Thanks for answering the question I had before I asked!😁😎🤗 and as I've mentioned before I definitely like your style of video/audio production!🤗😎 you really let the potential consumer know what the heck is going on with the products. evidently that's kind of hard to do ad I've watched a lot of other channels and I still don't know what to do regarding purchasing a particlar product😉🤤🤓
Excellent review. Made one of those flickering old light bulbs in my undecided mind suddenly come on with conviction. You are good! Thank you very much!
I was wondering the same! I own the Multibit and Jotunheim and now I have a new name for my Multibit! I use my ASUS Xonar U3 with optical out due to it's awesome bass boost, fed into the multibit, fed into the Jotunheim and then use Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pros as the headphones, sounds amazing!
Great video sir. Will definitely give the modi 3 in the future. As of now I am just using a fulla 2. Still learning my basics with audio. I just started having interest in this market 2 months ago.
Excellent video. Thanks! Maybe you noticed that the sound with sigma delta dacs sound as if the dynamic range of the music was compressed, when compared to the multibits. Along with the lack of those microdetails that tell you how is the venue of the recording (as you can clearly hear it with the multibits). How could that be measured in a test bench? Different conversion algorithms should produce different aproximation to reconstruct the signal when streaming data. Maybe the proper measurement technics are not yet fully developed for us, mere analogical mortals
As Mike Moffat has argued since the 1980's, approximations are the problem. Only multibit can offer the exact data from a PCM file; sigma-delta only guesses.
Great review! I just feel that the focus was more on the Modi 3 than the Mimby. Do you recommend the Mimby ? I've been using the DAC on my Airport Express for quite some time and it would be great to know if the Mimby is worth the US$250 upgrade. The Airport Express has a decent reputation because of its DAC and 2V output - the same of the two pieces of Schiit you reviewed. Do you think I'll feel night and day difference between the Mimby and the AE ? Thanks again and congratulations for putting these two side by side.
Thanks. This was a review of the Modi 3 and not the Mimby, and hence the focus hehe. It's not a night and day difference; but you will hear most definitely hear it. It will be a little bit better in almost all aspects, and a little bit more engaging. If you cannot upgrade your speakers or amp, then yes, go for the Mimby!
DSD and MQA are very limited formats because there are very extensive catalogues of music owned by a large number of people who are not about to spend as much or even more to get music in these formats, especially if they have good red book files of the music they love anyway - yes people with bottomless pockets might try to duplicate their catalogues but would be trying to get the impossible as some music is unobtainable now.
True, but MQA is available for streaming by Tidal, so there really is no need to own the new format. That said, I am not a convert to MQA; I don't see why we need to go back to a lossy format.
What I like about Schiit DACs is, it just works! I recently bought an SMSL SU-9n, the toslink input does not work. I bought a Topping E30, the coaxial input does not work. I tried the Topping E50, the toslink input does not work with my TV only. Meanwhile, my old Modi 3 just keeps on rocking. So I bought a modius, and guess what? it just works with all my devices! Admittedly, I like the sound of both the SMSL and Toppings DACs better, but what good are they if I'm constantly fiddling around trying to make it work. I may try the multibit, see if its better than my modius.
I think you nailed it with the review. Could you do also do a direct comparison between the Mimby and the Yggy? I own a Mimby and read reviews of the Yggy but it's tough drawing comparisons just by reading reviews and I'm curious what 8x the price buys you.
I've actually compared them both, but didn't bother doing a video (yet) because the Yggy is just too far from the mimby to draw a conclusion if it is worth it. If it's any value to you, when I lent the Yggy to my friend and I was using the Mimby, I can barely stand it hahahah. But to help you out in the meantime: the Yggy has more textures overall, instruments have more overtones and yet even have more space between them, piano notes have more weight, there's more spatial depth and feels more 3D, sounds cleaner and easier to small details like fingers sliding across a bass guitar string. I would say, it is worth it for me and would be my endgame. Against the Chord Qutest, it is only a little bit better in some aspects IF you change the filters depending on the song, but the bass is noticeably better having a bit more textures and extension; I feel the Chord is more neutral and not as musical though, and I think I chose the Yggy for 7 out of 10 songs. That said, I'd probably be using a Qutest right now if I didn't have an Yggy already because it's so darn expensive! Hope this helps!
@@TheAudiofool Thanks a lot for the comparison! I'm also drawn between getting an Yggy and the Qutest but am leaning towards the Qutest since having to leave the Yggy on all the time to sound its best is kinda annoying with Germany's crazy high electricity costs. And as you said the Qutest being this much cheaper makes the decision a lot easier.
@@TheAudiofool "when I lent the Yggy to my friend and I was using the Mimby, I can barely stand it hahahah." was this when the mimby was still v1 firmware?
@@mykeldg yes, but it was more of a comment in comparison rather than as an absolute. Aka, the mimby is nice, but in comparision to the yggy, there's no contest.
LOL. Well I just really needed to satisfy my curiosity on whether lower SINAD = better sound, and it was either the Modi 3 or a Topping D30, but I figure this has better resale.
Perhaps I'm a moron for wondering but why are dacs never made with HDMI inputs? This is also a let down for me with the miniDSP which is only rca input I believe but not HDMI and considering almost every source is now HDMI,I don't understand why dacs seem to be old school in terms of input. Are these schiits micro-usb and optical input and rca out?
If I'm not mistaken, there are some stiff licensing fees for using HDMI, but more and more DACs and integrateds are starting to include HDMI. Which miniDSP are you using? I believe the 2x4 HD has optical input apart from rca in; I have a nanodigi which outputs in digital so I can feed it to the DAC of my choosing, instead of using the DAC of the miniDSP. Schiit have optical, coax (rca), and usb as inputs, and rca for output.
I still run my Modi 2 Uber with my Magni 3 AMP (Sennheiser HD 700). I was going to upgrade to the Modi 3, but on the spec sheet it has the same AK4490 IC as my Modi 2U, so I figured the difference to the ear would be negligible at best. I'd like to go Multibit, but I think if I do any upgrades, I would just go multibit Jotunhiem and be done with it.
Yes, I'd recommend you stay with the Modi 2, the Modi 3 is a tad more silent, but if you want a more substantial upgrade, go for the Mimby or Airist Audio R2R.
Great video bro. Would be interested to hear your impressions about d30. They are less than 100$ now in lazada ph. I have them and love them better than my audioquest dragonflys. They also do not have a “common” chip like the modi 3.(the d30 has the flagship cirrus chip used by the $800 marantz dac)
Do you think the modi dac is better than an ifi zen dac? I got the ifi hip dac/amp and was really impressed with the bass feature. So I feel the schiit may be slightly better sound quality but idk but it doesn’t add bass I’m sure like the ifi devices. I want to use these for references in a song mix and that bass makes the sound like a car system with a sub woofer and it sounds very fun. But then I can switch it off and have a flat response. So I wonder would you say the modi is a better dac than the ifi? Or the schiit amps are better than the ifi amps? Because I’m thinking maybe a ifi amp with the c bass feature and the 3D feature with a schiit dac might be a good mix. Or a schiit amp and ifi dac. What you think? Soundstage sound wise any comparison?
Hey There, if you like the Ifi and the bass and other features, then go for it. At the end of the day, it's all about what you hear and not somebody else's.
You can buy it off directly from their site and have it shipped to your location or to a freight forwarder. I normally use a forwarder as I'm buying stuff from other places, but I've had some shipped here directly and they normally use Fedex.
Would the modi multibit be a good addition to a bluesound node 2i, or would that be just a sideways step. I'm happy with the dac in the bluesound node 2 and just wondering if it can be improved.
I personally like it a lot better than the Node, and would buy it as an slight upgrade in your situation, but it' not something I can't live without. If you can save up for a higher tier dac like the bitfrost 2 or Chord Mojo/Qutest, then that would be better. Otherwise, I'd say just stick with the Node 2 since you're already happy with it and maybe think about upgrading speakers/amp instead.
Audiofool Have you compared the Chord Qutest against the Chord Mojo please. If so what are the sound differences. Would you easily hear the differences through a speaker like LS50 ?
I haven't done an A-B comparison, but from memory, the Qutest is so much more refined, the bass is tamed having more textures and more grip, instruments are also cleaner and more agile, and soundstaging and imaging are also deepened. If you are familiar with the tracks to compare, yes, it will be heard on the LS50, even on the B6.2s. If not, it might be a little harder and you may need to repeat, but you'd still hear some differences.
sorry im new on this... do you think an external dac as mimby, improves the sound of my cd player onkyo c7030? (i think the internal dac specs are good) thank you
If you are happy with your sound, then there's no need to change and you will be more satisfied upgrading your speaker or amp. I do think the mimby will make the sound better for my listening preference. Alternatively, if specs and measurements are your priority, a Modi 3 or a Topping E30 have much better SINAD at a lower cost.
Hi Sir, I have a system which consist of a Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier, Cambridge Audio CXC CD Transport and Tannoy Revolution XT6F Tower Speakers. The only source I use for music are CDs. I just want to get your expert advice if there will be an improvement in sound quality if I use the Schiit Modi Multibit(Mimby) as my external DAC for my Cambridge Audio CXC CD Transport? Currently, I am connecting my CXC CD Transport via the coaxial input of the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier which has an onboard ESS Sabre ES9016K2M DAC. Hope to hear your response. Thank you.
That depends; what improvements do you want to hear? If you want a more vinyl/analogue/live type of sound, then yes. If it's any indication, the friend I borrowed the Topping D50s (ESS 9038) and E30 (AKM 4493) I used for my reviews eventually sold both and bought my Mimby. But again, it really just depends on what you want to improve.
@@TheAudiofool Thank you, Sir. I like the warm analogue sound as you have mentioned above hence would pull the trigger on this Mimby. Thank you again, Sir and keep safe!
@@manuelgaring7793 curious if you went with the modi on your setup? I have cxa61 (different sabre dac but close) and thinking to upgrade to a modi mb or bifrost. I added the new node recently and have been liking the burr Brown dac inside that better than the Cambridge integrated and now want to step it up
What did you say the website you stumbled upon to tested all these DACS, a link would really help . Looking for a good source of data and testing review website. Thank you for a great informative video.
is it true that the modi multi bit tries to reproduce similar sounds to an r2r dac? i'm considering getting a modi multi bit or maybe an audio gd r2r.11 headphone amp/dac or maybe i should just go straight to getting an actual r2r dac? i just really miss the analog sound of old audio equipment but want modern conveniences. and i do not want tubes.
you might want go for a real r2r like the airist audio r2r dac from dac if its available already. That said, the modi multibit doesn't sound like your typical delta sigma dac and is a good first step in appreciating less common dacs.
@@TheAudiofool and that's my problem. the airist isn't available. closest i can get that's cheap enough would be getting an audio.gd. r2r11 but i already have a smsl sp200 amp on the way so that makes the r2r's amp side be redundant. and yes, i would probably getting the mimby and wait for an airist if or when that thing comes out on drop again. my other problem is that i'm from a 3rd world country and audio gd's gonna be easier for me to get since i have a buddy that works in malaysia and can just order it for me easily.
The mimby suits my tastes more especially if you don't need the balanced; it has richer mids, more satisfying bass, and a more 3d soundstage that for me, makes the instruments more separated and solid. Modius is very clean sounding and neutral though, but if you dont need the mids and dont mind not made in the US, look at the SMSL SK10 v2 or Topping E30 which is about half the price and have the same AKM 4493 chip.
I find the Modi Multibit to be much more natural sounding and more pleasing to my ears, though if you are a measurements guy, just stick with the modi 3.
@The Audiofool thank you. I am looking for a dac that has a slight warm signature. I’ve read that the smsl is a bit bright sounding. Is this the case in your opinion? Btw I’m enjoying your reviews!
The modius will sound the same as the Topping E30 which I reviewed here ruclips.net/video/wgwzZQvfNKQ/видео.html . If you don't need balanced, just stick with the Topping E30 or SMSL SK10 v2. Overall I still prefer the Modi which sounds more natural for me but depends really on your taste.
@@TheAudiofool I am most grateful for the reply...I was told that Modi 3 sounds 95% of Modius...wich is double the price. So E30 should not be my choice according to your observation as well. Best regards
Ha Ha , Did not listen to the advice of the Audiofool and now i want to upgrade my modi 3. But its hard to resist spending $99 to try it out. Also did you get a chance to hear the Modius?
Haha. I buy all this stuff for my curiosity as well so no worries. We should just stop spending and enjoy the music. hehe. Anyway, I haven't heard the sound of the modius but it will pretty much the same as the Topping E30 I reviewed, and a bit of improvement may come only if you use USB (for Unison) or need balanced output. It would be a little bit better than the modi 3, but If you are tired of the same sounds just becoming cleaner and cleaner (AKM, ESS), try listening to an R2R or equivalent DAC like the mimby or airist audio or chord.
The Audiofool The Audiofool I’ll be hooking these up to a Magni 3+ but I’ve had my eyes on the Valhalla 2 Tube Headphone amp. Do you think it’s worth the upgrade to the Valhalla? I can still return the Magni 3+
@@marku2288 What headphones are you using? For the Valhalla 2 you should have a Headphone with 300 ohm and more. If not, go with Lyr3, but its a hybrid tube amp, or an Asgard 3
@@marku2288 How do you find it with the Magni3+? I have an HD6xx and Magni 3 has good enough volume. Can't comment on the Valhalla since I'm not into tubes, and honestly, I don't see why you'd want to partner the 650 with tubes either being on the warmer side already, but I suppose that is my preference.
@@TheAudiofool Basically was going to compare it to two, more or less equally priced dacs, the iFi Zen and the Khadas Tone Board. I shouldn't expect much difference, right?
@@Yiannis2112 That is correct. That said, I'd stay away from the ifi Zen being a dated product, and would limit my choice to either the khadas or modi 3. I guess which one you can find cheaper or if you like the casing of the modi.
@@TheAudiofool I have the Khadas and its audio quality was a disappointment. Much better clarity overall, but below average with regard to texture and mix level of instruments (my $5 on board sound card of my pc, despite its mudiness, is 50% better in these two aspects). That is, despite the very good reviews by youtube's so called "experts", the good measurements from other "experts" and so on. I just want to change it, but I just don't want to get bitten again, by the expert army.
@@Yiannis2112 Ah well then I'd probably just spring for a modi multibit (more forward mids) or airist audio r2r dac (neutral-warm but very detailed) depending on your preference, but before you do, what's the rest of your gear?
Measures better, sounds worse vs. measures worse, sounds better. For those of us who value PRaT, the Mimby is well ahead of the Modi. Although even a modest turntable-cartridge setup offers more musical resolution, I can listen to the Mimby without fatigue or boredom.
Vinyl has it's benefits to be sure but resolution is not one of them, that is an objective fact. Musicality perhaps, but not resolution or accuracy or extension, which overlap a lot.
I got the Schiit MODI 3 and MAGNI combo... all I can say is my iPhone streaming Tidal and Spotify never sounded so good. My KT88 tube based integrated amp hated my iPhone/iPad audio content. Then Schiit came along with this cheap crap, now life is good again! For less than 300 dollars after cables I could not believe the difference in sound quality. I brought the Schiit stuff as a joke to take to work as a desktop setup. I figured if it got stolen by the cleaning crew it would be no big deal. Now I will not let it leave my home office setup! Needless to say, I think I am going to get some more Schiit!
Hi, I am impressed with your video. Thank you. I'm new to DACs. I want your advice on the choice of a reasonable value DAC to improve my audio quality. (I haven't used any DACs so far). Can I go for Modi2 Multibit DAC?! My Sources: 1. CD: Marantz CD5005 & 2. Streamer: Marantz NA6005 My Integrated Amp: Marantz PM6006. My Speakers: A: Klipsch Heresy-iii B: Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (And quite a few more like Buchardt S400, S300, Quad S5 etc.)
You can, but what would you want to change in your sound? Your marantz streamer should already have a decent DAC. To be perfectly honest, I would probably first go with a better amp, something that's at least nearer to the price of your speakers.
@@TheAudiofool i will buy Sennheiser Hd650 so i think i should change my DAC device, which one you think i should buy to pair with Schiit Magni 3. Modi 3 or Modi Multibit (or Modi 2 Uber)?
Would love it if you would do Modi Multibit vs Bifrost 2!
Yes please.
Thanks for answering the question I had before I asked!😁😎🤗 and as I've mentioned before I definitely like your style of video/audio production!🤗😎 you really let the potential consumer know what the heck is going on with the products. evidently that's kind of hard to do ad I've watched a lot of other channels and I still don't know what to do regarding purchasing a particlar product😉🤤🤓
Thanks! If you have other questions you hadn't thought of, let me know hahah
Excellent review. Made one of those flickering old light bulbs in my undecided mind suddenly come on with conviction. You are good! Thank you very much!
Are you the only person calling the Modi Multibit the "Mimby", or am I missing something? Quite confusing at first!
My apologies. Most Schiit fanatics call the modi multibit - Mimby, Bimby for bitforst, gumby for gungnir, and yggy for the yggdrasil.
@@TheAudiofool Thanks for clarifying!
@@TheAudiofool Bad to switch to magical/moontalk unless you chisel up a special translation stone for us.
Mimbi mimbi mimbo
I was wondering the same! I own the Multibit and Jotunheim and now I have a new name for my Multibit!
I use my ASUS Xonar U3 with optical out due to it's awesome bass boost, fed into the multibit, fed into the Jotunheim and then use Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pros as the headphones, sounds amazing!
This review was one of the reasons I went with a Modi Multibit to go between my CD player and my Magni 3. Thanks.
Russel Haxby how is it working out for you?
@@yarmoth6 Badly. It's currently back in its box sitting under the desk.
Haha oh no. What happpened. Do not like multibit anymore? Wanna sell it? Haha
@@yarmoth6 Do not like multibit anymore. Would happily sell it.
Russel Haxby shoot me an email. Davidstrout3@gmail.com Thanks!
Great video sir. Will definitely give the modi 3 in the future. As of now I am just using a fulla 2. Still learning my basics with audio. I just started having interest in this market 2 months ago.
Take it slow and have fun!
Excellent video. Thanks!
Maybe you noticed that the sound with sigma delta dacs sound as if the dynamic range of the music was compressed, when compared to the multibits. Along with the lack of those microdetails that tell you how is the venue of the recording (as you can clearly hear it with the multibits). How could that be measured in a test bench? Different conversion algorithms should produce different aproximation to reconstruct the signal when streaming data. Maybe the proper measurement technics are not yet fully developed for us, mere analogical mortals
As Mike Moffat has argued since the 1980's, approximations are the problem. Only multibit can offer the exact data from a PCM file; sigma-delta only guesses.
Great review! I just feel that the focus was more on the Modi 3 than the Mimby. Do you recommend the Mimby ? I've been using the DAC on my Airport Express for quite some time and it would be great to know if the Mimby is worth the US$250 upgrade. The Airport Express has a decent reputation because of its DAC and 2V output - the same of the two pieces of Schiit you reviewed. Do you think I'll feel night and day difference between the Mimby and the AE ? Thanks again and congratulations for putting these two side by side.
Thanks. This was a review of the Modi 3 and not the Mimby, and hence the focus hehe. It's not a night and day difference; but you will hear most definitely hear it. It will be a little bit better in almost all aspects, and a little bit more engaging. If you cannot upgrade your speakers or amp, then yes, go for the Mimby!
I too have the Schiit Modi 3. I use it for my Audiolab 6000cdt transport. I think it sounds very good. Thanks for your video.
DSD and MQA are very limited formats because there are very extensive catalogues of music owned by a large number of people who are not about to spend as much or even more to get music in these formats, especially if they have good red book files of the music they love anyway - yes people with bottomless pockets might try to duplicate their catalogues but would be trying to get the impossible as some music is unobtainable now.
True, but MQA is available for streaming by Tidal, so there really is no need to own the new format. That said, I am not a convert to MQA; I don't see why we need to go back to a lossy format.
What I like about Schiit DACs is, it just works! I recently bought an SMSL SU-9n, the toslink input does not work. I bought a Topping E30, the coaxial input does not work. I tried the Topping E50, the toslink input does not work with my TV only. Meanwhile, my old Modi 3 just keeps on rocking. So I bought a modius, and guess what? it just works with all my devices! Admittedly, I like the sound of both the SMSL and Toppings DACs better, but what good are they if I'm constantly fiddling around trying to make it work. I may try the multibit, see if its better than my modius.
I think you nailed it with the review. Could you do also do a direct comparison between the Mimby and the Yggy? I own a Mimby and read reviews of the Yggy but it's tough drawing comparisons just by reading reviews and I'm curious what 8x the price buys you.
I've actually compared them both, but didn't bother doing a video (yet) because the Yggy is just too far from the mimby to draw a conclusion if it is worth it. If it's any value to you, when I lent the Yggy to my friend and I was using the Mimby, I can barely stand it hahahah. But to help you out in the meantime: the Yggy has more textures overall, instruments have more overtones and yet even have more space between them, piano notes have more weight, there's more spatial depth and feels more 3D, sounds cleaner and easier to small details like fingers sliding across a bass guitar string. I would say, it is worth it for me and would be my endgame. Against the Chord Qutest, it is only a little bit better in some aspects IF you change the filters depending on the song, but the bass is noticeably better having a bit more textures and extension; I feel the Chord is more neutral and not as musical though, and I think I chose the Yggy for 7 out of 10 songs. That said, I'd probably be using a Qutest right now if I didn't have an Yggy already because it's so darn expensive! Hope this helps!
@@TheAudiofool Thanks a lot for the comparison! I'm also drawn between getting an Yggy and the Qutest but am leaning towards the Qutest since having to leave the Yggy on all the time to sound its best is kinda annoying with Germany's crazy high electricity costs. And as you said the Qutest being this much cheaper makes the decision a lot easier.
@@TheAudiofool "when I lent the Yggy to my friend and I was using the Mimby, I can barely stand it hahahah." was this when the mimby was still v1 firmware?
@@mykeldg yes, but it was more of a comment in comparison rather than as an absolute. Aka, the mimby is nice, but in comparision to the yggy, there's no contest.
The Audiofool thanks, yeah i agree. i heard your the mimby and yggy ls50 sound demos and the differences are indeed significant
measurements don't mean shit so long as it sounds good btw
Good. It seems good, practical to go for the Modi 3. (Now, why the h. say MiMbi or Nimby? Confusion awhile or longer.)
Mimby is short for Modi Multibit
Good points on spending money and getting the same as what you already have.
LOL. Well I just really needed to satisfy my curiosity on whether lower SINAD = better sound, and it was either the Modi 3 or a Topping D30, but I figure this has better resale.
Nice Video! Is a Bimby a serious upgrade from a Mimby? (Headphones: DT1990 and HD800S)
It is. But as usual, you shouldn't expect the improvements to scale with price.
Perhaps I'm a moron for wondering but why are dacs never made with HDMI inputs? This is also a let down for me with the miniDSP which is only rca input I believe but not HDMI and considering almost every source is now HDMI,I don't understand why dacs seem to be old school in terms of input.
Are these schiits micro-usb and optical input and rca out?
If I'm not mistaken, there are some stiff licensing fees for using HDMI, but more and more DACs and integrateds are starting to include HDMI.
Which miniDSP are you using? I believe the 2x4 HD has optical input apart from rca in; I have a nanodigi which outputs in digital so I can feed it to the DAC of my choosing, instead of using the DAC of the miniDSP.
Schiit have optical, coax (rca), and usb as inputs, and rca for output.
I still run my Modi 2 Uber with my Magni 3 AMP (Sennheiser HD 700). I was going to upgrade to the Modi 3, but on the spec sheet it has the same AK4490 IC as my Modi 2U, so I figured the difference to the ear would be negligible at best. I'd like to go Multibit, but I think if I do any upgrades, I would just go multibit Jotunhiem and be done with it.
Yes, I'd recommend you stay with the Modi 2, the Modi 3 is a tad more silent, but if you want a more substantial upgrade, go for the Mimby or Airist Audio R2R.
@@TheAudiofool Am thinking about buying Asgard 3 with Modi multibit, you think it's a good combo or should go with Modi and save $150?
@@muttineni03 If you have the budget, I would go for the multibit.
What is a mimby?? Where is the comparison for the Modi3 vs Multibit???
Great video bro. Would be interested to hear your impressions about d30. They are less than 100$ now in lazada ph. I have them and love them better than my audioquest dragonflys. They also do not have a “common” chip like the modi 3.(the d30 has the flagship cirrus chip used by the $800 marantz dac)
I haven't heard the Topping D30, but I would think it would be a good buy as well. If it falls into my lap, I'll give it a comparison.
Do you think the modi dac is better than an ifi zen dac? I got the ifi hip dac/amp and was really impressed with the bass feature.
So I feel the schiit may be slightly better sound quality but idk but it doesn’t add bass I’m sure like the ifi devices. I want to use these for references in a song mix and that bass makes the sound like a car system with a sub woofer and it sounds very fun. But then I can switch it off and have a flat response.
So I wonder would you say the modi is a better dac than the ifi? Or the schiit amps are better than the ifi amps?
Because I’m thinking maybe a ifi amp with the c bass feature and the 3D feature with a schiit dac might be a good mix.
Or a schiit amp and ifi dac. What you think? Soundstage sound wise any comparison?
Hey There, if you like the Ifi and the bass and other features, then go for it. At the end of the day, it's all about what you hear and not somebody else's.
Hi! What about the Bifrost 2? Have you had a chance to look at that one yet?
Hi Sir! Just wondering how you got the Schiit Modi? I’m also from the Philippines. Hope you can help! Thanks!
You can buy it off directly from their site and have it shipped to your location or to a freight forwarder. I normally use a forwarder as I'm buying stuff from other places, but I've had some shipped here directly and they normally use Fedex.
Would the modi multibit be a good addition to a bluesound node 2i, or would that be just a sideways step. I'm happy with the dac in the bluesound node 2 and just wondering if it can be improved.
I personally like it a lot better than the Node, and would buy it as an slight upgrade in your situation, but it' not something I can't live without. If you can save up for a higher tier dac like the bitfrost 2 or Chord Mojo/Qutest, then that would be better. Otherwise, I'd say just stick with the Node 2 since you're already happy with it and maybe think about upgrading speakers/amp instead.
How do you Lite dac-ah at 1543x8, can it be a replacement for American multibit.
Thanks for watching, Can't comment now as I've never heard the 1543 before, but will do once I've tried out.
Do you think a Modi3 would be an upgrade over a Fiio e17k dac when paired with an MKiii amp and sennheiser hd 600s?
probably not a big upgrade... maybe better to get the topping e30 or smsl sk10 v2 as they use the latest akm chip
where cna i get schiit stack here in the philippines?
Audiofool Have you compared the Chord Qutest against the Chord Mojo please. If so what are the sound differences. Would you easily hear the differences through a speaker like LS50 ?
I haven't done an A-B comparison, but from memory, the Qutest is so much more refined, the bass is tamed having more textures and more grip, instruments are also cleaner and more agile, and soundstaging and imaging are also deepened. If you are familiar with the tracks to compare, yes, it will be heard on the LS50, even on the B6.2s. If not, it might be a little harder and you may need to repeat, but you'd still hear some differences.
Thanks for your reply
sorry im new on this... do you think an external dac as mimby, improves the sound of my cd player onkyo c7030? (i think the internal dac specs are good) thank you
If you are happy with your sound, then there's no need to change and you will be more satisfied upgrading your speaker or amp. I do think the mimby will make the sound better for my listening preference. Alternatively, if specs and measurements are your priority, a Modi 3 or a Topping E30 have much better SINAD at a lower cost.
does adding weight to the mimby contributes better sounding?
Not to me. But the guy I sold the mimby to said it sounded slightly better with something heavy on top. Try it out and see for yourself.
I have the modi, and a musical fidelity v90. The V90 is significantly more vivid, where the modi is softer and more analog-like. I prefer the v90.
Hi Sir,
I have a system which consist of a Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier, Cambridge Audio CXC CD Transport and Tannoy Revolution XT6F Tower Speakers. The only source I use for music are CDs. I just want to get your expert advice if there will be an improvement in sound quality if I use the Schiit Modi Multibit(Mimby) as my external DAC for my Cambridge Audio CXC CD Transport? Currently, I am connecting my CXC CD Transport via the coaxial input of the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier which has an onboard ESS Sabre ES9016K2M DAC. Hope to hear your response. Thank you.
That depends; what improvements do you want to hear? If you want a more vinyl/analogue/live type of sound, then yes. If it's any indication, the friend I borrowed the Topping D50s (ESS 9038) and E30 (AKM 4493) I used for my reviews eventually sold both and bought my Mimby. But again, it really just depends on what you want to improve.
@@TheAudiofool Thank you, Sir. I like the warm analogue sound as you have mentioned above hence would pull the trigger on this Mimby. Thank you again, Sir and keep safe!
@@manuelgaring7793 curious if you went with the modi on your setup? I have cxa61 (different sabre dac but close) and thinking to upgrade to a modi mb or bifrost. I added the new node recently and have been liking the burr Brown dac inside that better than the Cambridge integrated and now want to step it up
What did you say the website you stumbled upon to tested all these DACS, a link would really help . Looking for a good source of data and testing review website. Thank you for a great informative video.
www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php
is it true that the modi multi bit tries to reproduce similar sounds to an r2r dac? i'm considering getting a modi multi bit or maybe an audio gd r2r.11 headphone amp/dac
or maybe i should just go straight to getting an actual r2r dac?
i just really miss the analog sound of old audio equipment but want modern conveniences. and i do not want tubes.
you might want go for a real r2r like the airist audio r2r dac from dac if its available already. That said, the modi multibit doesn't sound like your typical delta sigma dac and is a good first step in appreciating less common dacs.
@@TheAudiofool and that's my problem. the airist isn't available. closest i can get that's cheap enough would be getting an audio.gd. r2r11 but i already have a smsl sp200 amp on the way so that makes the r2r's amp side be redundant. and yes, i would probably getting the mimby and wait for an airist if or when that thing comes out on drop again. my other problem is that i'm from a 3rd world country and audio gd's gonna be easier for me to get since i have a buddy that works in malaysia and can just order it for me easily.
@@TheAudiofool thanks for the reply. happy new year btw.
@@franzb69 Go for the Audio GDs then if reviews are positive. Happy new year.
Which would you choose between Modi Mimby & the Modius?
The mimby suits my tastes more especially if you don't need the balanced; it has richer mids, more satisfying bass, and a more 3d soundstage that for me, makes the instruments more separated and solid. Modius is very clean sounding and neutral though, but if you dont need the mids and dont mind not made in the US, look at the SMSL SK10 v2 or Topping E30 which is about half the price and have the same AKM 4493 chip.
I now have Modi 3. Does mutibit have better sound?
I find the Modi Multibit to be much more natural sounding and more pleasing to my ears, though if you are a measurements guy, just stick with the modi 3.
Will the Modi 3 make a huge difference compared to a Chromecast audio?
Yup, but I suggest you go with the latest AKM chip... so maybe the SMSL SK10 v2. Or if you can afford it, go for the Modi multibit.
@The Audiofool thank you. I am looking for a dac that has a slight warm signature. I’ve read that the smsl is a bit bright sounding. Is this the case in your opinion? Btw I’m enjoying your reviews!
I also have Modi 3 ...any toughts about the new Modius...Please do compare it with Multibit Modi
The modius will sound the same as the Topping E30 which I reviewed here ruclips.net/video/wgwzZQvfNKQ/видео.html . If you don't need balanced, just stick with the Topping E30 or SMSL SK10 v2. Overall I still prefer the Modi which sounds more natural for me but depends really on your taste.
@@TheAudiofool I am most grateful for the reply...I was told that Modi 3 sounds 95% of Modius...wich is double the price.
So E30 should not be my choice according to your observation as well.
Best regards
@@hrvojekant9415 Yep, if you want a significant change to your sound, you should aim for at least a multibit modi, or preferably the bitfrost 2.
@@TheAudiofool Thank You so much...I like a lot your presentations - reviews ...Best regards ...be safe!
Ha Ha , Did not listen to the advice of the Audiofool and now i want to upgrade my modi 3. But its hard to resist spending $99 to try it out. Also did you get a chance to hear the Modius?
Haha. I buy all this stuff for my curiosity as well so no worries. We should just stop spending and enjoy the music. hehe.
Anyway, I haven't heard the sound of the modius but it will pretty much the same as the Topping E30 I reviewed, and a bit of improvement may come only if you use USB (for Unison) or need balanced output. It would be a little bit better than the modi 3, but If you are tired of the same sounds just becoming cleaner and cleaner (AKM, ESS), try listening to an R2R or equivalent DAC like the mimby or airist audio or chord.
Just got a Modi Multibit and the Modi Eitr for $200. Was this a good purchase? I was originally buying the Modi 3 but canceled my order.
Yes, especially if you're going to use the Eitr. Do check if you have the latest firmware and get from Schiit if it's older than 2018 I think.
The Audiofool The Audiofool I’ll be hooking these up to a Magni 3+ but I’ve had my eyes on the Valhalla 2 Tube Headphone amp. Do you think it’s worth the upgrade to the Valhalla? I can still return the Magni 3+
@@marku2288 What headphones are you using? For the Valhalla 2 you should have a Headphone with 300 ohm and more. If not, go with Lyr3, but its a hybrid tube amp, or an Asgard 3
Ake DP I have the Sennheiser HD650
@@marku2288 How do you find it with the Magni3+? I have an HD6xx and Magni 3 has good enough volume. Can't comment on the Valhalla since I'm not into tubes, and honestly, I don't see why you'd want to partner the 650 with tubes either being on the warmer side already, but I suppose that is my preference.
Hi there! Any idea how the Modi 3 sounds with rock-hard rock music? What I'd specifically like to know is how is it doing with rhythm guitars.
What are you going to compare it to? TBH, it pretty much sounds just like any other AKM DAC for me... so it's decent but nothing special.
@@TheAudiofool Basically was going to compare it to two, more or less equally priced dacs, the iFi Zen and the Khadas Tone Board. I shouldn't expect much difference, right?
@@Yiannis2112 That is correct. That said, I'd stay away from the ifi Zen being a dated product, and would limit my choice to either the khadas or modi 3. I guess which one you can find cheaper or if you like the casing of the modi.
@@TheAudiofool I have the Khadas and its audio quality was a disappointment. Much better clarity overall, but below average with regard to texture and mix level of instruments (my $5 on board sound card of my pc, despite its mudiness, is 50% better in these two aspects). That is, despite the very good reviews by youtube's so called "experts", the good measurements from other "experts" and so on. I just want to change it, but I just don't want to get bitten again, by the expert army.
@@Yiannis2112 Ah well then I'd probably just spring for a modi multibit (more forward mids) or airist audio r2r dac (neutral-warm but very detailed) depending on your preference, but before you do, what's the rest of your gear?
With your sense of humor I can't tell if your mispronouncing timbre on purpose or not.
I'm not hahaha
Measures better, sounds worse vs. measures worse, sounds better. For those of us who value PRaT, the Mimby is well ahead of the Modi. Although even a modest turntable-cartridge setup offers more musical resolution, I can listen to the Mimby without fatigue or boredom.
Vinyl has it's benefits to be sure but resolution is not one of them, that is an objective fact. Musicality perhaps, but not resolution or accuracy or extension, which overlap a lot.
hey are you filipino.
I got the Schiit MODI 3 and MAGNI combo... all I can say is my iPhone streaming Tidal and Spotify never sounded so good. My KT88 tube based integrated amp hated my iPhone/iPad audio content. Then Schiit came along with this cheap crap, now life is good again! For less than 300 dollars after cables I could not believe the difference in sound quality. I brought the Schiit stuff as a joke to take to work as a desktop setup. I figured if it got stolen by the cleaning crew it would be no big deal. Now I will not let it leave my home office setup! Needless to say, I think I am going to get some more Schiit!
Yes, the Magni is quite good and pairs very well with the Modi 3. I also keep my Magni and Modi in the office if I'm not using it for a review haha.
Hi, I am impressed with your video. Thank you.
I'm new to DACs. I want your advice on the choice of a reasonable value DAC to improve my audio quality. (I haven't used any DACs so far). Can I go for Modi2 Multibit DAC?!
My Sources:
1. CD: Marantz CD5005 &
2. Streamer: Marantz NA6005
My Integrated Amp:
Marantz PM6006.
My Speakers:
A: Klipsch Heresy-iii
B: Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary
(And quite a few more like Buchardt S400, S300, Quad S5 etc.)
You can, but what would you want to change in your sound? Your marantz streamer should already have a decent DAC. To be perfectly honest, I would probably first go with a better amp, something that's at least nearer to the price of your speakers.
@@TheAudiofool Thanks. I'll try & upgrade my amplifier.
TkS for your vid, very helpful.If I'm having Schiit Magni3. Should i buy Modi3 or Mimby ? @The Audiofool
What headphones and DAC are you using now?
@@TheAudiofool i'm using schiit magni3 pair with audioquest dragonfly red.
@@TheAudiofool my headphone He 400i
@@tomliver4985 Hmmm.... that's already a nice setup. What are you looking to improve? I would upgrade the HP first before the DAC though.
@@TheAudiofool i will buy Sennheiser Hd650 so i think i should change my DAC device, which one you think i should buy to pair with Schiit Magni 3. Modi 3 or Modi Multibit (or Modi 2 Uber)?
Well I'll still with my Musical Fidelity v90 and Chord MOJO. Thanks for the info.
You should. They're more expensive.
Accent is difficult to follow
Khadas Tone Board > Modi 3. The Modi Multibit is shit. Check measurements.