Non-technical,
I came home from work one night, turned on my amplifier and started listening to my HD800S headphones - Bifrost Multibit was already on, so it was nice and thermally stable. I don't know if it was my mood, or room temperature, or what I ate that evening. Bimby was really talking to me. There was the basic layer of music, which I'd heard everyday I had listened before. But something was new - special that day. It was like a layer of grit, separating me from my musical experience had been lifted. I was getting that rare glimpse into the heart of the music, where I was feeling what was meant for me to feel. That extra nuance to the vocals. Where you know that singer was in the studio singing multiple times, but that one time, they did something slightly different and got the sound just right. That little wink of a special connection, extra appreciation of the one moment - it just clicks.
Well, let's step back and say no such thing ever happened during my several months ownership of the Bifrost 4490. I've personally owned all four generations of Bifrost, and I personally had more of that wow moment in hearing the Bifrost Uber versus the 4490. The 4490 is kind of when technology says you're going to upgrade, no matter what. But you already got used to the previous technology. It's when Windows moves all the menu options around, for no good or obvious reason. But you've got to do it, because...well, it's newer technology. On the surface, 4490 is all shiny and new. But when you look deeper, under the surface, seeking that special moment, the Multibit is way, way better!
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Amplifiers are very personal. Are you seeking ultimate detail? Valhalla 2 is quite nice, and looks really good on top of the Bifrost. Are you looking for a little warmth? Lyr 2 looks equally good, and can be warmed up a little with tube rolling. What was I using that special day, listening to the Bifrost - Cavalli Liquid Carbon. I'm not as personally familiar with the Lyr 2, having heard it only once - cannot compare properly. The Carbon is solid state, likely a little more direct, but still takes away a little of the edge. You never mentioned your price. Moving up from there, I like the Eddie Current Black Widow more - I have to watch the volume very carefully with that amplifier, because it woos me. Tempts me to turn up the volume! And moving up from there, the Headamp GS-X mk2 will produce an unrelenting sound, detail and depth unmatched by anything I've heard. But by that point, I would no longer be using a Bifrost. What price did you say again?
I'll go back into my cage now
