Schiit Modi Multibit 2 DAC

[mjstealey]

Thanks so much miistl for your input and to all those who followed - much appreciated.

I listen 2 channel and wondered if you feel that a higher end USB cord into the MMB2 is money well spent or would I be better off putting those funds into RCA's from amp to dac?

Thank you.

Generally speaking you're better off putting those funds into the gear (DAC, amp, etc.) and holding off on the "higher end" cables until the rest of your system has settled into place. That said, you should still be looking for quality, well built cables - but that doesn't necessarily translate to higher end or expensive.

Unison USB in the MM2 (or Bifrost - saw your posts over there as well) has already put a lot of emphasis on electromagnetic and electrostatic isolation to help keep the signal from being "electrically polluted" as it were.

Some general USB cable guidance:
- Keep your USB run short (within reason for placement), anything under 2 meters should be fine
- Minimize the number of adapters in the source-to-DAC connection, Apple sometimes makes this a requirement (MFI)
- If you feel compelled to spend some money, I've had good experience with both Wireworld (flat format cable) and Supra (fat/chunky cable) brands - YMMV, entry level tiers in my case - Wireworld has more connector options

Similar recommendations for RCA / XLR / Speaker cabling
- Keep your runs short (within reason for placement) - 2 m or less for RCA, XLR can go muuuuch further since that is what it was designed for
- Determine if you want "locking" or "friction" connections (pros/cons to each type)
- I've had a good experience with the offerings from Worlds Best Cables (WBC) which are reasonably priced with a variety of configurations
- Have also heard/read good things about Blue Jeans Cables (interconnect / speaker) as well as Snakeoil Cables (interconnect)

 

[2bxfile]

This was me with headphone cables. Didn't buy in but hey let's try and I did hear a difference. Buy a reasonably priced, well-made item and you should be ok.

Thanks for the good advice.

 

[2bxfile]

Generally speaking you're better off putting those funds into the gear (DAC, amp, etc.) and holding off on the "higher end" cables until the rest of your system has settled into place. That said, you should still be looking for quality, well built cables - but that doesn't necessarily translate to higher end or expensive.

Unison USB in the MM2 (or Bifrost - saw your posts over there as well) has already put a lot of emphasis on electromagnetic and electrostatic isolation to help keep the signal from being "electrically polluted" as it were.

Some general USB cable guidance:
- Keep your USB run short (within reason for placement), anything under 2 meters should be fine
- Minimize the number of adapters in the source-to-DAC connection, Apple sometimes makes this a requirement (MFI)
- If you feel compelled to spend some money, I've had good experience with both Wireworld (flat format cable) and Supra (fat/chunky cable) brands - YMMV, entry level tiers in my case - Wireworld has more connector options

Similar recommendations for RCA / XLR / Speaker cabling
- Keep your runs short (within reason for placement) - 2 m or less for RCA, XLR can go muuuuch further since that is what it was designed for
- Determine if you want "locking" or "friction" connections (pros/cons to each type)
- I've had a good experience with the offerings from Worlds Best Cables (WBC) which are reasonably priced with a variety of configurations
- Have also heard/read good things about Blue Jeans Cables (interconnect / speaker) as well as Snakeoil Cables (interconnect)

Thanks so much for your suggestions mj. Just got back on - rough couple of days.

I am, right now, looking to replace my existing integrated. I listen exclusively to 2 channel - maybe my loss, but I never went the headphone way for some reason.

As I am looking to purchase my first outboard dac (MMB2 or BF2/64) I don't know if I should purchase strictly an analogue integrated or (so I don't limit myself) an amp with digital inputs. I'm looking for a piece that isn't bright but, if possible, on a bit of the warmer, analogue side. A tall order I know. If you have any suggestions in the 2 to 4k price range, I'd like to hear them and would appreciate your input. Thank you.

 

[Brubacca]

Personally if I had 2K to 4k to spend on an integrated I'd probably start by looking at Ragnarok 2 from Schiit. You have instant synergy with the DACs and their should be plenty of opinions/reviews out there. Maybe even Freya + or S with Aegir or Vidar 2 depending on your speakers.

That being said I own both a Naim Nait 5si and Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 1. (both from before the Schiit products were available). The Cronus is a full tube amp and while its literally my favorite amp It sits in the basement unused. I just rarely have the time for dedicated listening. Its easily tuned with different preamp tube, mullard being very romantic sounding (warm). The Nait is very transparent and I wouldn't call it warm. Although Schiit and Naim have good synergy in my book.

(I do actually own Schiit gear. I have a Modi Multibit 2 and an Gungnir Multibit A1.)

 

[Hyde00]

One of the head-fi friend I talked to highly recommend Ragnarok 2 + Gungnir Multibit A1, so you guys might be onto something.

I'm poor so I stick to budget tier.

 

[Brubacca]

And Actually I have found cables to actually make a difference. I have the brands that I prefer. I generally stay in the lower tier cost wise. If you like warmer sound then I really like the Chord cables... I've used the Clearway model. Analysis plus is very detailed and neutral. I use their Black Oval 12 speaker cable. Also used Nordost Blue Heaven which has really good synergy with the Tube amp.

Audioquest Cinnamon is the USB I use.
Not a popular opinion here about cables, but it is my experience.

 

[Hyde00]

Not a popular opinion here about cables, but it is my experience.

I prefer the Audiophile Ninja TH900 cable over the stock TH900 cable, makes them sound warmer/bassier. So I definitely agree with you that cable makes a difference.

Though I haven't had a chance to explore RCA and USB cables too much. Right now I just use UGREEN cables for those LOL.

 

[Runrunsmithfly]

One of the head-fi friend I talked to highly recommend Ragnarok 2 + Gungnir Multibit A1, so you guys might be onto something.

I'm poor so I stick to budget tier.

I retired and basically poor too. More bang for your buck with Schiit. A Modi Multibit 2 is a high end DAC for me and a Vahalla 2 is my end game tube amp!

 

[2bxfile]

Hi guys. Thanks so much for all of your suggestions.

I must qualify the amount that I have to spend on an amp; they are Canadian tokens - they do not go as far as the green backs.

I have looked at the Ragnarok 2 - very nice piece. The problem for me is that not only the initial shipping to my country, but if I have to send it back across the border for service the shipping would be enormous. Shipping is getting crazy these days. And geopolitically, things are heating up and I'd like to have things closer to home. The little Schiit dac is a wee bit different, I could take my chances with the small price of the MMB2.

Query: now that you've told me that I can achieve some level of warmth (maybe small) from cables, do you think that if I purchase an amp that has no history or reviews for warmth, that I could find my desired warm signature from a nice pair of "known to be warm" loud speakers such as Sonus Faber or Dali? Does this sound like it could be a solution for me to achieve system warmth?

Thanks guys.

 

[mjstealey]

And Actually I have found cables to actually make a difference. I have the brands that I prefer. I generally stay in the lower tier cost wise. If you like warmer sound then I really like the Chord cables

Not a popular opinion here about cables, but it is my experience.

I agree that the cabling can indeed make a difference, but wouldn't over emphasize cable exploration until after the components have been chosen and listened to for a good while.
It's hard to know what cable attributes to tweak until you have the rest of your gear in place and fully acclimated to your own brain/ears.

 

[Hyde00]

I have looked at the Ragnarok 2 - very nice piece. The problem for me is that not only the initial shipping to my country, but if I have to send it back across the border for service the shipping would be enormous. Shipping is getting crazy these days. And geopolitically, things are heating up and I'd like to have things closer to home. The little Schiit dac is a wee bit different, I could take my chances with the small price of the MMB2.

I meannnnnnnn, I think people gave you suggestion in that price range since you stated your budget is 2k to 4k range lol.

Otherwise I totally share the same sentiments since I'm also in Canada, and everytime we get "bang for buck" gear from the states it usually end up not so "bang for buck" anymore once it arrives here.

For example last time I bought Magni Piety it was amazing deal inside the states but once it arrives here I got shafted with shipping + tax. Same thing happened to Modi Multibit 2. Unfortunately cost wise I think generally it's cheaper to SMSL/Topping stuff since they are sold inside Amazon Canada so we save a lot of cost from shipping + import tax. Just too bad they don't have much warm sounding gear.

Query: now that you've told me that I can achieve some level of warmth (maybe small) from cables, do you think that if I purchase an amp that has no history or reviews for warmth, that I could find my desired warm signature from a nice pair of "known to be warm" loud speakers such as Sonus Faber or Dali? Does this sound like it could be a solution for me to achieve system warmth?

I really believe audio gear is a math problem.

Like speakers (cold/warm) + dac (cold/warm) + cables (cold/warm) = final outcome.

I'm a bit extreme so I picked a very colored headphone Lawton TH900 (bass canon) + Lyr 3 (hybrid tube) + SDAC (contrary to popular believe, it's a rather colored dac) = very colored sound at the end and it's how I like it. I'm also fan of Grado if that helps explain my case LOL.

That being said I'd put cable at the end maybe pick speakers first then pick a dac that synergize well with the speakers and do cable for final fine tune.

Good luck!

 

[Brubacca]

Hi guys. Thanks so much for all of your suggestions.

I must qualify the amount that I have to spend on an amp; they are Canadian tokens - they do not go as far as the green backs.

I have looked at the Ragnarok 2 - very nice piece. The problem for me is that not only the initial shipping to my country, but if I have to send it back across the border for service the shipping would be enormous. Shipping is getting crazy these days. And geopolitically, things are heating up and I'd like to have things closer to home. The little Schiit dac is a wee bit different, I could take my chances with the small price of the MMB2.

Query: now that you've told me that I can achieve some level of warmth (maybe small) from cables, do you think that if I purchase an amp that has no history or reviews for warmth, that I could find my desired warm signature from a nice pair of "known to be warm" loud speakers such as Sonus Faber or Dali? Does this sound like it could be a solution for me to achieve system warmth?

Thanks guys.

In Canada the first company I'd really look at is Sim Audio as a canadian manufacturer. Think they are regarded Neutral to Warm. Another brand that I associate with warm electronics is Rega. Don't discount tubes. When I was listening a couple generations ago the Prima Luna Integrated was warm, it used EL34 Tubes.
These should all be able to be auditioned if you have hifi shops close. In fact, I listened to my Sonus Faber Venere with the Prima Luna integrated and it was a really amazing combo, my memory being a bit more warm than what I wanted. That combo didn't do pearl jam and metallica well.

As far as system warmth or not, Speakers do have a long way to go for this. Cables are really a minor, but noticeable difference. I wouldn't count on Cables to make a bright system warm.

Good Luck.

 

[emorrison33]

I don't know if I should purchase strictly an analogue integrated or (so I don't limit myself) an amp with digital inputs.

Completely my opinion, but I'd get the digital inputs. I like to have backups to my gear. Nothing scares me more then not being able to listen to my music LOL

 

[2bxfile]

Personally if I had 2K to 4k to spend on an integrated I'd probably start by looking at Ragnarok 2 from Schiit. You have instant synergy with the DACs and their should be plenty of opinions/reviews out there. Maybe even Freya + or S with Aegir or Vidar 2 depending on your speakers.

That being said I own both a Naim Nait 5si and Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 1. (both from before the Schiit products were available). The Cronus is a full tube amp and while its literally my favorite amp It sits in the basement unused. I just rarely have the time for dedicated listening. Its easily tuned with different preamp tube, mullard being very romantic sounding (warm). The Nait is very transparent and I wouldn't call it warm. Although Schiit and Naim have good synergy in my book.

(I do actually own Schiit gear. I have a Modi Multibit 2 and an Gungnir Multibit A1.)

I've been looking at the Nait - wonderful piece.

 

[2bxfile]

And Actually I have found cables to actually make a difference. I have the brands that I prefer. I generally stay in the lower tier cost wise. If you like warmer sound then I really like the Chord cables... I've used the Clearway model. Analysis plus is very detailed and neutral. I use their Black Oval 12 speaker cable. Also used Nordost Blue Heaven which has really good synergy with the Tube amp.

Audioquest Cinnamon is the USB I use.
Not a popular opinion here about cables, but it is my experience.

Thanks Brubacca: I'm going to look at the Chord cables probably after I decide upon an amp.