Schiit Gungnir DAC

[Rattle]

Whatever. So your theory is that a DAC should change the sound stream? That is what speakers and headphones are for, introduce character there as it is almost unavoidable there anyway. DACs and amps, nope, they should be transparent.

I didn't say that I don't have a theory. I only mentioned that a lot of those dacs sound the same. If that's the sound you think is correct and you enjoy it then happy for you. Doesn't matter what you or I think. I see you post a lot in threads with these same posts.

 

[Sonic Defender]

To each his own! Enjoy the music.

Absolutely, and I should have been more fair and accurate in what I stated. I should have said complete waste of money to me. Otherwise, it is like I have the right to judge how others do their thing. I certainly was crotchety there and that is never good. I agree with you, enjoy the music. Advice I will take, thanks.

 

[Sonic Defender]

I didn't say that I don't have a theory. I only mentioned that a lot of those dacs sound the same. If that's the sound you think is correct and you enjoy it then happy for you. Doesn't matter what you or I think. I see you post a lot in threads with these same posts.

I didn't say that I don't have a theory. I only mentioned that a lot of those dacs sound the same. If that's the sound you think is correct and you enjoy it then happy for you. Doesn't matter what you or I think. I see you post a lot in threads with these same posts.

Very true. Won't argue with you there.

 

[kumar402]

Not likely, you are doing sighted listening tests I am sure. Now saying that, some implementations are not very good. Essentially if you can hear a difference in DACs, with one or all of them something is wrong. A DAC should do NOTHING more than accurately convert digital signals into analogue output. This has been achieved with absolute audible transparency possible for a number of years and it can and is available for rather surprisingly small sums of money today in stand alone DACs. Not to mention, simply because you hear differences, ascribing to the theory that there are some topological reasons you hear differences (design decisions to colour the sound) you can't assume that this is true for anything other than your sample of three. Are they the same DACs as other poster was considering? If not your experience may not be applicable to their experience.

If you compare DS DAC with R2R or Multibit DACs you will hear a difference and that difference won’t be subtle but a big one.
Based on your listening preference you may like one over another.

 

[G0rt]

If you compare DS DAC with R2R or Multibit DACs you will hear a difference and that difference won’t be subtle but a big one.
Based on your listening preference you may like one over another.

I currently have 4 different DACs connected through a Saga, allowing me to switch them quickly. 3 of them are fed from a powered optical splitter, the 4th uses coax, all from the same Pi 4 running Volumio: Bifrost 4490, Modi Multibit, Gungnir Multibit & HUD MX2.

All can sound very different, but depending entirely on the music, the complexity, compression, the mix, speed, layering, etc..

In my experience, little that seems simple in theory, remains so in practice.

 

[lexterminator]

I have a Modi Multibit that I use in a living room system with a Saga/Vidar stack, compared to my Gustard A18 with AK4499 the Modi is more laidback and organic. But I typically prefer the brighter / more energetic AK4497/AK4499 chips especially along my Violectric V200 and Beyer T1.1 headphones with a Nordost Valhalla XLR cable. I would definitely be interested in a dual AK4499 Gungnir with Unison USB if it ever comes up but I don't hold my breath. I will still consider a Bifrost 2 / Gugnir Multibit as a complement to my current desk system. I'll post testing results if I pull the trigger on a new Schiit DAC.

 

[Stereolab42]

Just got a Gungnir Multibit to replace a high-end Sabre DAC. Really blown away by the precision of this DAC (paired with a WA-5 and original Abyss and LCD-XC). I feel like a kid in the candy store, going through familiar recordings just to hear how this DAC is presenting them. I'm sure some of this enthusiasm is the novelty factor of having a different DAC after so long, but it really does sound so damn sweet. I'd be shocked if the Yggy could be more than marginally better for more than another grand.

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

I've been wanting to upgrade my Modi Multibit to a Bifrost 2. As I watch the used market, the Bifrost 2 (probably because it is relatively new) are holding their value. But, the Gungnir multibits aren't. I primarily listen to HD800S headphones on my Bottlehead Crack. If the used price difference is only $200 or less, would it be better to pick up a Gungnir or a Bimby?

 

[Relaxasaurus]

I've been wanting to upgrade my Modi Multibit to a Bifrost 2. As I watch the used market, the Bifrost 2 (probably because it is relatively new) are holding their value. But, the Gungnir multibits aren't. I primarily listen to HD800S headphones on my Bottlehead Crack. If the used price difference is only $200 or less, would it be better to pick up a Gungnir or a Bimby?

I was so curious about the differences between the BF2 and the Gumby that I got both and made a review about it. I absolutely love the Gumby and am sad I sold it! I posted this elsewhere but hope this helps people pick out the differences in sound between the two.



Edit- starts at 17:29

 

[Stereolab42]

I've been wanting to upgrade my Modi Multibit to a Bifrost 2. As I watch the used market, the Bifrost 2 (probably because it is relatively new) are holding their value. But, the Gungnir multibits aren't. I primarily listen to HD800S headphones on my Bottlehead Crack. If the used price difference is only $200 or less, would it be better to pick up a Gungnir or a Bimby?

I have my BF2 multi sitting on top of my Gumby multi right now, both feeding into the WA5, similar quality cables. Going back-and-forth between them, the Gumby sounds a little bit less sloppy and more precise, but it's not a big difference. For me the price delta between the two is such that the Gumby is a no-brainer but if you're strapped for funds don't have any guilt picking the "Bimby". Once offices re-open it will return to being my office DAC.

 

[ksorota]

I was so curious about the differences between the BF2 and the Gumby that I got both and made a review about it. I absolutely love the Gumby and am sad I sold it! I posted this elsewhere but hope this helps people pick out the differences in sound between the two.




Edit- starts at 17:29

If you could choose again, would you still keep the AresII or would you have chosen the gumby?

 

[Relaxasaurus]

If you could choose again, would you still keep the AresII or would you have chosen the gumby?

I think the Gumby is better than the ARES II for sure. If I had to keep just one it would be the Gumby

 

[Sonic Defender]

I think the Gumby is better than the ARES II for sure. If I had to keep just one it would be the Gumby

Not a chance you would keep the Gumby over the RME ADI-2 I'll bet.

 

[ksorota]

I think the Gumby is better than the ARES II for sure. If I had to keep just one it would be the Gumby

Very interesting. Thanks for the reply!

 

[kumar402]

Not a chance you would keep the Gumby over the RME ADI-2 I'll bet.

I'm not sure why would anyone pick RME over Gumby. If soundstaging, imaging, warm tonality is pleasing to your ears then you would definitely pick Gumby over it.