Thank you for the comparison, the Asguard/Bifrost setup sounds pretty awesome. I just bought the base Modi and Magni Heresy as my first dac/amp along with a some HD6XXs. Already making me want to upgrade haha! I never knew the world of audio could be so awesome and now I'm hooked.
Incidentally, some of the reference material I used: 1) Michael Hromek Celtic Guitar. Every aspect of guitar playback was more vivid on the asgard 3. 2) Diana Krall: love scenes. "My love" micro detail like lips and and finger plucks were more defined on the A3 3) Cleveland Quartet: Beethoven (1994 Telarc) Definition and decay with ambient recovery were better with the A3.
but you just said in your magni 3+/heresy review that the differences in sound compared to the asgard 3 were minimal. Is it the dac here that makes the difference, in this case the bifrost compared to the modi? I'm currently using the hd6xx and sundara and in the magni review, you said that the differences were really small using those 2 headphones, yet here you stated the sound difference was noticeable. I'm quite confused right now of which to get and the dac to pair them with.
I would love to see your results with the Asgard 3 with the Modi Multibit vs the Bifrost 2. I'm wondering if the amp was the largest factor in improvement with the setup tested here.
For me? It’s all about the “pots” (potentiometers/volume knob). I saved some $ and picked up Schiit’s classic-bundle (bifrostMB+Asgard2). Easier volume tracking. More aluminum! 🎧 I have the smaller Magni, ModiMB, Vali2, and yes... even the Fulla2 my point: different boxes for different 🎧 cans & music files. Honestly, I think 🤔 there’s no WRONG choice... for
Great video as usual keep up the good work I'm currently using the Modi Multi-Bit paired with the drop CTH hybrid amp and also with the emotiva a-100 flex amp in direct mode with jumpers in I need the extra power from that for my Fostex T-XO from drop also and very pleased with the results Thanks again.
I know many are against it, but since I'm minimalist I prefer just having that multibit DAC in Asgard 3. Sure, it doesn't measure as well but honestly I doubt you can hear the difference between having Modi multibit separately or having that multibit DAC inside Asgard 3 for cleaner look.
As my favorite reviewer, I am thrilled that you have put so much effort into this question. Because of your reviews, i am buying an asgard for my sundara and would live to know your suggestion for a dac? Something Less than the Bifrost? Thank you in advance!
I have ordered an Asgard 3 and was going to get a Modius E, but honestly I think I'll just get a Bifrost 2, it's nearly 3x the price, but I'll likely never need to replace/upgrade it, whereas my goopy brain will probably wonder what could have been if I had just gone for the big guns first. Going for something more than the Asgard 3 seems silly spec-wise but also cost-wise if I end up with a Bifrost. EDIT: I got the Asgard 3 and have been using it for almost 2 weeks and I was very impressed with how much better the Sundara and 700 Pro X sound with it, still using the Modi. I've got a Bifrost 2/64 on the way, super keen to hear how it sounds. I've got high hopes due to the reviews I've heard.
For fun, why not swap the DAC around and compare the outputs again? it may turn out that DAC s differences are minor, but more differences are in the headphone amp, especially if you only use SE output and non-USB connection.
I did that to some degree in my amp reviews. The idea of this video was specifically to focus on the differences with whole system upgrades. Thanks for the suggestion though. I might do some more videos like this one.
Hello, Could you identify the white headphones that are shown early on in this video? Interesting to see something that looks like that among your collection, so I'm curious. Thank you.
I just ordered 6XX. I'm thinking to buy Asgard 3. I have HRT Music Streamer II DAC. Should I replace it or will it be good enough? I can't afford Bifrost. What would be cheper option? Thanks!
@@insertaghere Doesn't that card have terrible reviews? I believe one of the reviewers said you are better off using a Modi with the A3 instead of getting the card.
Looks like you're going to be reviewing the SMSL SP200 soon. I'll be very interested to hear your thoughts on how it compares to the THX 789 and the Asgard 3. I have both the SP200 and the Asgard 3 and there are some very interesting differences I've noticed between them (using Bifrost 2 for the DAC and Sennheiser HD 660 S for headphones).
Okay, here's my comparison of the Asgard 3 and the SMSL SP200 amps: As Amos said in his comparison (which is out now), the Asgard 3 gives the music a warm and bloomy sound. On my HD 660 S headphones, there was a noticeable increase in all the lower frequencies. Normally I feel like my Sennheisers don't have enough bass, but with the Asgard that little boost gave them just the right amount of bass. Also as Amos said in his comparison, the soundstage seemed to be a bit larger with the Asgard. I'm actually not 100% sure it's technically "larger", but what I definitely noticed is that the Asgard made sounds that are farther out in the soundstage louder and more noticeable (so that may just give the illusion that the soundstage is larger). In either case, the soundstage was more enjoyable on the Asgard compared to the SP200. These differences in warmth and soundstage made the Asgard sound very engaging and "soulful". At first I loved it and I thought it made a lot of my music sound "exciting". However, I started getting really annoyed with the Asgard for a few reasons: 1. It made everything sound too warm and bloomy. Notes felt like they were "lower" or "heavier" than they should be. For example, female vocals sounded deeper and more masculine. At first I liked how the lower frequencies were a little boosted, but eventually I felt like everything just sounded "wrong". (Please note, however, that what might sound "wrong" to me might sound "good" to you, and it might sound better on a different pair of headphones.) 2. Music with a focus on upper mids and lower highs sounded lifeless. The warmth of the amp seemed to be drowning out those upper notes and killing their energy. So while the warmth/bloom made some songs sound a lot better and more soulful, it made other songs sound boring lifeless. 3. The Asgard made some cymbals and "S"s in vocals sound sibilant. This only happened on music that wasn't recorded particularly well, but nothing ever sounded sibilant with the SP200 (those recordings were still on the verge of sounding sibilant with the SP200, but with the Asgard they were definitely sibilant). 4. In songs with a lot of instruments playing at the same time, I had a harder time picking out the sounds from each instrument when using the Asgard. Everything sounded cleaner with the SP200. The difference was fairly small though, and it's possible that this is only an issue when pairing the Asgard with the Sennheiser HD 6*0 line of headphones since those headphones have a relatively small soundstage, so busy music already feels a little congested. YMMV depending on your setup. My setup was: Bifrost 2 -> Asgard 3 (RCA) / SP200 (XLR) -> HD 660 S
woollybogger Thanks! That was perfect. Based on your feedback, and other reviews, I’m pretty sure that the Asgard is not for me. I read somewhere that Schiit solid state amps sound similar to tube amps, and I’m starting to believe it. Not the sound I’m looking for. My only concern regarding the SP200 is the cheap volume potentiometer, and the channel imbalance issues that it tends to cause with very efficient headphones or IEM’s. I own the Focal Elegia and the Bowers & Wilkins P9, and both of those are very low impedance and have high sensitivity. I’m afraid that the volume knob might not play nice with them at reasonable listening levels. Do you own any low impedance / high sensitivity headphones? If so, have you had issues with them?
@@edwinramos4910 I did think the Asgard sounded a little tubey. Good to know that other people think the same thing. I just got some IEMs this week and also some headphones that are pretty sensitive (32 ohms, 114 dB/V). However, I'm not sure when I'll be able to test those because my Bifrost is currently being repaired. I'll let you know as soon as I get my Bifrost back. All I can say for now is that I tried listening for the channel imbalance with my 660s and I almost didn't even notice it (though those definitely aren't sensitive headphones).
@@nathan518 Yes, the HD660 wouldn't have any issues. I think most people have problems when they have to keep the volume pot below the 10 o'clock position. Please do let me know when you're able to test it with your sensitive headphones. Thanks again, I appreciate it!
@@Currawong Bought one, a month ago (was waiting for from Audio Video Show 2019 in November (Poland) - when I heard it for the first time, then, the review from Z tipped the scale) It was well worth the wait - wonder What's Your opinion about it. From my perspective is one the best amp's, considering a reasonable price tag :)
@@Shozimus I find the 789 much more detailed, particularly in mids, open and better overall, in respect to sp200. The dynamics of sp200 are impressive, BUT, seems they are just filled with bass, the dynamics lacks a lot of details, even in respect to a 100€ amp, jds atom. I really do wander what Currawong really thinks about it.. I would even like a little words on Magni 3+ and Asgard 3 vs thx aaa 789
@@vipernecklampy8773 Had only one chance to listen to 789. Import fee's in Poland - make it much more expensive that in the US. That was the reason why i got the SP200. My perception of it is less harsh of Yours. Wonder what Currawong thinks about. Still thanks for the insight :)
Szymon Tarkowski as an owner of the monoprice 887 and Aryas, I spend all my time on gain 2, which the smsl does not have. Would sorely miss it. I also have an LCX and 6XX and can definitely hear the difference between them all. Cymbals are the most noticeable, in that they are definitely lacking on the LCX. My 2c
You need to switch them and test Mimby>A3 v Bifrost2>Magni3+. It'd be interesting to see how much of the improvement you saw in your test was the DAV v the amp.
That's covered in the reviews for each component. But I will probably do the inbuilt multibit card in the Asgard 3 (equivalent to the Mimby) vs. the Bifrost 2.
I just got the HD6xx, and I definitely need an amp upgrade (currently using a fiio e17k lol.) I don't want the limitations from the modi/magni combo, but I simply can't afford (yet) the asgard3/bifrost2 combo. Does a Modius/Magnius make sense for the price? Since I barely see any reviews for this combo, I thought I would ask, as they are exactly in my budget. I would use them balanced of course. Would an asgard 3 with the multibit dac module make more sense as they are the same price? Thanks in advance!
@@ludiusmaximus I need a dac too, so I'd have to get the module. Both options would be 400usd, but I can't find reviews of the magnius. Both have modularity, but the magnius has balanced outputs. I'm looking for more info to get the best bang for buck. I'm also looking into the topping dx7 pro, a little more expensive, but maybe a little better. I haven't run to buy an asgard because I still need more info. Unfortunately, there's nowhere I could try any of this gear, as I'd have to import it.
@@Tidwillshare All right. It sounded like Bifrost+Asgard is your goal and Modius+Magnius would just be an intermediate solution while saving up for the Bifrost. Because then you could start with Modius+Asgard right away and already be 200$ closer to the Bifrost. But I agree that the recently released Magnius is very confusing to me as well. In Schiit's FAQ on the Magnius they say it is virtually the same as a Magni Heresy with balanced in/out. And they seem to see it more as a competitor for the 400$ Jotunheim, not even mentioning how it relates to the also 200$ Asgard...
@@ludiusmaximus yes! It is very confusing and even more without a way to test the equipment. The bifrost is more expensive than my entire budget, so unfortunately for me it's totally out of the question. Ironically, after researching all I can about schiit, I'll most likely end up with a topping dx7 pro and a slightly stretched budget, and I'll keep my fiio e17k as my mobile solution.
Hi there! I'm looking to get my first headphone setup, I really fancy a tube amp setup but i want something budget friendly. I have a computer with optical out and i thought a good setup could be the Schiit Modi coupled to the schiit Vali with the Massdrop AKG K7XX headphones. My main use will be jazz, rock, classical & to connect it to my ps4 to game, as it also has optical out. Do you think this set up is worth it? Or is there anything you would change or add to get the most out of my money? Maybe invest more on headphones might be really worth it? What do you think?Thanks!!
for my lcd2 classics i own and the hd 800s i might get later this year, would you recommend the asgard 3 with modi 3 dac or one of the monoprice thx 887 amp with modi 3 dac, or the thx 788 amp and dac combo unit your response would help a lot as you seem very knowledgeable about audio and headphone stuff
Hello Amos, I'm kind of in a dilemma. I ordered the Schiit Vali 2+ / Mimby stack, but after 5 months waiting on rolling backorder nothing seems to unjam the Mimby from part supply issues... For the same price I could get the Asgard 3 with their latest unisson USBC ES9028 card. Would that be a good alternative to run HD6XX? The Vali-Mimby stack with the HD6XX is supposed to be a perfect match, but on the otherside, the Asgard is more powerful (and better than the Vali??), the continuity circuit seems good as well as their unisson. Have you tried the new DAC chip? Would the built-in card affect that much the quality compared to an external DAC? Would I loose a lot letting go of the Mimby? See... Schiit's in my head now! Thanks for your help!
Great vid! You have a new subscriber. My question isn't regarding the units this time. I have a different question - what kind of equipment did you use making this video? What kind of camera (photo or video) and what kind of microphone/studio setup did you use? Thanks for your answer in advance and greetings from Latvia!
do I need a DAC if I have a soundcard (for my PC) that goes to an A/V receiver (which has a headphone jack)? Or is it better to have a DAC plugged into an A/V receiver? Also, do I need an AMP, or is that the A/V receiver's job to function as an AMP? I'm so confused...
There's no "right" answer. A soundcard IS a DAC. If you have a soundcard and A/V receiver, try each one with your headphones and see if one or the other sounds better to you.
How much would you say the DAC contributes to the mentioned diffrences? Asking, because I am thinking of going for Asgard 3 + Modi 3. Thanks for the input and your content!
For a beginner, someone who will be buying thier first dac and amp ever. Is it worth the extra $150 to get the multibit over the regular modi 3? I will be pairing it with the shiit vali hybrid amp
@@1mctous I think I do value a "more relax treble" better pace? Am not sure quite what that is yet. I am just now getting into the audiophile words I dont have yet the vocabulary to describe what I like. I believe I like warmth, I like bass, I really like soundstage and I love clarity. My first purchase will be the vali hybrid amp, followed by a dac. After that I then plan on getting a pair of bookshelf speakers either trainagle, svs ultra, or keff ls50 with a shiit vidar amp to drive them. I plan on using the vali also as a preamp to control the volume. Thank you for your advice. I am open to any and all recommendations at this point. I dont plan on upgrading for a very long time after my purchase so I want to get it right.
@@Currawong I have been looking primarily at shiit but is there anything $250 and below you think I should take a look at. I value warmth, soundstage, clarity, and bass for now.
Fantastic channel, I respect your opinion. Are there any future plan’s on reviewing Schiit’s Modius Dac and how it fit’s sound wise in there line up. I just purchased an Asgard 3 and connected to a Deneifrips ares II Dac I have but I feel it’s overkill for that Asgard amp. I also studied Akito for a few year and loved the art. Thanks in advance and stay well.
Yes. I use the feet also under tube amps with good results. Also under other amps that are too deep for my shelf. The dampers are YMMV -- with some amps they seem to make a big difference, but not with others.
Maybe only a second-hand Bifrost Multibit. They aren't cheap to make, so it gets to the point that either a lot is compromised in the design, or it costs more. If you want something as "musical" though, a Chord Mojo would do it.
I appreciate the comparison of mojo to multibit. I was surprised to think mojo has that “musical” categorization. Also, the sound clips @mykeldg posted surprised me to hear some of the “fun” sound I thought the modi multibit would present. Do you think a Mojo 2 is likely in the next 12-18 mos?
I thought the Modi Multibit was great until I heard other similarly priced dacs like the JDS Labs EL dac and Topping D50s. To me, both the EL and D50s are much better sounding than the Mimby and that's with every headphone (11) and IEM (10) I have.
Can you please go into more detail regarding what makes them better to you? Also, do you have any Focal headphones? I just bought the Elegia a few weeks ago, and I don’t think my little Mojo is quite good enough to get the very best out of them, so looking to buy desktop gear for the first time.
@@edwinramos4910 First, I have a pair of Elear's and they were my favorite headphone for about a year or more and I still like them a lot. I would also agree that your Mojo isn't getting the most out of them because while a good piece of kit they are a bit dated by now. What makes the EL and D50s better than the Mimby is the fact they sound better 😁. Seriously though, both have do have better SQ with the EL being a more natural and even sound, where as the D50s is warmer and a bit more musical imo. The Mimby sound rough at times compared to the others and its in the mids I notice the biggest difference because the Mimby sounds more grainy and less detailed. There are many good Dacs, amps, and Dac/amp combos out there so just do your diligence and I'm sure you'll find something that fits your needs. I always do a lot of research before I buy something since I don't have the luxury of listening to any. It helps to know what your sound preference is because then you can narrow your choices down a lot more.
Interesting, Ive had the modi multibit and d50s for a few months and found that the d50s sounded flat and compressed compared to the Multibit. You can hear the sound comparison on one of my videos. That said, i was using speakers which can better convey space & soundstage
I was just wondering what you think would be a better choice between a portable DAC/Amp like the Chord Mojo compared to the Modi/Magni3+ stack for desktop use?
For me, the Mojo defies the usual generalisation that portable gear is inferior to desktop gear, but then the design is nothing like anything else. I'd still take it for personal preference.
I'd ask on Head-Fi. I haven't used a pair of Fostex-based headphones for a long time. www.head-fi.org/threads/modhouse-audio-argon-t50rp-mk2-3-t60rp.875899
RdyPlyOne ah so you don’t have them, you’re just considering them. Can’t give you any advice since I haven’t heard any of those. I use my Bluesound Node 2 and 2i as my DACs. Got a few other options but I can’t hear the difference even when I want to.
I just bought the Modi Multibit and Magni as a stack which i'm hoping will drive the HE400SE. I'm replacing my Fosi audio DAC and HE4XX. So fingers crossed.
Hello from Greece, do you have a comment to make about HeadRoom Max balanced in relation to the Schiit Magni and Asgard. There's no way to test them here, somebody is selling a 1999 model for 400€. Schiit magni 3 is new for 150€ and asgard(AKM) used for 250€, the headphones I use are hd600 - thank you .
Can you get the Jotunheim there? Something like that would be better value, and you wouldn't have to re-terminate your headphones to a defunct connection method.
Thank you for answering, local dealer here has the Lyr with a dac on it for 670€ which is too much for me. I' ll have my eyes open for a jotunhaim anyway - wish you a good day
This is such a good review. I just bought a sundara and need an stack. If this is all i own, is the upgrade worth it? I just have trouble spending more on my amp and dac than on my headphones.
Cheers. The Bifrost 2 is a bit of an outlier due to the cost of the industrial DAC chips, which are expensive. A good R2R DAC can be very satisfying though, making you want to listen more.
I have the Sundaras and was using a topping e30 dac and JDS Atom amp. Quite good, but when I switched to the Asgard 3 amp the Sundaras really came alive! Much better separation and a wonderfully deep soundstage, also midrange clarity MUCH improved...vocals and orchestral instruments especially better. Love the combo. I imagine it would be even better with the Bifrost 2, though timbre might be different. Hope that helps you
@@TimpTim That is exactly the information I need. I have been looking at the Topping 30 stack vs the Schiit Modi/magni3+. They would compare to your e30 and atom. I just want to be clear before I spend an extra $100. You think the Asgard 3 is worth the extra money for Sundaras?
I have both amps. Asgard has the 4490 dac. I use my magni on a daily basis. Asgard just sits there. It gets used for preamp more often than it does for headphones.
If you're just listening to, say, audiobooks, I wouldn't worry about expensive gear, but consider more headphones suited to your environment, eg: If you need isolation or not.
It's funny you should ask: Bifrost + Lyr3 + MELZ 6N8S tube. The tube has a very "clear" sound which I find balances nicely against the slight softness of the Bifrost and Lyr3.
@@Currawong Nice. Thanks for the info. I'm looking to upgrade my set up from a Modi Multibit+Vali 2 to a Bifrost+Asgard 3 or Lyr 3. Do you think the Lyr 3 is worth the price difference?
If you can afford the Lyr 3, as well as have a budget for a few tubes to try, I'd go with that, as you can get more out of it with a better tube than what comes stock. If you want simplicity and don't want to bother with tubes, get the Asgard 3, or the Drop THX amp (if your headphones have a cable with 4-pin XLR) or similar. Of the gear I've had here, that's what I reckon anyway.
basically little brother vs. big brother but what about an yggdrasil with lyr 3 and jotunheim? would that be like kratos vs magni and modi or is it like freya and baldur fighting atreus and kratos?
I have the Asgard 2 and modi 2 amp, no competition Asgard 2 is a class A amp sound so natural and powerful, modi ? Ok if you don’t have money . Forget any schiit dac, don’t do DSD . I use Topping. D50s combined with Asgard 2 and little dot mkii tube amp, drive sennheisrr Hd600, heaven.
@@Currawong I have the mofi multibit. Though decide 44k 16bit natively, the sound is not as clear and neutral as delta sigma dac like D50s. I think I might to spend more on a denafrip ares 2
@@robertkirkpatrick1826 That's right. But if you do not need balanced, what AMP would you chose? Magnius, Asgard or even Magni? In Schiit's FAQ of the Magnius I read that the Magni Heresy does virtually everything the Magnius does except for the ballanced ports. And they seem to see the Magnius more as a competitor to the Jotunheim than to the Asgard. Does this mean Magni + ballanced = Magnius ~ Jotunheim > Asgard? To be fair, the Magnius has just been released, so maybe we'll get a review in the future.
@@robertkirkpatrick1826 I bought the Asgard because I want the class-A hybrid design, and the single-ended port on the Magnius has *much* lower wattage than the Asgard 3. I didn't want to be limited to only buying balance-able headphones and buying expensive cables forever lol.
I'm pretty sure the main point of his video was to highlight the improvements of the Asgard/Bifrost over the Magni/Modi. Headroom was just one point he mentioned. Either stacks are going to drive any headphone and then some. Sound quality is a different story.
Joey Brooks sound quality and headroom are inherently linked. Having 3-6X the power rating of your headphones will make more difference than almost anything else. If you’re running any amp with the gain above 50% you need more amplifier if you want optimized sound. This is how I design all my studio installations (my job), everything last longer, sounds better, runs cooler, it’s just better.
I didn't get around to getting a Modi 3 to compare, though I'd be surprised if the experiences would be radically different, aside from the fact that I'm not a fan of AKM DACs below the 4497 (The Modi has the 4490).
Thanks for a very useful comparison. I have a Focal Clear and about to get the Audeze LCD-X. My current stack is the Schiit Vali 2+/Modi 3+ - I wonder if my current chain is not optimal and I should at least move to a Magnius/Modius stack to get better sound stage and resolution for my current headphones. The Asgard 2/Bifrost 3 seems excessive for my mid-tier headphones and costing more than each headphone.
good to know, thanks! I'll keep this in mind when I try it soon. Getting the Magni 3+ soon. As long as it sounds good in one of the gain settings, I'm happy.
If you're talking about measurements, maybe. But measurements are for manufacturers to determine if their products are functioning correctly. Almost all of them don't relate to how we hear music. Take sidebands on a THD measurement using a -0dB 1kHz tone. If they are 80 or 90db down, they are inaudible when listening to music. You can't hear anything 80dB below the music, it's impossible! What is "better" is what gives you more satisfaction when listening. For some people, that is products that perform technically poorly.
@@Currawong yes. You mentioned just bloomy mid-range. How much of an upgrade is Bifrost 2 over Mimby? I upgraded from Topping E30 and love the musicality, smooth highs, holographic sound of the mimby. It was noticeable in seconds, without even having to AB test. Is bifrost 2 really worth $450 extra on a HiFi (kef r700)
Fwiw I have a a pair of dt990 600ohm and the JDS Atom. The Atom has plenty of power, no joke. I have windows volume @75% and It still reaches ear bleeding levels.
@@Currawong Even on low gain it's quite loud. You state that power and gain are different, do you have a video or can refer me to place that can explain this? I am interested in this as I am new to the audio scene.
@@metalmckanical I have the Atom and the Asgard 3 and with dt880 600 the difference is very noticeable. I find the Atom very digital sounding and less musical compared to the Asgard.
Currawong i pretty much listen to everything except rap. I listen to Rock. Alternative. Grunge. Rnb. Ska. Reggae. Folk. Country. With so many good options, it just sets off my anxiety on what to choose. Sorry i just need some expert recommendations. Thank again for replying.
I don't have many headphones under $500 here, but of the ones I've tried, various planars have been good, such as the Sundaras (which are hopefully still available for about $350). They tend to be a safe, all-round music choice.
@@Doc8404 personally I love the dt 1990s but some people find them overly aggressive in the highs but out of that, the hd 58x and 6xx on drop plus akg k712 I almost only use my 1990s
@@Currawong Oh ok. That makes more sense. That huge gap between modi multi and bifrost is really annoying. I want to move up to the Asgard, but I don't know if the modi will just hold it back. Thanks!
@@Currawong So, I've been wondering. Have you ever compared the vinyl sound, to r2r dacs? It seems to me, that the premise is the same. An "analog" sound. I'm curious, because r2r dacs are so damn expensive. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Not directly. I've avoided getting into vinyl, I just don't have the space to spare. That being said, with the systems I've listened to, I definitely understand the appeal of it.
@@Currawong Thanks! I'm in the same situation, when it comes to space. Most of the modern music I like, tends to be compressed like hell, on CD, and having checked, seem to have better dynamic range on the vinyl presses. This is all much harder, as I don't plan to splurge on the budget.
A pre-out would make it much more complex, and more expensive. You could always suggest to Mike that he do a version with a pre-out. I'm not sure he'd do it though.
I like most Schiit products but really don't rate their DACS, measure horribly and just don't sound as good as say an RME ADI 2 etc, as preamps they shine.
@@Currawong I wouldn't call a SINAD of 86 for the Yggdrasil as measuring fine. Had a Bifrost and got rid of it, the SMSL SU-8v2, JDS Labs, RME, Topping DACS all eat them for breakfast imo. The Mani is a great phono stage, the Johunheim a good preamp product, as is the Freya. I just don't rate or like their DACs.
Here are measurements done by someone QUALIFIED who does them for a living (not someone who used a heat gun on a unit because he was told that the DAC needs to be one for a week for the chips to thermally stabilise): www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-yggdrasil-v2-upgrade-technical-measurements.881867/
This is quite a useless comparison to be honest. These 2 combos are vastly different in build, and what they are intended to be played with. One set uses much better internal parts for one and the DACs are are miles apart. Anyway, I still enjoy your stuff but you're not the smaller duo any favors.
I got a lot of requests for this kind of comparison. It is an obvious takeaway that upgrading both components at one would be more significant, but it's not obvious to everyone what the result would actually be.
I'm not so sure that is a legit analysis. I have an Asgard 3 and I burnt it up (long story). So, I was really trying to figure out if I could get away with a Modi-MB/Midgard combo or if I needed to spend the extra and do a Jotunheim 2/Bifrost setup. IOW, am I really getting my money's worth; is it worth the difference? I Currawong is answering this question, even though my specifics are a little different. I already have a Modius and a Bifrost 2/64, but yesterday I ordered a Jotunheim 2.
