In an trade with audio system that value 3 times the median home worth in the US, ($280,000, per zillow.com on Might 16, 2020) good worth is welcome. Whereas the world is the oyster, or pocket change, for some, most of the remainder of us want a bit Santa Claus motion. Sadly, Virginia, there is not a Santa Claus. There’s, nevertheless, a Schiit Audio!
Schiit, the corporate, was named by Jason Stoddard throughout their improvement cycle. Complaining that he had a lot Schiit to do, it turned a joke that caught round. Although their title began with whimsy, their merchandise are critical enterprise. They’ve created a distinct segment for themselves by breaking from lots of audio’s conventions. Many producers have fled the US manufacturing pool for the cheaper labor pool in China. An overwhelmingly massive proportion of Schiit’s merchandise are made right here within the U.S. of A. Standing conference on its head, many of the Schiit gear is manufactured within the supposedly too costly California.
Mike Moffat and Jason Stoddard, the latter is usually referred to as the SchiitHead for his naming acumen, are Schiit’s ideas. They’ve have superior and embraced most of the apparent puns. Regardless of their scatological naming, their merchandise are extremely prized goodies, an actual success story. In 9 quick years, they’ve develop into a mannequin of excellent worth at a low value, maybe virtually the de facto customary.
Their enterprise paradigm began with direct gross sales. That cuts out one layer of margin, making merchandise extra inexpensive proper out of the gate. None of their merchandise exceed $2500, and are housed in “good sized” smaller chassis as a substitute of the same old, massive 17″ chassis. Who would promote dimension 15 sneakers to accommodate the vast majority of toes which are smaller? Apparently, solely audio corporations, as that is been the mannequin for years. “Excellent sized” also needs to work to chop down on metallic, transport, and container prices. Though in a breakthrough, the Bifrost 2 is offered in silver and “black.” Schiit’s enterprise mannequin is barely part of their paradigm breaking, their pondering additionally pervades their product pondering.
Their new iterations of digital gear don’t make use of Burr-Brown 1704 chips, ESS chips, or different magic recipes shared and altered throughout this trade. One enterprise mannequin is do the identical factor, however cheaper, which frequently means copy and lower corners. Reasonably than a brand new “Toll Home Cookie” recipe, Mike Moffat, the digital maestro of Schiit, employs Analog Units’ AD5781ARUZ x 2. A proprietary time- and frequency-domain optimized digital filter is applied on Analog Units’ SHARC DSP processor, operating 8X oversampling.
The analog output stage relies on Texas Devices’ LME49724 amplifier, used for each balanced and single-ended output and is direct coupled all through. The sign to noise ratio is what can be remarkable within the early days of my audio curiosity, 114dB, however which is an increasing number of widespread place lately. My expertise has been within the “outdated days” of the 1990s, discovering a superb DAC in your system concerned a number of balancing. Lately it is a lot simpler.
The Bifrost 2 on the working desk right now has three digital inputs: Coaxial S/PDIF, Optical S/PDIF and USB. All inputs are able to as much as 24-bit 192kHz. The enter receiver for S/PDIF (coaxial and optical) is the AK4113 chip. What’s new with this Bifrost is the deployment of Schiit’s Unison™ USB enter, primarily based on Microchip’s PIC32 microprocessor. What is that this Unison factor?
Per Schiit’s web site here is what’s attention-grabbing about Unison:
- It’s a USB enter receiver primarily based on a Microchip PIC32 microprocessor with Schiit’s proprietary code.
- Full electromagnetic and electrostatic isolation.
- Self-power by the DAC for the essential low-noise re-clocking and latching sections.
- Precision native clocks for each 44.1 and 48okay multiples.
- NO SUPPORT FOR ANTIQUE WINDOWS. Should you’re not on Home windows 10, stick with Gen 5.
- Older Bifrost, Gungnir and Yggdrasils might be upgraded to the Unison at a $200 surcharge.
In a pleasant contact for the setting, the Bifrost 2 is upgradeable within the subject. It has two playing cards, ala computer systems: 1) the DAC and analog card; and a couple of) a USB enter card. Each might be swapped out, like pc playing cards, within the consolation of your private home utilizing solely a small Philips head screwdriver. A MicroSD card slot is there for firmware updates sooner or later, if or once they develop into obtainable.
In a shock the darned cheap Bifrost 2 has a really stable, if small, distant management that means that you can swap sources, invert section, and mute sound.
I additionally had readily available an Oppo BDP105 and Classe’s Sigma SSP that might do digital duties… nevertheless, the convoluted connections of a number of DACs attached at one time made comparisons between this bevy of D/As tough. I’ve tried to combine my two channel setup with my dwelling theater. And, it’s all related, however with a number of DACs plugged in, my system is extra of an unintegrated Rubik’s dice of connections. That is my purpose for not together with what would possibly seem to be helpful comparisons to these merchandise.
For a couple of weeks after my prolonged time with the Bifrost 2, I borrowed a Bifrost Uber (circa 2014) after which listened with my Schiit Modi Multi Bit ($250). Usually, when reviewing I pay attention to simply get a way of what I am listening to, or assume I am listening to. Then, I dig into my catalog to check out my concepts earlier than I write my evaluate. With the assorted disruptions and anomie operating by way of my life and the post-Covid19 world, I made a decision to create a structured play listing.
Selecting songs to hearken to evaluate gear is a dicey matter. Usually, once I search readability within the face of uncertainty in regards to the sound and hierarchy of drugs I pay attention time and again to songs. Generally the songs employed develop into joyless instruments afterward. Doing that with a play listing, nicely that is torture. Not solely do I danger ruining a track for pure enjoyment however I danger ruining the entire songs. Listed below are the leaves I flagellated myself with. I am interleaving feedback concerning every of the DACs with every of the songs. I will conclude with general impressions. So, on to the sound of the Bifrost 2.
“Mestizo Waltz,” Gabriela Lena Frank, Reference Recordings
This can be a massive scale orchestral work. Deep bass is essentially the most enjoyable a part of the recording, however there’s additionally scale and macro dynamics at play. There are quite a few instrumental strains one can comply with, with pleasure to make the recording a little bit of an journey. The recording high quality is kind of good.
Modi – Dynamics are much less convincing, with much less weight and proof of particular person dynamics. The sound stage is smaller and extra tucked in between the audio system.
Bifrost Uber – There’s higher backside finish heft, although at the price of a extra ponderous presentation. Maybe, and maybe not, there’s a slight discontinuity between midrange and bass that creates that ponderousness. Differentiation of instrumentals are a bit much less clear than with the Modi as a result of the Uber, appears, to have a hotter, fuzzier sound. The language didn’t happen to me as I used to be listening, however I might say there’s much less decision obvious with the Uber than with the Modi MB.
Bifrost 2 – There’s extra space to the recording. Particular person devices are finest delineated right here, making it simpler to listen to what’s afoot. It is as if the “story” of the music is clearer. At first that is clearly essentially the most life like presentation. Rhythm is tighter right here than with the opposite DACs and but has the most effective deep bass efficiency.
“Aria (Cantilena) Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5,” Heitor Villa Lobos, (that includes Victoria de Los Angeles)
This recording requires an evidence. I listened to nineteen (sure, 19!) recordings of Bachiana Brasilieros earlier than choosing this recording. Different recordings featured higher acoustics, higher imaging, and a richer tonal steadiness. Renee Fleming’s superior vocal expertise was undone, for me, by singing to standout. I used to be regularly extra conscious of Flemings’ prowess than the track. Related criticisms had me select, this, the worst recording high quality of all of them. With Los Angeles’ efficiency, I discovered myself on the finish of the efficiency unaware of her approach. Although the recording is lean and shiny, the efficiency was the most effective I heard.
Modi – Vocals are tonally flatter, much less dynamic sounding and occurred extra like sound than the recording of human singing. The qualities that make Victoria de Los Angeles a particular singer have been a bit muted, such that she was one thing of a generic singer. Regardless of the recording high quality string tone was good, although it required a little bit of guessing and assuming to conclude violins and never a sound generator created the “music.” This isn’t a superb recording so it is not terribly damning to say that each recording and copy are extra generic.
Bifrost Uber – Vocals are a bit extra like a stay voice. The vocals sound is a little more beamy and peaked within the midrange. A way of extra drama with the violins, just like the ebb and circulation of emotion; however they nonetheless barely sound like violins.
Bifrost 2 – This presentation was hotter (a superb factor and maybe a coloration), vocals have been rather less beamy. There’s a better sense of a singer performing someplace quite than only a sound emanating from a radio / speaker. String tone is best, not nice or making you assume it is actual, however there’s extra of a way of rosin on the bow. With the Bifrost 2, I need to hear all the track, AGAIN, regardless of listening time and again and over.
“Japura River,” Uakti, Aguas de Amazonia
This can be a purely instrumental recording of music composed by Philip Glass. South American quite than European music, percussive and rhythmic quite than melodic, however there’s timbre to be distinguished.
Modi – This featured good propulsion and a superb sense of a bell-like percussive instrument. Rhythmically good, possibly a way of “sooner” as a result of there’s much less decrease finish weight to the sound than the opposite DACs.
Bifrost Uber – A bit extra weight to backside finish, with the midrange a bit extra pesky exhibiting a tinkly high quality to struck metallic. Breathy devices strike me as extra alive and agile than with the Modi. I’m having fun with the presentation, and it’s more durable to change to subsequent monitor on this and Brasilieros – a bit shocking as I’ve gone by way of listening to those tracks at the very least 4 instances in lower than two hours.
Bifrost 2 – Higher backside finish than the Uber. Higher rendering of Tympani (?) on the track’s opening. Struck metallic sounds extra like struck metallic and life like. Good rhythmic qualities. Good propulsive qualities. Partaking track.
“Autumn Leaves,” Eddie Higgins Trio, Bewitched
That is the basic Johnny Mercer track, although sooner and with extra of a lounge act fashion. Should you’re not a fan of jazz since you need to hear the melody clearer, it is a very good mixture of the melody being clearly acknowledged but additionally permitting Higgins to discover the construction of the melody. Not a terrific recording however extra of an invisible, as in unnoticeable high quality. There’s a “hitch,” mistake or supposed interruption of a rain of notes between the second and fourth seconds of the monitor.
Modi – The “hitch” sounds rather less weighty and fewer like a stumble than a way of intention. Piano tone has a sure richness, if not weight. Toes tapping, chin bobbing… A pleasant track.
Bifrost Uber – The hitch extra evident as intentional when performed a bit extra loudly. Much less improvement of piano tone, ringing a bit extra. Propulsive and “jazzy,” I am unsure whether or not I favor the Uber to the Modi. Each are good.
Bifrost 2 – The primary 4 seconds sounds extra like an artist at work, nevertheless suave, however extra suave nonetheless. Higher timbre, a bit extra heat within the piano. Standup bass now an instrument quite than low notes emanating from an unknown supply. Actually having fun with this efficiency.
“Pana Cand Nu Te Iubiem,” Pink Martini, Get Blissful
The subsequent two songs are by Pink Martini. PM use two vocalists now: Storm Massive is a transformed “rock singer” who can belt out a tune, however not essentially convey as a lot emotion as her counterpart, China Forbes, whose voice is much less highly effective however extra emotionally evocative.
I’ve used this track time and again in evaluations as a result of it by no means fails to elicit an emotional response and it is melodies are richly hued. My junior yr of school I dated a really emotional lady. The track virtually all the time sounds just like the prepare wreck my junior yr was, the track is difficult to look (pay attention) away from. The drama on this track remakes itself every time I hearken to it, fortunately far-off from the expertise itself. Here’s a snippet of the interpretation of the Romanian to English (the entire thing is exhausting):
However now that I really like you
Longing, oh longing…
I can get no relaxation
Longing, oh longing…
I depart the home to go someplace
Longing, oh longing…
I don`t know which strategy to go
Longing, oh longing…
My poor coronary heart
Longing, oh longing…
Will not quit on you
Longing, oh longing…
Phew! Simply re-reading the lyrics makes me drained.
Modi – Listening feels dramatic. The torpid reliving of ennui is nicely (although essentially, slowly) paced. There’s a little bit of a wispy high quality to Storm Massive’s singing right here. There’s, nevertheless, an emotional connection to the efficiency.
Bifrost Uber – Instead of the wispy vocal high quality, it is now a mixture of breathy and a ringing within the recording. Strings have extra of a sweeping high quality, triangle jumps out across the three minute mark. The stringed instrument sounds extra plucked with timbre current and evident.
Bifrost 2 – Vocals are a mixture of vocal rasp and microphone. The track is barely extra ponderous, consonant with the underlying melodrama of the track. Nice theater to “watch” and expertise. Vocal sounds are hotter, fuller and feelings are higher communicated. Triangles positively leap out. I discover there’s a butterfly flitting of a excessive pitched instrument clearer as a part of an orchestrated sound as a result of it is higher coupled to the rising tone of strings. Now it is extra like listening to a gradual prepare wreck of angst and …
“Let’s By no means Cease Falling in Love,” Pink Martini, Hold on Little Tomato
Sung by Forbes, that is only a pretty and upbeat track with a horny emotion, counterposed to Pana… Once more, wealthy melodically, although singing a couple of celebration simply evokes much less emotion than drama and sorrow.
Modi – China Forbes’ frequent wispy high quality is right here. There’s good rhythm as anticipated, upbeat and pretty good separation on a suitable however unexceptional recording.
Bifrost Uber – The opening strings usually are not significantly good. Is that on the recording? Unsure, however it’s not convincing; I will lay it on the recording/room interface. Vocals are much less breathy right here and extra like Forbes singing right into a microphone that is over pushed in her vary. Nonetheless a enjoyable recording.
Bifrost 2 – The opening strings, sound like strings. China Forbes vocals nicely performed and gratifying. Richer in tone and trills. Presentation has me desirous to sing alongside, even when the remainder of the home would not.
“Easy As This,” Jake Bugg, Jake Bugg
Jake Bugg is a younger singer with a candy however barely nasal high quality however not a number of vocal vary. It is a good track to hearken to as a result of… it is a good track, nevertheless nicely recorded or orchestrated.
Modi – Vocals have a little bit of a “beamy” possibly the mic is a bit over pushed. Guitar tone and timbre are clearer, even when guitar is basically a struck sound quite than one exhibiting sustained tone. Bass additionally heat, moderately full and propulsive.
Bifrost Uber – There’s much less of a beamy high quality to Jake Bugg’s vocals. Higher delineation of vocal modulation although not a number of house for vocals to open up. Guitar nonetheless sounds principally like a struck instrument with out a lot tonal improvement. Recorded echo qualities are extra apparent however not horrible. First rate backside finish.
Bifrost 2 – Beamy high quality is attenuated and now he seems like a singer who existed “stay” in some unspecified time in the future. Guitar timbre continues to be not significantly clear, assault and strum evident, however not as clearly a guitar. Nonetheless a enjoyable track to hearken to.
“You Make Me Really feel So Younger,” Frank Sinatra, Songs for Swingin’ Lovers
Modi – Good heat palette to vocals. Jaunty high quality current, little or no sense of Frank being in entrance of you. However the timbre of his voice was fairly good, if a bit overbuffed.
Bifrost – Good rhythmic qualities. Timing of Sinatra’s singing is fairly evident and makes it appear clearer why he is nicely regarded for each is jazz and pop singing.
Bifrost 2 – Greatest vocal copy. Heat, tone and resonance. Clearly the most effective presentation.
The Bifrost 2 additionally features a small distant. The distant means that you can swap sources on the Bifrost, e.g. from USB to Toslink to Coaxial, in addition to a section swap. I’ve a couple of small remotes proper now: one for my Apple TV, my Classe Sigma SSP, and now the Schiit shaker, er, distant. I like small, however I will confess I am not a fan of looking down one distant, not to mention, three. The Schiit distant can be welcome in a less complicated system, however it didn’t present ease on this reviewer’s system.
I’ve by no means been conscious that I used to be delicate to recordings being in or out of section. Nonetheless, I consider I heard variations with the Bifrost 2, however not all the time. Once I did hear a distinction my expertise was of discount or enhancing “hash” in playback. I heard a barely clearer sense of rhythm with Uakti, although the largest distinction was with the piano music on “Autumn Leaves,” which appeared richer and extra rhythmic. I count on lots of people would welcome section inversion on this DAC.
Placing a wrapper on the Bifrost 2. General, I discovered the Modi Multi Bit and Bifrost Uber to be neck and neck with variations regarding supply materials multiple being higher general than the opposite. It was a step above the sound of my Oppo BD105, although colder. The Oppo offered recordings extra generically. I additionally most popular the Bifrost 2 to the digital dancing of my Classe Sigma SSP the place the Bifrost’s tone and timbre appeared extra life like and dynamic shading was superior.
However, when it got here to the Bifrost Uber and the Bifrost 2, I most popular the Bifrost 2 practically on a regular basis. The Bifrost Uber is hotter, much less resolving and extra a pleasing expertise, however offered music extra generically. In comparison with the Bifrost Uber, it was clearer and a bit extra illuminated than its darker, fuzzier progenitor. The price of better readability was merely seeing what was on the recording and is {that a} penalty? I do not assume so. However do not learn better readability of recording high quality as ruthlessly revealing. That is neither a presentation with sharp, nasty angles, nor one dripping with saturated tone. It is an evenly balanced, welcome DAC that may do nicely in most programs as a result of it is not going to tip the cart one course or one other. This iteration of my system locations each part at about ten instances the value of the Bifrost 2, so it is pretty lofty firm with which the Bifrost was good firm.
Schiit’s personal Gungnir Multi Bit ($1299) is richer, extra revealing, and a livelier performer. Prism Audio’s Callia ($2799) was extra detailed and provided a richer perception into the construction, if not the that means of music, with a “simply the information,” presentation. LampizatOr’s Euforia ($2130 earlier than being discontinued) was clearer, cleaner and a extra compelling sound. All the DACs on this paragraph are two, three, and 4 instances the value of the Bifrost 2. All through my evaluate interval, I loved my listening expertise. There’s “extra” obtainable as you scale the ruinous heights of DACs, however if you’d like plug and play enjoyment, the Bifrost 2 can ship.
Bifrost 2 DAC
Retail: $699
Schiit Audio
22508 Market Avenue
Newhall, CA 91321
