5K, or my Senn HD 650's, due to its somewhat analytical flavor. You pair this amp with something like the Beyer DT series cans, you're gonna get too much brightness! Your amp really runs that hot? Mine barely gets warm. Again, a great review...I think you've nailed it.
Lethe
Yea, I'm currently living in a tropical country atm and it gets up to 35C even indoors, the amp can get hot but not hot enough to give me any concerns. Also, it's just the chassis of the amp that gets hot, strangely the volume pot only gets warm when the chassis gets to the hottest I've felt it. Then again it's all relatively. I'm not a fan of the DT series X) they sound a bit...off to my ears, I can't tell exactly what it is though. I'll be getting a really revealing and forward sounding CIEM soon with a neutral sound overall with a slight bass lift, can't wait to hear what the Magni 2 will do to it.
Willy 2 Streams
Whoa!...that'd explain it! My room temp is 66 degrees this time of year.
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)
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
Amp used: Schiit Modi 2 Uber
Aesthetic stuff, Build Quality, Accessories: The Magni 2 (M2) measures at 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”, weighing in at 1 lb according to the spec sheet. It has a 2-piece chassis of painted metal while the Uber version sports an aluminum plate. At the front of the M2 there is a volume pot sticking out about 2 cm from the unit, a "subdued" LED power indicator to the right, and a 6.35 mm audio output port, so if you have a headphone that uses a 3.5 mm jack you will need a 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter.
The top of the unit has 3 columns of small perforations for ventilation. The back of the M2 (from right to left) has a power supply input, a toggle switch for on/off, another toggle switch for high/low gain, and RCA input for left and right channels.
The M2 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.
There is a soft red LED that you can see from the top perforations when the unit is powered on.
subjective thoughts
The Magni 2's painted steel chassis is very solid, simple and elegant looking, although it doesn't look as pretty as the Uber version which has an aluminum top. It's the size of a very small paperback novel and stacks very neatly on top of my Modi 2 Uber, and they look great together as both units have an identical build cosmetically sans some ports and buttons.
possible caveats
The Magni 2 runs hot after 15-20 minutes of use as it is an A/B type amp. Not smartphone that's running load intensive apps hot, but butter-melting-within-15-seconds-upon-contact hot. It's well within tolerable but still hot. The hole in which the volume pot sticks out of has a gap of over 2mm, it is big enough that I can actually see the innards of the amp from arms length, and I'm sure this is not the intended design because it does look a bit unsightly. It's not the end of the world, but it's a small thing that I wish Schiit could address by having their metal guys mill a slightly smaller hole. The "subdued" white LED power indicator is quite bright, more so even than the one on the Modi 2U. You nocturnal types (or just sensitive to bright light types) might want to get a filter sticker to cover it. The indicator notch on the volume pot isn't very visible because it's just a cut-in notch, and with the finish of the volume pot being very reflective, it disappears sometimes.
side note Cables aren't provided, so you'll need to get a left and right RCA cable to connect your DAC, or an adapter for your pc, or whatever cable solution for your source is. Also, none of the possible caveats mentioned above are really bad enough for me to glare at (maybe except the volume pot hole gap because it doesn't look very good, and the volume notch visibility because it does affect usability ever so slightly)
Sound (x% objective, y% subjective):
The Magni 2 is a powerful discrete amp, according to the specs listed online it has a max output of 1.8W per channel at 16 ohms, and 130mW per channel at 600 ohms, which is more than enough power for even the more power hungry headphones. With my efficient D5000 (which one should noted that it has horrendous noise isolation for a closed-back and bleeds sound like crazy), in a typical home noise levels of 50+/- dB, my listening levels are between the 8 and 11:00 o'clock position of the volume pot on low gain. I should point out that I typically listen to music on the lower levels, so I had some other people with "normal" listening level preferences test out what they're comfortable with. Out of an average of 5 other people (sorry for the stupidly small sample size), listening levels are from 10 to 2 o'clock on low gain with my efficient (but bleedy) headphones.
Noise level on the M2 is loooow, in fact it's a black background with the volume pot on max (no audio playing through it of course, I don't want to die) on low gain with my both my headphones. The only time I can hear an extremely quiet hiss of a noise was when I switched my DAC input from optical to USB, on low gain, with the volume pot hitting max, with my headphoness plugged in (again, no audio playing). In fact on low gain (max volume pot etc.), I've plugged and unplugged my headphones and I couldn't tell the difference. No noise. Good job, Schiit.
The output impedance is rated by Schiit at 0.2 ohms, coupling that with the ability to power super high impedance headphones makes the Magni 2 a very versatile amp.
Here's the slightly more subjective part:
The Magni 2 makes my headphones sound incrementally better than they already do. One of those headphones (the T15) is a very neutral IEM with some veiling all across and decent soundstage (for IEMs), the other (the D5000) is a warm sounding headphone with a very luxurious sounding bass which are a little loose, has slightly veiled mids, and highs that are neutral (nothing special) but has some occasional sparkle to them. The M2 did lift some veiling over the T15, clarity is increased, and it does open up the soundstage making it very good for an IEM.
The headphone that the M2 paired the best with was the D5000. Initially, as I put on my music I thought "where on earth did the bass go??". The bass on my D5k is probably the most notable thing about the headphone: it is warm, luxurious and laid back, but loose at times and a bit fat. What the stack did was that it took one look at the bass and ordered a diet plan and a workout regime for it, and now it's fitter, faster, snappier and punches harder than before. Not by a huge margin but enough to be quite noticeable. That makes the lower end a little more athletic and strips it of a layer of "fat", giving it a bit more definition and texture than before.
Sometimes when I play tracks that require speed, my D5k seem to lag behind as they prefer to jog instead of run. The Magni 2 however, comes right in and makes the D5k pick up the slack. They won't make it sprint, but it does make the D5k jog fast enough that it can be considered running. The M2 did make my music sound more analytical and colder at first, but after a few more days of use and my ears (and brain) have been burned in* I noticed how much smoother they sound now. Having adjusted to the sound, I no longer feel that they are cold and bright at all, but that extra punch that it has provided my D5ks still remains very noticeable. This is why it's important to reserve judgement until you've used a product for a reasonable amount of time. So far it's making my music significantly more engaging than before.
Also, if the Magni 2 introduced any distortions, it isn't audible to my ears at least. That holds true to listening levels that are painful (yes painful, way beyond uncomfortable) for me on both low and high gain.
*I don't think that amps (especially solid state amps) benefit from burn it, or if burning it does change the sound then it's inaudible.
possible caveats
It could make your headphones sound more clinical, analytical, etc. if that's what they are already, and you may not like it. It could make your music more engaging to you; the only way that's a bad thing is if you do listen to music passively while reading/studying/working and the music that you usually put on as your background music (BGM) becomes so engaging that it's no longer background music, turning it from head-bobbing music to dancing-in-your-seat music. Yes, that did happen to me, and my BGM playlist is A LOT shorter than it was pre-Magni 2.
Conclusion: The Magni 2 is a small, powerful, and versatile discrete desktop amp. It adds quite a bit of punch and it will help tighten up bass and remove veiling from your headphone, all without audible distortion with a wallet friendly price of $99. An alternative desktop amp that can compete in terms of versatility, price and size is the O2 amp, each option of course has its particular flavor of features and tradeoffs. If you're looking for an entry level amp that does all the above then I would highly recommend that you look at the Magni 2; if you need preamp outputs for desktop monitors (or for connecting to any other power amp) and you want MOAR POWER then you can look up the Uber version of the Magni 2.
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 small, wallet-friendly DAC/amp solution.
View previous replies…
Willy 2 Streams
Yes, I do feel this amp is a much better match with warm and lush sounding cans like your D5K, or my Senn HD 650's, due to its somewhat analytical flavor. You pair this amp with something like the Beyer DT series cans, you're gonna get too much brightness! Your amp really runs that hot? Mine barely gets warm. Again, a great review...I think you've nailed it.
Lethe
Yea, I'm currently living in a tropical country atm and it gets up to 35C even indoors, the amp can get hot but not hot enough to give me any concerns. Also, it's just the chassis of the amp that gets hot, strangely the volume pot only gets warm when the chassis gets to the hottest I've felt it. Then again it's all relatively. I'm not a fan of the DT series X) they sound a bit...off to my ears, I can't tell exactly what it is though. I'll be getting a really revealing and forward sounding CIEM soon with a neutral sound overall with a slight bass lift, can't wait to hear what the Magni 2 will do to it.
Willy 2 Streams
Whoa!...that'd explain it! My room temp is 66 degrees this time of year.
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)
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
Schiit Modi 2 Uber
Aesthetic stuff, Build Quality, Accessories: The Magni 2 (M2) measures at 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”, weighing in at 1 lb according to the spec sheet. It has a 2-piece chassis of painted metal while the Uber version sports an aluminum plate. At the front of the M2 there is a volume pot sticking out about 2 cm from the unit, a "subdued" LED power indicator to the right, and a 6.35 mm audio output port, so if you have a headphone that uses a 3.5 mm jack you will need a 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter.
The top of the unit has 3 columns of small perforations for ventilation. The back of the M2 (from right to left) has a power supply input, a toggle switch for on/off, another toggle switch for high/low gain, and RCA input for left and right channels.
The M2 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.
There is a soft red LED that you can see from the top perforations when the unit is powered on.
subjective thoughts
The Magni 2's painted steel chassis is very solid, simple and elegant looking, although it doesn't look as pretty as the Uber version which has an aluminum top. It's the size of a very small paperback novel and stacks very neatly on top of my Modi 2 Uber, and they look great together as both units have an identical build cosmetically sans some ports and buttons.
possible caveats
The Magni 2 runs hot after 15-20 minutes of use as it is an A/B type amp. Not smartphone that's running load intensive apps hot, but butter-melting-within-15-seconds-upon-contact hot. It's well within tolerable but still hot. The hole in which the volume pot sticks out of has a gap of over 2mm, it is big enough that I can actually see the innards of the amp from arms length, and I'm sure this is not the intended design because it does look a bit unsightly. It's not the end of the world, but it's a small thing that I wish Schiit could address by having their metal guys mill a slightly smaller hole. The "subdued" white LED power indicator is quite bright, more so even than the one on the Modi 2U. You nocturnal types (or just sensitive to bright light types) might want to get a filter sticker to cover it. The indicator notch on the volume pot isn't very visible because it's just a cut-in notch, and with the finish of the volume pot being very reflective, it disappears sometimes.
side note Cables aren't provided, so you'll need to get a left and right RCA cable to connect your DAC, or an adapter for your pc, or whatever cable solution for your source is. Also, none of the possible caveats mentioned above are really bad enough for me to glare at (maybe except the volume pot hole gap because it doesn't look very good, and the volume notch visibility because it does affect usability ever so slightly)
Sound (x% objective, y% subjective):
The Magni 2 is a powerful discrete amp, according to the specs listed online it has a max output of 1.8W per channel at 16 ohms, and 130mW per channel at 600 ohms, which is more than enough power for even the more power hungry headphones. With my efficient D5000 (which one should noted that it has horrendous noise isolation for a closed-back and bleeds sound like crazy), in a typical home noise levels of 50+/- dB, my listening levels are between the 8 and 11:00 o'clock position of the volume pot on low gain. I should point out that I typically listen to music on the lower levels, so I had some other people with "normal" listening level preferences test out what they're comfortable with. Out of an average of 5 other people (sorry for the stupidly small sample size), listening levels are from 10 to 2 o'clock on low gain with my efficient (but bleedy) headphones.
Noise level on the M2 is loooow, in fact it's a black background with the volume pot on max (no audio playing through it of course, I don't want to die) on low gain with my both my headphones. The only time I can hear an extremely quiet hiss of a noise was when I switched my DAC input from optical to USB, on low gain, with the volume pot hitting max, with my headphoness plugged in (again, no audio playing). In fact on low gain (max volume pot etc.), I've plugged and unplugged my headphones and I couldn't tell the difference. No noise. Good job, Schiit.
The output impedance is rated by Schiit at 0.2 ohms, coupling that with the ability to power super high impedance headphones makes the Magni 2 a very versatile amp.
Here's the slightly more subjective part:
The Magni 2 makes my headphones sound incrementally better than they already do. One of those headphones (the T15) is a very neutral IEM with some veiling all across and decent soundstage (for IEMs), the other (the D5000) is a warm sounding headphone with a very luxurious sounding bass which are a little loose, has slightly veiled mids, and highs that are neutral (nothing special) but has some occasional sparkle to them. The M2 did lift some veiling over the T15, clarity is increased, and it does open up the soundstage making it very good for an IEM.
The headphone that the M2 paired the best with was the D5000. Initially, as I put on my music I thought "where on earth did the bass go??". The bass on my D5k is probably the most notable thing about the headphone: it is warm, luxurious and laid back, but loose at times and a bit fat. What the stack did was that it took one look at the bass and ordered a diet plan and a workout regime for it, and now it's fitter, faster, snappier and punches harder than before. Not by a huge margin but enough to be quite noticeable. That makes the lower end a little more athletic and strips it of a layer of "fat", giving it a bit more definition and texture than before.
Sometimes when I play tracks that require speed, my D5k seem to lag behind as they prefer to jog instead of run. The Magni 2 however, comes right in and makes the D5k pick up the slack. They won't make it sprint, but it does make the D5k jog fast enough that it can be considered running. The M2 did make my music sound more analytical and colder at first, but after a few more days of use and my ears (and brain) have been burned in* I noticed how much smoother they sound now. Having adjusted to the sound, I no longer feel that they are cold and bright at all, but that extra punch that it has provided my D5ks still remains very noticeable. This is why it's important to reserve judgement until you've used a product for a reasonable amount of time. So far it's making my music significantly more engaging than before.
Also, if the Magni 2 introduced any distortions, it isn't audible to my ears at least. That holds true to listening levels that are painful (yes painful, way beyond uncomfortable) for me on both low and high gain.
*I don't think that amps (especially solid state amps) benefit from burn it, or if burning it does change the sound then it's inaudible.
possible caveats
It could make your headphones sound more clinical, analytical, etc. if that's what they are already, and you may not like it. It could make your music more engaging to you; the only way that's a bad thing is if you do listen to music passively while reading/studying/working and the music that you usually put on as your background music (BGM) becomes so engaging that it's no longer background music, turning it from head-bobbing music to dancing-in-your-seat music. Yes, that did happen to me, and my BGM playlist is A LOT shorter than it was pre-Magni 2.
Conclusion: The Magni 2 is a small, powerful, and versatile discrete desktop amp. It adds quite a bit of punch and it will help tighten up bass and remove veiling from your headphone, all without audible distortion with a wallet friendly price of $99. An alternative desktop amp that can compete in terms of versatility, price and size is the O2 amp, each option of course has its particular flavor of features and tradeoffs. If you're looking for an entry level amp that does all the above then I would highly recommend that you look at the Magni 2; if you need preamp outputs for desktop monitors (or for connecting to any other power amp) and you want MOAR POWER then you can look up the Uber version of the Magni 2.
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 small, wallet-friendly DAC/amp solution.
View previous replies…
Willy 2 Streams
Yes, I do feel this amp is a much better match with warm and lush sounding cans like your D5K, or my Senn HD 650's, due to its somewhat analytical flavor. You pair this amp with something like the Beyer DT series cans, you're gonna get too much brightness! Your amp really runs that hot? Mine barely gets warm. Again, a great review...I think you've nailed it.
Lethe
Yea, I'm currently living in a tropical country atm and it gets up to 35C even indoors, the amp can get hot but not hot enough to give me any concerns. Also, it's just the chassis of the amp that gets hot, strangely the volume pot only gets warm when the chassis gets to the hottest I've felt it. Then again it's all relatively. I'm not a fan of the DT series X) they sound a bit...off to my ears, I can't tell exactly what it is though. I'll be getting a really revealing and forward sounding CIEM soon with a neutral sound overall with a slight bass lift, can't wait to hear what the Magni 2 will do to it.
Willy 2 Streams
Whoa!...that'd explain it! My room temp is 66 degrees this time of year.
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)
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
measures at 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”, weighing in at 1 lb according to the spec sheet. It has a 2-piece chassis of painted metal while the Uber version sports an aluminum plate. At the front of the M2 there is a volume pot sticking out about 2 cm from the unit, a "subdued" LED power indicator to the right, and a 6.35 mm audio output port, so if you have a headphone that uses a 3.5 mm jack you will need a 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter.
The top of the unit has 3 columns of small perforations for ventilation. The back of the M2 (from right to left) has a power supply input, a toggle switch for on/off, another toggle switch for high/low gain, and RCA input for left and right channels.
The M2 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.
There is a soft red LED that you can see from the top perforations when the unit is powered on.
subjective thoughts
The Magni 2's painted steel chassis is very solid, simple and elegant looking, although it doesn't look as pretty as the Uber version which has an aluminum top. It's the size of a very small paperback novel and stacks very neatly on top of my Modi 2 Uber, and they look great together as both units have an identical build cosmetically sans some ports and buttons.
possible caveats
The Magni 2 runs hot after 15-20 minutes of use as it is an A/B type amp. Not smartphone that's running load intensive apps hot, but butter-melting-within-15-seconds-upon-contact hot. It's well within tolerable but still hot. The hole in which the volume pot sticks out of has a gap of over 2mm, it is big enough that I can actually see the innards of the amp from arms length, and I'm sure this is not the intended design because it does look a bit unsightly. It's not the end of the world, but it's a small thing that I wish Schiit could address by having their metal guys mill a slightly smaller hole. The "subdued" white LED power indicator is quite bright, more so even than the one on the Modi 2U. You nocturnal types (or just sensitive to bright light types) might want to get a filter sticker to cover it. The indicator notch on the volume pot isn't very visible because it's just a cut-in notch, and with the finish of the volume pot being very reflective, it disappears sometimes.
side note Cables aren't provided, so you'll need to get a left and right RCA cable to connect your DAC, or an adapter for your pc, or whatever cable solution for your source is. Also, none of the possible caveats mentioned above are really bad enough for me to glare at (maybe except the volume pot hole gap because it doesn't look very good, and the volume notch visibility because it does affect usability ever so slightly)
Sound (x% objective, y% subjective):
The Magni 2 is a powerful discrete amp, according to the specs listed online it has a max output of 1.8W per channel at 16 ohms, and 130mW per channel at 600 ohms, which is more than enough power for even the more power hungry headphones. With my efficient D5000 (which one should noted that it has horrendous noise isolation for a closed-back and bleeds sound like crazy), in a typical home noise levels of 50+/- dB, my listening levels are between the 8 and 11:00 o'clock position of the volume pot on low gain. I should point out that I typically listen to music on the lower levels, so I had some other people with "normal" listening level preferences test out what they're comfortable with. Out of an average of 5 other people (sorry for the stupidly small sample size), listening levels are from 10 to 2 o'clock on low gain with my efficient (but bleedy) headphones.
Noise level on the M2 is loooow, in fact it's a black background with the volume pot on max (no audio playing through it of course, I don't want to die) on low gain with my both my headphones. The only time I can hear an extremely quiet hiss of a noise was when I switched my DAC input from optical to USB, on low gain, with the volume pot hitting max, with my headphoness plugged in (again, no audio playing). In fact on low gain (max volume pot etc.), I've plugged and unplugged my headphones and I couldn't tell the difference. No noise. Good job, Schiit.
The output impedance is rated by Schiit at 0.2 ohms, coupling that with the ability to power super high impedance headphones makes the Magni 2 a very versatile amp.
Here's the slightly more subjective part:
The Magni 2 makes my headphones sound incrementally better than they already do. One of those headphones (the T15) is a very neutral IEM with some veiling all across and decent soundstage (for IEMs), the other (the D5000) is a warm sounding headphone with a very luxurious sounding bass which are a little loose, has slightly veiled mids, and highs that are neutral (nothing special) but has some occasional sparkle to them. The M2 did lift some veiling over the T15, clarity is increased, and it does open up the soundstage making it very good for an IEM.
The headphone that the M2 paired the best with was the D5000. Initially, as I put on my music I thought "where on earth did the bass go??". The bass on my D5k is probably the most notable thing about the headphone: it is warm, luxurious and laid back, but loose at times and a bit fat. What the stack did was that it took one look at the bass and ordered a diet plan and a workout regime for it, and now it's fitter, faster, snappier and punches harder than before. Not by a huge margin but enough to be quite noticeable. That makes the lower end a little more athletic and strips it of a layer of "fat", giving it a bit more definition and texture than before.
Sometimes when I play tracks that require speed, my D5k seem to lag behind as they prefer to jog instead of run. The Magni 2 however, comes right in and makes the D5k pick up the slack. They won't make it sprint, but it does make the D5k jog fast enough that it can be considered running. The M2 did make my music sound more analytical and colder at first, but after a few more days of use and my ears (and brain) have been burned in* I noticed how much smoother they sound now. Having adjusted to the sound, I no longer feel that they are cold and bright at all, but that extra punch that it has provided my D5ks still remains very noticeable. This is why it's important to reserve judgement until you've used a product for a reasonable amount of time. So far it's making my music significantly more engaging than before.
Also, if the Magni 2 introduced any distortions, it isn't audible to my ears at least. That holds true to listening levels that are painful (yes painful, way beyond uncomfortable) for me on both low and high gain.
*I don't think that amps (especially solid state amps) benefit from burn it, or if burning it does change the sound then it's inaudible.
possible caveats
It could make your headphones sound more clinical, analytical, etc. if that's what they are already, and you may not like it. It could make your music more engaging to you; the only way that's a bad thing is if you do listen to music passively while reading/studying/working and the music that you usually put on as your background music (BGM) becomes so engaging that it's no longer background music, turning it from head-bobbing music to dancing-in-your-seat music. Yes, that did happen to me, and my BGM playlist is A LOT shorter than it was pre-Magni 2.
Conclusion: The Magni 2 is a small, powerful, and versatile discrete desktop amp. It adds quite a bit of punch and it will help tighten up bass and remove veiling from your headphone, all without audible distortion with a wallet friendly price of $99. An alternative desktop amp that can compete in terms of versatility, price and size is the O2 amp, each option of course has its particular flavor of features and tradeoffs. If you're looking for an entry level amp that does all the above then I would highly recommend that you look at the Magni 2; if you need preamp outputs for desktop monitors (or for connecting to any other power amp) and you want MOAR POWER then you can look up the Uber version of the Magni 2.
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 small, wallet-friendly DAC/amp solution.
View previous replies…
Willy 2 Streams
Yes, I do feel this amp is a much better match with warm and lush sounding cans like your D5K, or my Senn HD 650's, due to its somewhat analytical flavor. You pair this amp with something like the Beyer DT series cans, you're gonna get too much brightness! Your amp really runs that hot? Mine barely gets warm. Again, a great review...I think you've nailed it.
Lethe
Yea, I'm currently living in a tropical country atm and it gets up to 35C even indoors, the amp can get hot but not hot enough to give me any concerns. Also, it's just the chassis of the amp that gets hot, strangely the volume pot only gets warm when the chassis gets to the hottest I've felt it. Then again it's all relatively. I'm not a fan of the DT series X) they sound a bit...off to my ears, I can't tell exactly what it is though. I'll be getting a really revealing and forward sounding CIEM soon with a neutral sound overall with a slight bass lift, can't wait to hear what the Magni 2 will do to it.
Willy 2 Streams
Whoa!...that'd explain it! My room temp is 66 degrees this time of year.
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)
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
The Magni 2's painted steel chassis is very solid, simple and elegant looking, although it doesn't look as pretty as the Uber version which has an aluminum top. It's the size of a very small paperback novel and stacks very neatly on top of my Modi 2 Uber, and they look great together as both units have an identical build cosmetically sans some ports and buttons.
possible caveats
The Magni 2 runs hot after 15-20 minutes of use as it is an A/B type amp. Not smartphone that's running load intensive apps hot, but butter-melting-within-15-seconds-upon-contact hot. It's well within tolerable but still hot. The hole in which the volume pot sticks out of has a gap of over 2mm, it is big enough that I can actually see the innards of the amp from arms length, and I'm sure this is not the intended design because it does look a bit unsightly. It's not the end of the world, but it's a small thing that I wish Schiit could address by having their metal guys mill a slightly smaller hole. The "subdued" white LED power indicator is quite bright, more so even than the one on the Modi 2U. You nocturnal types (or just sensitive to bright light types) might want to get a filter sticker to cover it. The indicator notch on the volume pot isn't very visible because it's just a cut-in notch, and with the finish of the volume pot being very reflective, it disappears sometimes.
side note Cables aren't provided, so you'll need to get a left and right RCA cable to connect your DAC, or an adapter for your pc, or whatever cable solution for your source is. Also, none of the possible caveats mentioned above are really bad enough for me to glare at (maybe except the volume pot hole gap because it doesn't look very good, and the volume notch visibility because it does affect usability ever so slightly)
Sound (x% objective, y% subjective):
The Magni 2 is a powerful discrete amp, according to the specs listed online it has a max output of 1.8W per channel at 16 ohms, and 130mW per channel at 600 ohms, which is more than enough power for even the more power hungry headphones. With my efficient D5000 (which one should noted that it has horrendous noise isolation for a closed-back and bleeds sound like crazy), in a typical home noise levels of 50+/- dB, my listening levels are between the 8 and 11:00 o'clock position of the volume pot on low gain. I should point out that I typically listen to music on the lower levels, so I had some other people with "normal" listening level preferences test out what they're comfortable with. Out of an average of 5 other people (sorry for the stupidly small sample size), listening levels are from 10 to 2 o'clock on low gain with my efficient (but bleedy) headphones.
Noise level on the M2 is loooow, in fact it's a black background with the volume pot on max (no audio playing through it of course, I don't want to die) on low gain with my both my headphones. The only time I can hear an extremely quiet hiss of a noise was when I switched my DAC input from optical to USB, on low gain, with the volume pot hitting max, with my headphoness plugged in (again, no audio playing). In fact on low gain (max volume pot etc.), I've plugged and unplugged my headphones and I couldn't tell the difference. No noise. Good job, Schiit.
The output impedance is rated by Schiit at 0.2 ohms, coupling that with the ability to power super high impedance headphones makes the Magni 2 a very versatile amp.
Here's the slightly more subjective part:
The Magni 2 makes my headphones sound incrementally better than they already do. One of those headphones (the T15) is a very neutral IEM with some veiling all across and decent soundstage (for IEMs), the other (the D5000) is a warm sounding headphone with a very luxurious sounding bass which are a little loose, has slightly veiled mids, and highs that are neutral (nothing special) but has some occasional sparkle to them. The M2 did lift some veiling over the T15, clarity is increased, and it does open up the soundstage making it very good for an IEM.
The headphone that the M2 paired the best with was the D5000. Initially, as I put on my music I thought "where on earth did the bass go??". The bass on my D5k is probably the most notable thing about the headphone: it is warm, luxurious and laid back, but loose at times and a bit fat. What the stack did was that it took one look at the bass and ordered a diet plan and a workout regime for it, and now it's fitter, faster, snappier and punches harder than before. Not by a huge margin but enough to be quite noticeable. That makes the lower end a little more athletic and strips it of a layer of "fat", giving it a bit more definition and texture than before.
Sometimes when I play tracks that require speed, my D5k seem to lag behind as they prefer to jog instead of run. The Magni 2 however, comes right in and makes the D5k pick up the slack. They won't make it sprint, but it does make the D5k jog fast enough that it can be considered running. The M2 did make my music sound more analytical and colder at first, but after a few more days of use and my ears (and brain) have been burned in* I noticed how much smoother they sound now. Having adjusted to the sound, I no longer feel that they are cold and bright at all, but that extra punch that it has provided my D5ks still remains very noticeable. This is why it's important to reserve judgement until you've used a product for a reasonable amount of time. So far it's making my music significantly more engaging than before.
Also, if the Magni 2 introduced any distortions, it isn't audible to my ears at least. That holds true to listening levels that are painful (yes painful, way beyond uncomfortable) for me on both low and high gain.
*I don't think that amps (especially solid state amps) benefit from burn it, or if burning it does change the sound then it's inaudible.
possible caveats
It could make your headphones sound more clinical, analytical, etc. if that's what they are already, and you may not like it. It could make your music more engaging to you; the only way that's a bad thing is if you do listen to music passively while reading/studying/working and the music that you usually put on as your background music (BGM) becomes so engaging that it's no longer background music, turning it from head-bobbing music to dancing-in-your-seat music. Yes, that did happen to me, and my BGM playlist is A LOT shorter than it was pre-Magni 2.
Conclusion: The Magni 2 is a small, powerful, and versatile discrete desktop amp. It adds quite a bit of punch and it will help tighten up bass and remove veiling from your headphone, all without audible distortion with a wallet friendly price of $99. An alternative desktop amp that can compete in terms of versatility, price and size is the O2 amp, each option of course has its particular flavor of features and tradeoffs. If you're looking for an entry level amp that does all the above then I would highly recommend that you look at the Magni 2; if you need preamp outputs for desktop monitors (or for connecting to any other power amp) and you want MOAR POWER then you can look up the Uber version of the Magni 2.
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 small, wallet-friendly DAC/amp solution.
View previous replies…
Willy 2 Streams
Yes, I do feel this amp is a much better match with warm and lush sounding cans like your D5K, or my Senn HD 650's, due to its somewhat analytical flavor. You pair this amp with something like the Beyer DT series cans, you're gonna get too much brightness! Your amp really runs that hot? Mine barely gets warm. Again, a great review...I think you've nailed it.
Lethe
Yea, I'm currently living in a tropical country atm and it gets up to 35C even indoors, the amp can get hot but not hot enough to give me any concerns. Also, it's just the chassis of the amp that gets hot, strangely the volume pot only gets warm when the chassis gets to the hottest I've felt it. Then again it's all relatively. I'm not a fan of the DT series X) they sound a bit...off to my ears, I can't tell exactly what it is though. I'll be getting a really revealing and forward sounding CIEM soon with a neutral sound overall with a slight bass lift, can't wait to hear what the Magni 2 will do to it.
Willy 2 Streams
Whoa!...that'd explain it! My room temp is 66 degrees this time of year.
The Magni 2 runs hot after 15-20 minutes of use as it is an A/B type amp. Not smartphone that's running load intensive apps hot, but butter-melting-within-15-seconds-upon-contact hot. It's well within tolerable but still hot. The hole in which the volume pot sticks out of has a gap of over 2mm, it is big enough that I can actually see the innards of the amp from arms length, and I'm sure this is not the intended design because it does look a bit unsightly. It's not the end of the world, but it's a small thing that I wish Schiit could address by having their metal guys mill a slightly smaller hole. The "subdued" white LED power indicator is quite bright, more so even than the one on the Modi 2U. You nocturnal types (or just sensitive to bright light types) might want to get a filter sticker to cover it. The indicator notch on the volume pot isn't very visible because it's just a cut-in notch, and with the finish of the volume pot being very reflective, it disappears sometimes.
side note Cables aren't provided, so you'll need to get a left and right RCA cable to connect your DAC, or an adapter for your pc, or whatever cable solution for your source is. Also, none of the possible caveats mentioned above are really bad enough for me to glare at (maybe except the volume pot hole gap because it doesn't look very good, and the volume notch visibility because it does affect usability ever so slightly)
Sound (x% objective, y% subjective):
The Magni 2 is a powerful discrete amp, according to the specs listed online it has a max output of 1.8W per channel at 16 ohms, and 130mW per channel at 600 ohms, which is more than enough power for even the more power hungry headphones. With my efficient D5000 (which one should noted that it has horrendous noise isolation for a closed-back and bleeds sound like crazy), in a typical home noise levels of 50+/- dB, my listening levels are between the 8 and 11:00 o'clock position of the volume pot on low gain. I should point out that I typically listen to music on the lower levels, so I had some other people with "normal" listening level preferences test out what they're comfortable with. Out of an average of 5 other people (sorry for the stupidly small sample size), listening levels are from 10 to 2 o'clock on low gain with my efficient (but bleedy) headphones.
Noise level on the M2 is loooow, in fact it's a black background with the volume pot on max (no audio playing through it of course, I don't want to die) on low gain with my both my headphones. The only time I can hear an extremely quiet hiss of a noise was when I switched my DAC input from optical to USB, on low gain, with the volume pot hitting max, with my headphoness plugged in (again, no audio playing). In fact on low gain (max volume pot etc.), I've plugged and unplugged my headphones and I couldn't tell the difference. No noise. Good job, Schiit.
The output impedance is rated by Schiit at 0.2 ohms, coupling that with the ability to power super high impedance headphones makes the Magni 2 a very versatile amp.
Here's the slightly more subjective part:
The Magni 2 makes my headphones sound incrementally better than they already do. One of those headphones (the T15) is a very neutral IEM with some veiling all across and decent soundstage (for IEMs), the other (the D5000) is a warm sounding headphone with a very luxurious sounding bass which are a little loose, has slightly veiled mids, and highs that are neutral (nothing special) but has some occasional sparkle to them. The M2 did lift some veiling over the T15, clarity is increased, and it does open up the soundstage making it very good for an IEM.
The headphone that the M2 paired the best with was the D5000. Initially, as I put on my music I thought "where on earth did the bass go??". The bass on my D5k is probably the most notable thing about the headphone: it is warm, luxurious and laid back, but loose at times and a bit fat. What the stack did was that it took one look at the bass and ordered a diet plan and a workout regime for it, and now it's fitter, faster, snappier and punches harder than before. Not by a huge margin but enough to be quite noticeable. That makes the lower end a little more athletic and strips it of a layer of "fat", giving it a bit more definition and texture than before.
Sometimes when I play tracks that require speed, my D5k seem to lag behind as they prefer to jog instead of run. The Magni 2 however, comes right in and makes the D5k pick up the slack. They won't make it sprint, but it does make the D5k jog fast enough that it can be considered running. The M2 did make my music sound more analytical and colder at first, but after a few more days of use and my ears (and brain) have been burned in* I noticed how much smoother they sound now. Having adjusted to the sound, I no longer feel that they are cold and bright at all, but that extra punch that it has provided my D5ks still remains very noticeable. This is why it's important to reserve judgement until you've used a product for a reasonable amount of time. So far it's making my music significantly more engaging than before.
Also, if the Magni 2 introduced any distortions, it isn't audible to my ears at least. That holds true to listening levels that are painful (yes painful, way beyond uncomfortable) for me on both low and high gain.
*I don't think that amps (especially solid state amps) benefit from burn it, or if burning it does change the sound then it's inaudible.
possible caveats
It could make your headphones sound more clinical, analytical, etc. if that's what they are already, and you may not like it. It could make your music more engaging to you; the only way that's a bad thing is if you do listen to music passively while reading/studying/working and the music that you usually put on as your background music (BGM) becomes so engaging that it's no longer background music, turning it from head-bobbing music to dancing-in-your-seat music. Yes, that did happen to me, and my BGM playlist is A LOT shorter than it was pre-Magni 2.
Conclusion: The Magni 2 is a small, powerful, and versatile discrete desktop amp. It adds quite a bit of punch and it will help tighten up bass and remove veiling from your headphone, all without audible distortion with a wallet friendly price of $99. An alternative desktop amp that can compete in terms of versatility, price and size is the O2 amp, each option of course has its particular flavor of features and tradeoffs. If you're looking for an entry level amp that does all the above then I would highly recommend that you look at the Magni 2; if you need preamp outputs for desktop monitors (or for connecting to any other power amp) and you want MOAR POWER then you can look up the Uber version of the Magni 2.
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 small, wallet-friendly DAC/amp solution.
View previous replies…
Willy 2 Streams
Yes, I do feel this amp is a much better match with warm and lush sounding cans like your D5K, or my Senn HD 650's, due to its somewhat analytical flavor. You pair this amp with something like the Beyer DT series cans, you're gonna get too much brightness! Your amp really runs that hot? Mine barely gets warm. Again, a great review...I think you've nailed it.
Lethe
Yea, I'm currently living in a tropical country atm and it gets up to 35C even indoors, the amp can get hot but not hot enough to give me any concerns. Also, it's just the chassis of the amp that gets hot, strangely the volume pot only gets warm when the chassis gets to the hottest I've felt it. Then again it's all relatively. I'm not a fan of the DT series X) they sound a bit...off to my ears, I can't tell exactly what it is though. I'll be getting a really revealing and forward sounding CIEM soon with a neutral sound overall with a slight bass lift, can't wait to hear what the Magni 2 will do to it.
Willy 2 Streams
Whoa!...that'd explain it! My room temp is 66 degrees this time of year.
Sound (x% objective, y% subjective):
The Magni 2 is a powerful discrete amp, according to the specs listed online it has a max output of 1.8W per channel at 16 ohms, and 130mW per channel at 600 ohms, which is more than enough power for even the more power hungry headphones. With my efficient D5000 (which one should noted that it has horrendous noise isolation for a closed-back and bleeds sound like crazy), in a typical home noise levels of 50+/- dB, my listening levels are between the 8 and 11:00 o'clock position of the volume pot on low gain. I should point out that I typically listen to music on the lower levels, so I had some other people with "normal" listening level preferences test out what they're comfortable with. Out of an average of 5 other people (sorry for the stupidly small sample size), listening levels are from 10 to 2 o'clock on low gain with my efficient (but bleedy) headphones.Noise level on the M2 is loooow, in fact it's a black background with the volume pot on max (no audio playing through it of course, I don't want to die) on low gain with my both my headphones. The only time I can hear an extremely quiet hiss of a noise was when I switched my DAC input from optical to USB, on low gain, with the volume pot hitting max, with my headphoness plugged in (again, no audio playing). In fact on low gain (max volume pot etc.), I've plugged and unplugged my headphones and I couldn't tell the difference. No noise. Good job, Schiit.
The output impedance is rated by Schiit at 0.2 ohms, coupling that with the ability to power super high impedance headphones makes the Magni 2 a very versatile amp.
Here's the slightly more subjective part:
The Magni 2 makes my headphones sound incrementally better than they already do. One of those headphones (the T15) is a very neutral IEM with some veiling all across and decent soundstage (for IEMs), the other (the D5000) is a warm sounding headphone with a very luxurious sounding bass which are a little loose, has slightly veiled mids, and highs that are neutral (nothing special) but has some occasional sparkle to them. The M2 did lift some veiling over the T15, clarity is increased, and it does open up the soundstage making it very good for an IEM.
The headphone that the M2 paired the best with was the D5000. Initially, as I put on my music I thought "where on earth did the bass go??". The bass on my D5k is probably the most notable thing about the headphone: it is warm, luxurious and laid back, but loose at times and a bit fat. What the stack did was that it took one look at the bass and ordered a diet plan and a workout regime for it, and now it's fitter, faster, snappier and punches harder than before. Not by a huge margin but enough to be quite noticeable. That makes the lower end a little more athletic and strips it of a layer of "fat", giving it a bit more definition and texture than before.
Sometimes when I play tracks that require speed, my D5k seem to lag behind as they prefer to jog instead of run. The Magni 2 however, comes right in and makes the D5k pick up the slack. They won't make it sprint, but it does make the D5k jog fast enough that it can be considered running. The M2 did make my music sound more analytical and colder at first, but after a few more days of use and my ears (and brain) have been burned in* I noticed how much smoother they sound now. Having adjusted to the sound, I no longer feel that they are cold and bright at all, but that extra punch that it has provided my D5ks still remains very noticeable. This is why it's important to reserve judgement until you've used a product for a reasonable amount of time. So far it's making my music significantly more engaging than before.
Also, if the Magni 2 introduced any distortions, it isn't audible to my ears at least. That holds true to listening levels that are painful (yes painful, way beyond uncomfortable) for me on both low and high gain.
*I don't think that amps (especially solid state amps) benefit from burn it, or if burning it does change the sound then it's inaudible.
possible caveats
It could make your headphones sound more clinical, analytical, etc. if that's what they are already, and you may not like it. It could make your music more engaging to you; the only way that's a bad thing is if you do listen to music passively while reading/studying/working and the music that you usually put on as your background music (BGM) becomes so engaging that it's no longer background music, turning it from head-bobbing music to dancing-in-your-seat music. Yes, that did happen to me, and my BGM playlist is A LOT shorter than it was pre-Magni 2.
Conclusion: The Magni 2 is a small, powerful, and versatile discrete desktop amp. It adds quite a bit of punch and it will help tighten up bass and remove veiling from your headphone, all without audible distortion with a wallet friendly price of $99. An alternative desktop amp that can compete in terms of versatility, price and size is the O2 amp, each option of course has its particular flavor of features and tradeoffs. If you're looking for an entry level amp that does all the above then I would highly recommend that you look at the Magni 2; if you need preamp outputs for desktop monitors (or for connecting to any other power amp) and you want MOAR POWER then you can look up the Uber version of the Magni 2.
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 small, wallet-friendly DAC/amp solution.
View previous replies…
Willy 2 Streams
Yes, I do feel this amp is a much better match with warm and lush sounding cans like your D5K, or my Senn HD 650's, due to its somewhat analytical flavor. You pair this amp with something like the Beyer DT series cans, you're gonna get too much brightness! Your amp really runs that hot? Mine barely gets warm. Again, a great review...I think you've nailed it.
Lethe
Yea, I'm currently living in a tropical country atm and it gets up to 35C even indoors, the amp can get hot but not hot enough to give me any concerns. Also, it's just the chassis of the amp that gets hot, strangely the volume pot only gets warm when the chassis gets to the hottest I've felt it. Then again it's all relatively. I'm not a fan of the DT series X) they sound a bit...off to my ears, I can't tell exactly what it is though. I'll be getting a really revealing and forward sounding CIEM soon with a neutral sound overall with a slight bass lift, can't wait to hear what the Magni 2 will do to it.
Willy 2 Streams
Whoa!...that'd explain it! My room temp is 66 degrees this time of year.
It could make your headphones sound more clinical, analytical, etc. if that's what they are already, and you may not like it. It could make your music more engaging to you; the only way that's a bad thing is if you do listen to music passively while reading/studying/working and the music that you usually put on as your background music (BGM) becomes so engaging that it's no longer background music, turning it from head-bobbing music to dancing-in-your-seat music. Yes, that did happen to me, and my BGM playlist is A LOT shorter than it was pre-Magni 2.
Conclusion: The Magni 2 is a small, powerful, and versatile discrete desktop amp. It adds quite a bit of punch and it will help tighten up bass and remove veiling from your headphone, all without audible distortion with a wallet friendly price of $99. An alternative desktop amp that can compete in terms of versatility, price and size is the O2 amp, each option of course has its particular flavor of features and tradeoffs. If you're looking for an entry level amp that does all the above then I would highly recommend that you look at the Magni 2; if you need preamp outputs for desktop monitors (or for connecting to any other power amp) and you want MOAR POWER then you can look up the Uber version of the Magni 2.
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 small, wallet-friendly DAC/amp solution.
View previous replies…
Willy 2 Streams
Yes, I do feel this amp is a much better match with warm and lush sounding cans like your D5K, or my Senn HD 650's, due to its somewhat analytical flavor. You pair this amp with something like the Beyer DT series cans, you're gonna get too much brightness! Your amp really runs that hot? Mine barely gets warm. Again, a great review...I think you've nailed it.
Lethe
Yea, I'm currently living in a tropical country atm and it gets up to 35C even indoors, the amp can get hot but not hot enough to give me any concerns. Also, it's just the chassis of the amp that gets hot, strangely the volume pot only gets warm when the chassis gets to the hottest I've felt it. Then again it's all relatively. I'm not a fan of the DT series X) they sound a bit...off to my ears, I can't tell exactly what it is though. I'll be getting a really revealing and forward sounding CIEM soon with a neutral sound overall with a slight bass lift, can't wait to hear what the Magni 2 will do to it.
Willy 2 Streams
Whoa!...that'd explain it! My room temp is 66 degrees this time of year.
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 small, wallet-friendly DAC/amp solution.
View previous replies…
Willy 2 Streams
Yes, I do feel this amp is a much better match with warm and lush sounding cans like your D5K, or my Senn HD 650's, due to its somewhat analytical flavor. You pair this amp with something like the Beyer DT series cans, you're gonna get too much brightness! Your amp really runs that hot? Mine barely gets warm. Again, a great review...I think you've nailed it.
Lethe
Yea, I'm currently living in a tropical country atm and it gets up to 35C even indoors, the amp can get hot but not hot enough to give me any concerns. Also, it's just the chassis of the amp that gets hot, strangely the volume pot only gets warm when the chassis gets to the hottest I've felt it. Then again it's all relatively. I'm not a fan of the DT series X) they sound a bit...off to my ears, I can't tell exactly what it is though. I'll be getting a really revealing and forward sounding CIEM soon with a neutral sound overall with a slight bass lift, can't wait to hear what the Magni 2 will do to it.
Willy 2 Streams
Whoa!...that'd explain it! My room temp is 66 degrees this time of year.
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)
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
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)
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
-
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
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
@Music Alchemist
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
So, basically, the Uber is just the same as the Modi 2 with a different finish?
Thazzz
I have now the E10K like DAC.
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!
Do you think that the Modi2U its an improvement?
Thanks!