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Is there a better DAC than the Schiit Bifrost for $300?

I have a Schiit Modi 2 Uber as my DAC. I'm not completely dissatisfied with it but understand that it is low end and that there must be room for improvement. I've got a nice older system but I'm not a fanatic about SQ (yet). I could use the Modi elsewhere or sell it...although Schiit just came out with the Modi 3 so the Modi 2 Uber is only worth about $60-$70 now.

There are open box Bifrosts on eBay for around $330. They are $400 new.

My questions are:

Should I see noticeable improvement going from the Modi 2 to the Bifrost?
What if I just went to a Modi 2 Multibit at $250 new, $200 used?
Is there another DAC I should consider in the $250-$300 range?
n80
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
There is a Schiit Bifrost on eBay for $400. The description states that it was upgraded to the multibit card and that it comes with the documentation and the old card that was removed.

I am not going to buy it but it makes me wonder about buying upgraded components. How do you know the actual upgrade is in there? There are no pictures of the interior. It has the "multibit" decal on the back but the multibit serial number is marked out.

Again, not planing on buying but just wonder how you know? Maybe ask the seller for interior pictures?
celander's avatar
celander
1,503 posts
 
n80: ask the seller for the unit serial number. Then contact the manufacturer about whether it was upgraded. If either one balks, then walk away. 
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
Good point. As mentioned, not in the market for this unit but may need to know how to go about this in the future. Thanks.
celander's avatar
celander
1,503 posts
 
Got my tiny Topping D50 today. Amazingly compact yet weighs 480g (see pics). The SQ is shockingly good. Though I need to listen to the system with it installed for a longer session to get a sense of its overall SQ, preliminary listening suggests it processes Redbook CD digital audio with better frequency response extension and control than my beloved R2R Theta DSPro Basic IIIa DAC. Battery-powered, with the DAC set for max output. Only $250.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/chLj3WdJiSAu5Kid6


mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
@celander  
 
Glad you like it. Good gear is getting cheaper and cheaper, it’s a great time to be an audiophile.
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