I assume you had a bad experience with your Bifrost. Typically I always invest at least two to three times in a component, it will get you a “Wow” in improved SQ. In the price category you appear to be in, my recommendation would be the Gungnir multi-bit or if you are planning on upgrading your system over time the Yggdrasil. I have done a lot of research (purchasing a Gungnir multibit, and a Yggi for a friend) and in these price categories: $1,300 and $2,500 they are outstanding bargains. You will get overall improvement in sound quality with more natural sound.
Probably not what you want to hear. But unless, you are willing to jump into the $5K range these are probably the most cost effective choices. |
Thanks. I'm looking for non-Schiit recommendations. Thank you. |
If you don’t mind me asking, do you know what damage your Bifrost? It seems rare to hear about DACs failing, but then again of course anything can happen with electronics. |
It stopped producing sound and I noticed that it was warmed than I remember, even though it was sitting on top of the cabinet with plenty of air flow. I unplugged the Bifrost 2 and let it cool down for a while and when I plugged it in, it didn't power up. |
Sorry to hear that about the Bifrost. It is a good DAC. I did upgrade to an Audiomirror Tubador SE and a Bricasti M3. Both are considerably more expensive, but they are both a bit more neutral signature than the Bifrost - Schiit seems to like a bit of warm emphasis on their DACs with some bass slam. See the reviews by Goldensound on YouTube - he seems to have good ears backed by measurements. The Audiomirror is available in a non-SE version that will give most of the benefits for $1500 rather than $2500 so it might be a good upgrade option. |
It would be helpful if we knew your budget. |
Hi big_greg,
I would like to keep it under $1500. Since multibit tech has been out for a while, I'm hoping other manufacturers have evolved multibit, delta sigma, and/or R2R technology to make a much better DAC for a marginally higher price point. |
The Bifrost 2 has a five year warranty. Aren't you going to get it fixed?
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I would love to RMA it, but Schiit isn't interested in responding
to
(much less acknowledge) my requests. My recourse at this time is to work with my credit card company to request a refund. |
I have an MHDT Istanbul DAC R2R, really beautiful sound, my Lyr 3 and Loki are hooked up to it.
I bought it for $550 on eBay, MHDT sells it for a little over a grand, Orchid gets some good reviews. |
I have a few pieces of Schiit laying around. While ordering them I remember trying to contact them and getting irritated. But once I heard the components I got I decided it was worth the lack of customer service. Most of their stuff costs less than most of my interconnects and cables, and sound amazing for the price. I guess they just don’t have customer service… and pass the cost savings on. Frustrating if you are one of the few that need to return something. |
Chord Qutest would be a good choice.
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With your budget I'd suggest the MHDT Labs Orchid or a similar r2r DAC. Much more analog sounding than the Schiit. If that's the kind of sound you're looking for. I like it a lot more than the Mytek Liberty which I found very "digital" sounding. I liked the Bifrost better than the Liberty. The Liberty and Bifrost are long gone but I still own the Orchid. |
Dont hate on the Mytek, it requires a high end source to make it shine, like a music server from Aurender. Mytek makes some of the best Dac;s on the planet and they dont sound digital! ...whatever that means.
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you cant ignore the denafrips ares 2 at a 750 price point r2r dac . it gets great reviews I haven't herd a bad one yet and there as good as 3 times the price and if you want to push the envelope the denafrips Pontus gives you a linear power supply built in . just look at the picture of the internals there is no other dac that looks as well made as the denafrips lineup |
With a $1500 budget, the main go to's seem to be the Denafrips Aries II, and the RME ADI-2. As nicaboy says the Pontus II is a step up, but it's closer to $1800. |
@mattmiller I'm not "hating" on the Liberty, it just wasn't for me. It's very clinical and analytical, which some may like. It does details well. I prefer a more full bodied sound. |
I have been doing a lot or research on a new dac for my self. Reading thread after thread and researching the manufactures. I have decided to go with a R2R design. Soekris is where I am leaning. They have a great reputation and I like his design. I know Schiit multi is a chip based R2R but I want a more traditional R2R design ladder. I do need a dac with xlr balanced outs that has limited my options in the $1000 range. Another key I am looking at is I do not want anything that is manufactured in china. Not a political statement but just don’t trust their quality control. |
Long time lurker here. My first post. I just want to note my experience with Schiit's customer service. My Bifrost 2 stopped working after several months. No power. I filled out the service form on their site and received an email with an RMA within minutes. The Bifrost arrived at Schiit on a Wednesday and was on its way back to me 2 days later. They replaced the transformer and analog board. This was less than a month ago. As always, YMMV, but I had a very positive experience. If you haven't already, you may want to try again using the form on the 'help & support' page. |
I’ve been considering a new DAC myself. Does anyone have any experience with the Benchmark DAC3 B? Thanks. |
@Bnolt - I just did this and am standing by. Thank you for the feedback. We'll see! |
I had to provide my original order and serial numbers on one of the forms to verify the unit was covered. As I recall, it's a two step process. I hope this works for you. |
Thanks. They only asked for the order number and I provided it. Waiting for their reply. |
At least you received a response. That's a good sign. You'll need to pay to ship; they'll take care of return shipping. Even if you've soured on the brand at least you'd be able to sell a working unit. |
Same thing happened to my Lyr 3, twice. Sold it after the second repair. One of the ways Schiit keeps costs down is compromised thermal management. I wonder how long before internal components start to deteriorate, causing a long, subtle race to the bottom. Since the Cult of Schiit, among other things, keeps you coming back, most owners will not own a Schiit product long enough to notice. Lots of choices in your price range; DACs have moved from flavor of the month to flavor of the week. Stay tuned and you will see "Best DAC Ever" threads everywhere. Try this (if you can hear a negative difference, which is unlikely, just send it back): https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J9YSD9R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 |
@bnolts - I wish. There's been no response from Schiit, yet. I'm guessing I'll give it to tomorrow and then will call Amex. Ho hum... :( |
Used Ayre Codex. Very good sound. Around $800. |
Schiit has always responded to my emails, and their gear has generally exceeded my expectations (sent the Aegir back as it didn't work for me)...including with my Bifrost 2. Works perfectly, sounds great. I guess they like me...they send extra stickers... |
You know what... Go forth a do endless comparisons finding the perfect non Schiit DAC. Consider a replacement, Bi-frost 2 in the opposite color. My head hurts the thought of spending ions mixing DAC with headphone/speaker amps. Sure speed the speed dating process would be easier with your dedicated amp and headspeakers. Now to pay your audio specialist unlimited access to switching DAC's will be a harder sell. My head is throbbing. I'd raise my hand ask the universe to forgive my past errors. Start fresh, change color and step in Schiit again. You'll be back, whistling a new tune of your own. No one has to know... Shhh I won't say a word. Good luck with your choices. You are blessed. Hell is COVID... Yet I'm closer to everything one... Music means more to me than ever
Schiit Vai 2+ Hybrid Tube, Schiit Bi-frost 2, Dan Clark Aeon 2 Closed, Aeon Noir Closed. 10,000 plus digital, CDs (ditched speakers years ago... An official head gear Audiophile)
-- Ronald E Smith
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OP never supplied end result of Schiit repair after being directed to correct procedure. My experience mirrors that of others posting above (excellent). Schiit received my backup Freya+ pre, three years into its 5-year warranty, on Tuesday 11/21 before Thanksgiving. They replaced transformer, fuse, tube heater resistors and I had it back Saturday 12/1 -- well under two week turnaround with an intervening holiday weekend. If there is ANY audio mfr in USA that does as well or better (Rogue? Backert?) I would like to know for future reference.
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I eventually had to spam one of Jason’s live streams to get the attention I needed. Once in touch, the process worked.
Since this time, I’ve replaced the CM III with a pair of Schitt Tyrs and the Freya +, modded with upgraded caps, and rolled tubes, and also upgraded the speakers to 3.7is with a Marchand LR high-pass crossover. |
