Comparing the Schiit Modi 2 Multibit with my Geek Out 2A, I've noticed some differences on my Marantz PM-5005 and Wharfedale SP-87 towers. The 2A is smoother, more laid back, and the bass is tighter and more detailed. The Schiit is brighter, not necessarily more detailed, and not as pleasant and easy to listen to. Same kind of deal on my studio monitors, but I'm still comparing.
Next plans involve running the Schiit into the Valhalla 2 on headphones and seeing how that compares to the 2A as well.
My buddy and I tried it on his system vs a Geek Out 2A as well. My impressions are below:
Overall, pretty neck and neck generally speaking. I think the Multibit was more consistent in "quality", but there were certainly times it would fall behind the Geek Out. Sometimes I had problems telling them apart because the sound signatures would switch back and forth on us, depending on the track. Overall, the vocals on the Multibit were more relaxed and natural sounding, the musical instruments were sharper, more pinpoint accurate, with more detail. Extremely "articulate". But again, there were times I swore I was listening to the Multibit but it was the Geek Out. On some tracks, the Geek Out would be more harsh and treble-filled, but then one track over on the album, the opposite would be true. Overall, the Geek Out was more mellow and laid back, wider soundstage. The Multibit was more powerful, in your face, and accurate.
Both DACs were hooked up to his Macbook, and both were plugged into his P-304 Onkyo Integra Pre-Amp, plugged into his Onkyo M-508 Grand Integra amp. We switched sources on the fly using his Mac and the Pre-Amp, back and forth on the same songs as they ran.
The speakers were Klipsch Chorus 2.
