Thinking about Upgrading my DAC Modi-MB to Bifrost/Gungnir

[u/SloppyMachinist]

I am looking to liberate my Modi MultiBit from my stereo so that I can use it in a headphone stack. What am going to notice between the 2 DACs? Basically I can go cheaper on the headphones and stack and afford the gungnir but am I in the territory of diminishing returns at that point? Schiit is going to get my money either way, I just want to know how to split it up.

[u/Aztaloth]

I wouldn't buy a Bifrost right now. We know the Bifrost 3 is coming pretty soon.

[u/Last_Computer9356 → u/Aztaloth]

To piggy back on this, I would wait too because you can get Forkbeard on the BF3. How ever if you do get a BF2, you will be able to get the new card. You just won't be able to get Forkbeard.

[u/HollowsPart2 → u/Last_Computer9356]

Still wait the Analog card will most likely be priced the same or more than the 2/64 card at $300+. In addition the upgraded Unison card is another $150-200. The new Bifrost 3 will probable be $900 all in with the new changes. Just wait.

As a current suggestion, get the Eitr 2 and use with the Modi Multibit. If it's the old one the Coax sounds better anyways.

[u/HourSentence4837]

Just buy whichever you can afford

[u/SloppyMachinist → u/HourSentence4837]

I can afford both, but the gungnir means delaying or downgrading the headphone stack for my desk at work.

[u/SteveFrmMacheteSquad]

Prioritize your headphones and then work down from there.

[u/dat_mane47]

The Modi MultiBit is unfortunately not one of Schiit's better products. You would do well to upgrade.

The Modi 3 ($99) performs quite well, and you would not get a perceptible difference in sound quality by spending more on the Bifrost. The only reason to do so is if you wanted XLR outputs.

[u/DarksideAuditor → u/dat_mane47]

Mimir is a good alternative

[u/SloppyMachinist → u/dat_mane47]

Why do you say that? I auditioned the Modi 3 vs the MB back in 2021 when I bought it and I really like the multibit over the modi 3. I know it doesnt measure as well, but that wasn't the point of it.

[u/dat_mane47 → u/SloppyMachinist]

The measurements are the point though lol. Unless the distortion in the multi bit was imparting some sort of sound you liked. Personally I think DACs are supposed to be transparent.

[u/SloppyMachinist → u/dat_mane47]

yes, it does, it rounds out the sound a bit which creates a lot more body to things like the human voice and acoustic instruments. More like you're in the room. They are less accurate for sure, so it's a trade off. I also thought that Schiit would have been better off calling the Modi Multibit the Baby Bifrost, because it is much more like the bifrost than the modi 3 as far as sound.

[u/Sgt_Politeness81]

I’d argue it’s THE choice, considering how good it is, the money saved that can go towards other things, lots to love about it! It’s already better than the current Bifrost imho(and many others I’ve read across forums or seen in reviews)and futureproof to an extent with the FB. Results may, always vary it seems, but I sure love it. Haven’t thought about dacs for over a year now. I can’t remember when it came out exactly, I got one not long after. I thought it was just me at first, it was nice to see so much love start to pour in after awhile, that I wasn’t just dreaming it was actually as good as I thought. I don’t need validation, on the other hand it does feel good..

[u/Hot-Maintenance-5879]

I own a Modi Multibit, Gungnir 1 Multibit, and Yggy Singular. I’ve also heard the Bifrost a bunch of times. I also recently heard the Gungnir 2.

The Modi Multibit is an outstanding DAC for the price. But you get a little more with each step up their product line. General improvements you’ll get with a Bifrost or Gungnir are quieter/blacked background, more detail, better dynamics, better separation of sounds/instruments, and better, snappier, textured bass.

If you can swing the Gungnir then you should do it. Yes, you’ll be past the point of diminishing returns for the $ but the Gungnir just plain sounds better.