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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
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.
celander's avatar
celander
1,503 posts
 
I sent the Topping back. Something about the sound bugged me after awhile. 
astelmaszek
125 posts
 
A used Chord Mojo? To my ears it sounds as good as Yggy for 1/4 the price.
blues535i's avatar
blues535i
11 posts
 
I also have a D50 still breaking in and soon comparing it to my SMSL SansKrit 6th  w/P1 power supply.....initial impression is staggering detail and layering way back into the mix - just amazing resolution and detail even with just a 5V 2A wall wart.....for the price unbelievable
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