There's the question! Seems like direct competition (both are balanced), and they both are getting killer reviews. I will say, that if you live in the U.S, I would assume warranty issues, will get handled easier, with the Schiit.
If I generalize based on my experience with NOS DAC then expect NOS DAC to have Thick, bassy sound with very organic and forward midrange and relaxed treble. This is based on my experience with Metrum Onyx. I don’t have 2ch setup right now so can’t comment on soundstaging. On my headphone setup I don’t feel any difference in soundstage of my Gungnir and Onyx.
Your Bifrost will be upgradable to unison in January, from what I understand.
Well, I have to say, your description of an NOS dac, is my ideal sound sig. I do plan to get either the Denafrips or Metrum NOS dac, one of these days, but for now my Gumby is doing the trick.
Consider TDA1541 DAC like audial or diy builds, very good bang for Buck!
Thanks! I will look into those. The Holo Spring, is and has been on my wish list, for a while.
Yeah I think I read that somewhere, but what does going from Gen5 to that really do? I have no issues with the current USB interface. The upgradable part that I'd be interested would be the DAC portion itself, ie going from the 4490 to the AD. Doesn't seem that option is available or they would've made that as the next step up....but who knows, maybe they have that on the back burner or not even possible.
Yeah I think I read that somewhere, but what does going from Gen5 to that really do? I have no issues with the current USB interface. The upgradable part that I'd be interested would be the DAC portion itself, ie going from the 4490 to the AD. Doesn't seem that option is available or they would've made that as the next step up....but who knows, maybe they have that on the back burner or not even possible.
If there's no difference then there's no point it seems to upgrade anyway. I'm not unhappy with the sound of my current setup at all, but I guess GAS gets me at times
Mine just arrived
I'll post more once it's stabilized and I've formed more impressions. That said, cold and out of the box it is a dramatic improvement over Eitr > Modi Multibit.
The overall impression is greater detail retrieval and bass definition with reduced digital glare and an overall smoother presentation. The decay on notes is very detailed and treble is much clearer with minimal fatiguing hash. I'm currently listening balanced with the Jotunheim.
This is really impressive.
There will be no upgrade for the DAC portion of the original Bifrost. Instead, Schiit is offering original Bifrost owners a $100 discount on purchase of Bifrost 2.
