[Sanlitun]

   
Sounds like what you're looking for is the Gungnir. 

 

 
I've never heard the Gungnir, but I had thought it might not be that big of a difference from the Bifrost?
 
I know the Bryston BDA-2 uses this same chipset and also has a XMOS USB interface, but it's also much more expensive. So much so you could buy a Gungnir and a top of the line USB to S/PDIF converter like the Audiophilleo to go with it. We do have a Bryston dealer here so maybe I will get a chance to demo the BDA-2.

 

[blasjw]

   
I've never heard the Gungnir, but I had thought it might not be that big of a difference from the Bifrost?
 
I know the Bryston BDA-2 uses this same chipset and also has a XMOS USB interface, but it's also much more expensive. So much so you could buy a Gungnir and a top of the line USB to S/PDIF converter like the Audiophilleo to go with it. We do have a Bryston dealer here so maybe I will get a chance to demo the BDA-2.

 
Ah o-k, cool.  I couldn't think of any DACs other than Gungnir that use AKM4399.  I'm not sure how Gungnir compares to Bifrost myself but I think with the Uber USB upgrade, the Bifrost has the same USB circuit as Gungnir.  As far as SPDIF converters go, I hear the Yellowtec Puck 2 Lite is supposed to be pretty good.

 

[music_man]

24/192 via something like off ramp or even a soundcard is better than usb at 32/384. i doubted it would be. i have to go kick myself. i don't know why everything is usb now.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

  24/192 via something like off ramp or even a soundcard is better than usb at 32/384. i doubted it would be. i have to go kick myself. i don't know why everything is usb now.

You probably haven't heard any decent USB implementations. Off-ramp is USB too, but you know that. 

 

[Glam Bash]

Was the PS audio PWD used with balanced outputs only? Can anyone give a comparison of the sound versus the single-ended outputs? Some of us are not fully balanced around here.

 

[m2man]

My ZDSE has more detail than my Mjolnir so SE on the PWD isn't anything to worry about as far as I can tell. Tough to find something to do a fair comparison on.

 

[music_man]

I just heard the off ramp at a store. isn't a device that takes usb and transforms it to spdif? I did not think it sent usb all the way to the dac? I am sorry I don't know this.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

  I just heard the off ramp at a store. isn't a device that takes usb and transforms it to spdif? I did not think it sent usb all the way to the dac? I am sorry I don't know this.

And this is exactly what USB DACs receivers do internally, converting usb to spdif or i2s. Didn't know there are any B&M stores selling off ramps. 

 

[rnadell]

  And this is exactly what USB DACs receivers do internally, converting usb to spdif or i2s. Didn't know there are any B&M stores selling off ramps. 

Please excuse my ignorance but what a off ramps?? Thanks

 

[music_man]

it is exactly what Andrew just said it is lol. i did not know this either. thank you Andrew. so how does it do dsd over spdif? i did not think most dacs could accept a dsd input signal on spdif? i am sure i am missing something again duh. at the store it was the owners own piece. he likes to speak highly of anything good. btw, i know what some of you think about dsd so if it doesn't do it i am not disappointed. i am guessing this is like a high end usb soundblaster(duh again). i am also guessing it is a better investment than the isubpower and gemini. more money as well. then again if a dac has good usb implementation and you use the isub stuff i really don't know. i don't know about plugging anything into a motherboard either. does not seem good.  i hope someone sets me straight here!

 

[3daudio]

  Please excuse my ignorance but what a off ramps?? Thanks

You spent to much time in the woods....eer your backyard.....

 
Off-ramp is a usb-spdif converter, a ddc (digital-digital converter), an interface....

 

[stainless824]

Was the PS audio PWD used with balanced outputs only? Can anyone give a comparison of the sound versus the single-ended outputs? Some of us are not fully balanced around here.

I use mine with an ayre ax-7e and kef ls50 speakers.

The balanced output is leagues better than the single ended when used on the same amp, but the ax7e is a fully balanced design and works best in balanced anyway. Unsure about SE amps only

 

[Glam Bash]

Thanks for the input guys. Interesting with the zana deux se vs. the mjolnir.

 

[stainless824]

Thanks for the input guys. Interesting with the zana deux se vs. the mjolnir.

depends on the headphones. Zana's on general principle would work well with the high impedance sennheisers whereas the mjolnir pairs well with Audezes.
 
Have you considered adding the BHA-1 to your list? Its a worthy mention- poor man's gs-x. Sounds great to boot with Planars

 

[Glam Bash]

I'm pretty happy with the amps I have(actually tickled pink) and the headphones are not conducive to swapping cables, but never say never right?