2. digital
  3. 166633-1209

Schiit Audio (or other) DAC Recommendations

My current sources are a Maverick Audio TubeMagic D2 DAC (with upgrades) and a Pioneer Elite PD-D6-J SACD Player.  I know that they are not the ultimate sources and am starting to think about upgrading the DAC to broaden my audio horizons.  The DAC is good for 24bit/96Khz.  I'd be interest in something that was 24bit/192Khz and possibly even DSD for the right price.

Is something like the Schiit Audio Modi worth consideration?  What are some of the higher value DSD capable DACs?
mceljo
mikem
260 posts
 
Another vote here for Schiit MB DAC’s
I have the Yggdrasil in my main  system and the Modi MB in my office system. 
mahler123
3,634 posts
 
OP

Are you playing SACD with your Pioneer?  If so then you might  miss the DSD in thos recordings, assuming that you scrap the Pioneer and get the Schiit.  Of course you can keep the player as a transport use the Schiit for CDs and run the SACD into the amp directly for SACD
mceljo OP
1,357 posts
 
@mahler123 - I do have a number of SACDs and I won't be giving my my SACD player capability unless it goes kaput or I replaced it with another SACD capable player.  I honestly have not heard much difference with SACD vs. Redbook vs. my Maverick Audio DAC (with Bluesound Node) though I'm fairly certain that the SACD was noticeably better with a recent Octave Records disk in combination with my new-to-me Krell S-300i amplifier.  I have not had an opportunity to crank things up for an extended period of time to really be able to form a solid opinion.  Work has been swamped and I've had almost no time at home without the rest of my family which mean limited listening that's generally distracted (kids) with lower than desired volumes (lovely wife).
mceljo OP
1,357 posts
 
I may have found the best solution to all audio equipment decisions.  Focus on the music.  I now have five CDs on the way so my focus is on the excitement of new music.
lakeofthewyles
8 posts
 
I ordered a bifrost 2 in mid-april. When I ordered it the bifrost was in stock, but that date has gotten pushed back a few times. Though it looks like it might be off rolling back order now. I broke down and ordered a denafrips ares ii because I got impatient. It’s another r2r type DAC for about the same price. It’s DSD capable, while the bifrost is not. Looking forward to trying them both out. My setup leans more towards detailed, so a warmer DAC might be the way to go. From what I can gather from reviews and forums, the Ares ii is warmer with a big soundstage. The bifrost seems to strike a good balance with detail and warmth. We’ll see. I’m leaning more towards the bifrost as it’s supposed to be easily upgradable, but who knows.  
More to discover