What's the difference between the Schiit Modi 2 & Modi 2 Uber/Magni 2 & Magni 2 Uber?

[neen]

Hi guys,
 
I currently have a pair of Sennheiser 558s (and I absolutely love them). I have a Fiio E9/E17 combo. Unfortunately, I frequently hear static - especially when I am adjusting the volume, and it's really annoying. So, I'm looking for something else. I saw the Schiit Modi/Magni 2, and they look awesome, but I'm not really sure what the difference is between the Modi 2/Magni 2 and their Uber versions. I'm guessing that the non-Uber versions should work just fine for me? If anyone has any other recommendations, I'm open to those as well. I'm looking to spend $300 or less.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Quote:

What's the difference between the Schiit Modi 2 & Modi 2 Uber/Magnus 2 & Magnus 2 Uber?

 

OK, first off...it's Magni. Magnus is Latin for "great," like Pompey Magnus. Magni is the son of Thor, brother of Modi, hence the name of the products - Vali is their uncle, the former TOTL are Gungnir and Mjolnir, Odin's and Thor's weapons, and now we have the new flagships Yggdrasil and Ragnarok, named after the world tree and the end times.

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by neen /img/forum/go_quote.gif

 

So, I'm looking for something else. I saw the Schiit Modi/Magnus 2, and they look awesome, but I'm not really sure what the difference is between the Modi 2/Magnus 2 and their Uber versions. I'm guessing that the non-Uber versions should work just fine for me?

 

Performance wise there are some tweaks to the sound of both, likely more precise imaging while having more deifinition/detail. Whether you can hear the difference is not something we can guess.

 

In terms of features there are more differences. Modi2 runs off USB power, so if you computer has some noise, you might get a problem; this also affects compatibility with Android and iOS since they don't supply as much power as a motherboard USB port. Modi2 Uber has SPDIF inputs and has a separate power brick, which is used even with USB, so its compatibility with Android and iOS is better. Magni2 Uber also has a preamplifier output to control powered speakers or a (pure) power amp (ie no preamp stage of its own) to drive speakers.

 

[neen]

My bad on the names. Sounds like it's not a big deal to me either way, then. I have a retina MacBook Pro, so I don't think I'll have any problems with USB power, but my current setup has a power brick too, so I'd be fine with the Modi 2 Uber.
 
I imagine the Modi 2 Uber will work with a Magni 2 no problem?

 

[ProtegeManiac]

  My bad on the names. Sounds like it's not a big deal to me either way, then. I have a retina MacBook Pro, so I don't think I'll have any problems with USB power, but my current setup has a power brick too, so I'd be fine with the Modi 2 Uber.
 
I imagine the Modi 2 Uber will work with a Magni 2 no problem?

 
Won't have any problems. The Magni2 Uber really is just more refined and has the preamp output. If you're certain you will never add speakers in the future then the non-Uber will work fine.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  My bad on the names. Sounds like it's not a big deal to me either way, then. I have a retina MacBook Pro, so I don't think I'll have any problems with USB power, but my current setup has a power brick too, so I'd be fine with the Modi 2 Uber.
 
I imagine the Modi 2 Uber will work with a Magni 2 no problem?

 
If you just use the E17, digital connected (USB or optical) to the Mac (Mac > E17 > HD558) and not the E9, how is the sound quality?

 

[neen]

Probably fine - it doesn't have the same volume controls as the E9, which is what seems to cause the really annoying static noise (which keeps happening for a while after the volume has been adjusted).

 

[Monsterzero]

 

 

OK, first off...it's Magni. Magnus is Latin for "great," like Pompey Magnus. Magni is the son of Thor, brother of Modi, hence the name of the products - Vali is their uncle, the former TOTL are Gungnir and Mjolnir, Odin's and Thor's weapons, and now we have the new flagships Yggdrasil and Ragnarok, named after the world tree and the end times.

 

 

 

Respect for your knowledge of Paganism

 

[Music Alchemist]

From the FAQ sections of the official pages:
 

So what’s the difference between Magni 2 and Magni 2 Uber?
Lots of things. Let’s break it down:
 
Preamp Outputs: Uber has them, standard doesn’t.
Gain Stage: Uber has a complementary-input VAS, standard doesn’t.
Power Supply: Uber has 3x the transformer (24VA vs 8VA) and 1.6x the filter capacitance (6,400 vs 4,000uF), as well as more sophisticated regulators (programmable vs fixed) and a higher rail voltage (+/-16V vs +/-15V)
Chassis: Uber gets an aluminum top cover and solid aluminum milled knob, standard is painted steel and an aluminum-covered plastic knob.

What’s the difference between Modi 2 and Modi 2 Uber?
Lots. Let’s break it down:
 

1. Inputs: Modi 2 only has USB, Modi 2 Uber has USB, optical, and coax.
2. Control: Modi 2 has no controls, Modi 2 Uber has an input selection switch.
3. Power Supply: Modi 2 is USB powered, Modi 2 Uber has a linear power supply and wall-wart.
4. Analog Section: Modi 2 is capacitor-coupled output, Modi 2 Uber has DC-coupled output with a servo.
5. Chassis: Modi 2 has a painted steel chassis, while Modi 2 Uber has an aluminum top and pushbutton (pinched off the Bifrost, natch!)

 
You can view more detailed differences on the "specs" tabs on these links:
http://schiit.com/products/magni-2
http://schiit.com/products/modi-2
 
Long story short, you don't need the Uber versions, but might want them anyway.
 
I had the Magni 2 Uber and Modi 2. That brushed aluminum on the Uber is sooo much nicer than the painted steel of the basic version.
 
Another bit of info: Schiit themselves told me that even though the Modi 2 Uber has its own power supply, it's powered by USB when you use the USB input, but you still have to keep it plugged into the wall since the linear power supply runs everything but the USB input.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

  Respect for your knowledge of Paganism

 
I'm actually more into sacrificing at the Altar of Chaos Undivided. Although on the daily basis (and that includes some...errr...wild Saturday nights, like last Saturday night), I mainly worship Slaanesh. At the restaurant I eat prime rib, then I move to the bedroom and eat...er...oysters. That smell like lilac blooms instead of garlic butter. 

 
 
 

  Probably fine - it doesn't have the same volume controls as the E9, which is what seems to cause the really annoying static noise (which keeps happening for a while after the volume has been adjusted).

 
You could probably just clean that with WD40 (look up procedures in the DIY forums on how to do that without desoldering the pot) and save up for something that is a lot less likely to just get dirty due to use, like the Meier Jazz (it uses a digital potentiometer, the knob is just there but works with an ADC to interpret the inputs, and works faster than mashing a + or - button).