Wonderful, clear, and consice explanation of the differences between multibit and delta-sigma even differences between different multibits. I wish all reviewers are like you instead of giving vague words. Big thumbs up!!
I have been searching a long time to find a video explanation like this. It finally lifted the veil of what a more expensive DAC has to offer versus a lower end one.
That was a fantastic description of what a Multibit vs Sigma Delta DAC does! Thank you! I've been looking around for a clear explanation and now I have one. New subscriber! 🙂
For a brief few days I had the Modi multibit and the Bifrost Uber (pre multibit, pre 4490) and I did some A/B testing with a fellow audio friend and my sister who's not at all into audio. Every one of us blindly chose the Bifrost uber every time. It just had a little more life and musicality to it. I just submitted my bifrost for the multibit upgrade. Very excited!
Thanks for the comment. What amplifiers did you use with it? Did you keep the setup ? I'm interested in bf1/bf2 with low impedance iems and I wonder if it's worth it.
@@OptLab used my vista audio spark. Actually ended up downgrading a whole lot since then. Now I'm using the new Modi + for a dac. Maybe I'll eventually get a bf 2/64
@@JesseShotland ok. Were you not satisfied enough with the combo ? Were there drawbacks ? I Like the fact the Bifrost 2 uses 12W. I believe BF1 consumed way more.
What a great tutorial! I'm glad to hear you suggest that the Modi MB is comparable to this. I just ordered one along with a Jotunheim instead of getting the Jotunheim with the card because the Modi has the three input options.
It’s a matter of personal preference. To me, the instruments timber, tonality... of classical genre are rendered much more “musical” by Bifrost multibits than that of AKM4490 version. BTW, Eitr is a must for Bifrost if it does not come with gen 5 USB interface.
I have a Bifrost Multibit, at least now I know some basics of what I am listening to, I never can fully understand it any way :) please upload more videos of this type..Thanks a lot
Man, what a great tutorial on the difference between multibit and delta-sigma!!! You explained that so throughly and didn't get caught rambling-very concise! I've been leaning towards the Gumbi for a couple months now, but after seeing this, I'm wondering if Gungnir DS would better suit me. I listen to all different types of music, but my primary is experimental electronic, drone, techno, dark ambient, noise, etc... I could definitely imagine the Gumbi totally creating a new experience for all my Lustmord and AFX, but what about when I want that colder, more metallic sound with say Jesse Osborne-Lanthier or Grischa Lichtenberger? I'm afraid it might come out sounded blunted instead of sharp, like acupuncture needles for your ears. I've been meaning to hit the Schittr so I think this just further confirms I should hold off until I've gone and sampled. Again, THANK YOU for this great review!
I found that the Modi Multibits produce audible distortion at the end of songs as they fade out. Seems to be a power issue. Upgrading to the Bifrost MB resolved this.
Is it true that there is no difference at all going from the modi 2 multibit to the bifrost multibit? I've seen plenty of people saying that they immediately noticed a difference after comparing the two, in the first 5 seconds of a song.
There is a difference, but it's not huge to me, and that was with MoMB Gen 5 USB versus my BiMB Gen 3 USB directly A/B-ing them for 1.5 hours. There's a reason why people generally recommend the MoMB over the BiMB: you basically get 90% of the BiMB at less than half the cost. I haven't heard the GuMB before, but I do like the Yggdrasil for what it is, and that's a very clear step-up from the BiMB unlike from MoMB to BiMB.
I'd hope so considering the price of the Yggdrasil comparatively to the others. Do you think going from like usb 2 or 3 to usb 5 really does make a difference in sound quality though?
I'd like to know since my bifrost multbit is on my way as we speak. It is usb2 but I could always upgrade it to usb5. Right now I have the lyr 2 powering my lcd 2 headphones + a modi 2 multibit.
I don't think it makes much of a difference if you already have a pretty solid USB interface. I was using my MacBook during the A/B testing, which has a pretty darn good USB interface in my experience. At home I use an iFi iUSB 3.0 (which is basically what the Gen 5 USB does) with my 2017 PC, but it honestly doesn't make much of a difference in sound quality. I use the Eitr too with my Pulse X Infinity, and that does sound different to me because implementations between S/PDIF and USB are oftentimes different in a DAC. I would recommend spending the money on the Eitr over the Gen 5 USB upgrade for just $30 more, and you can use the Eitr with other products if you need to (Eitr actually has a Gen 5 USB board in it). I was going to add this to my reply above: Both the MoMB and the BiMB use the same DAC chip, just that the MoMB sacrifices power filtration within the unit unlike the BiMB. If you know what a good power supply sounds like, you can apply those benefits to the MoMB and get an idea of how the BiMB sounds. Basically you get a blacker background, more solid imaging, and a cleaner bass response, which is exactly what I heard in the BiMB vs the MoMB. But given that it's 2.4 times the cost, I wouldn't really recommend it and you'd be better off spending that money on a nicer power cable plus some music that you'd enjoy.
I don't recall, are the Jot's (and now Lyr 3) modules user-swappable? If so, it might be worth the investment if you're curious about the MultiBit sound. I wouldn't say it's necessarily an upgrade, per se, but rather a side-grade. It's like tubes versus solid state amps to me. I prefer solid state amps (Delta-Sigma DACs in this case), but tubes (R-2R DACs) are an option for people to choose from. I would be interested in building a Soekris R-2R DAC some day for fun though, just in the same for a tube amp (Bottlehead Crack).
I actually haven't heard the Bifrost 2 yet, but I'm curious about it! Schiit is always improving their products, so it's always fun to hear about their new developments/improvements.
Interesting that you characterize their sound as on the warm side of neutral when the objective frequency response measurements disagree with that... they are nearly perfectly flat response. It must be something that’s not captured by the measurements we have.
I think perception of smoothness is often interpreted as warmth even if the fr effect is neutral. I've heard tubes with "cold" signatures (i.e. those that only boost treble or even suck out lower midrange) still be described as warm because the harmonics they add make things feel more "accurate" to the feeling of a "warm" live performance. Very very interesting imo
CD quality is 16 bit. The resolution of the bifrost multibit is also 16 bit. It's the most you'll ever need and it will sound smooth and natural. The Gungnir multibit is 19 bits of resolution and the Yggdrasil is 21. =)
Thanks for a good tutorial on how delta-sigma and multi-bit work. Regarding your impressions and conclusions when comparing different units I must take the results with a pinch of salt. The reason is that, although Schiit's USB board/module has improved, the quality of sound available through USB input is definitely and clearly NOT as good as the optical or coaxial inputs. The improvement when using the optical or coax inputs is quite noticeable. As a result of this, you may wish to re-audition sometime if you get the chance. By the way, we have a Bifrost 4490 at home and we like it a lot. Cheers!
I select schiit modi2 multibit DAC and audio gd r2r 11 multibit DAC amp in confused which one buy? not DS DAC amp ( I have it).any have or experience. pl.share
I don't have any experience with Audio-gd's current products unfortunately. I'd go for the Modi 2 MultiBit though since Schiit has a very reputable history with it.
Jotunheim and Modi Multibit are stuck with USB Gen2. Unless you use an EITR with Modi, there's no way to fix GEN2 on Jotunheim. There should be a significant difference in performance of Gen5 USB/EITR vs the GEN2 of the Jotunheim module. Did you listen to an actual JOT + Module? Or just assumed Mimby would be the same?
@@miceblue425 Thanks for the reply, I own both the Jotunheim /w Multibit module, and the Bifrost Multibit with USB GEN5. Maybe it's because I could test them in my own environment and spend a bit more time critical listening, but to me the difference is not really that subtle between these two. GEN5 USB gives bifrost a huge leg up. I noticed with the Multibit module, a flat, closed in soundstage, and high frequencies were not enjoyable. Paired with Jotunheim it made me wince, I wanted to turn down the music all the time. The Bifrost Multibit with GEN5 was exactly the opposite, it had the tonality of the Multibit Module, but resolution was significantly higher, more detail, less sibilant, tighter, more powerful bass notes, and I wanted to keep turning the volume higher. I've not heard the Modi Multibit personally, but I think some of the above positives I experienced with Bifrost are applicable to Modi Multibit as well,(as opposed to the multibit module) particularly if it's paired with an EITR. Based on what i've heard with the Multibit Module, I can't say im a fan of it, and don't recommend it to anyone. I've heard good things about the GEN2 AK4490 dac card for JOT/LYR3 but have not personally heard it, many prefer it over the multibit module however. I did own the GEN1 4490 card and was not impressed. Thanks for your review
If you haven't made a decision yet, you can use single-ended/unbalanced DACs with all of Schiit's balanced headphone amps, integrated amps, and preamps. I had the Modi Multibit connected to my Ragnarok 1 balanced integrated amp before upgrading to the Yggdrasil balanced DAC.
I am a former CIO and programmer - Your review was simply awesome and much appreciated!
Wonderful, clear, and consice explanation of the differences between multibit and delta-sigma even differences between different multibits. I wish all reviewers are like you instead of giving vague words. Big thumbs up!!
I think this is one of the best DACs out there, especially for the money.
I have been searching a long time to find a video explanation like this. It finally lifted the veil of what a more expensive DAC has to offer versus a lower end one.
Absolutely great review! Thank you very much!
im watching this video pretending like im understanding what his saying but somehow feeling smarter lol
Thank you very much for a terrific explanation, you did a great service indeed.
Excellent explanation and great commentary!
That was a fantastic description of what a Multibit vs Sigma Delta DAC does! Thank you! I've been looking around for a clear explanation and now I have one.
New subscriber! 🙂
What an excellent review. Super clear and understandable. Keep it up bro.
For a brief few days I had the Modi multibit and the Bifrost Uber (pre multibit, pre 4490) and I did some A/B testing with a fellow audio friend and my sister who's not at all into audio. Every one of us blindly chose the Bifrost uber every time. It just had a little more life and musicality to it. I just submitted my bifrost for the multibit upgrade. Very excited!
Thanks for the comment. What amplifiers did you use with it? Did you keep the setup ?
I'm interested in bf1/bf2 with low impedance iems and I wonder if it's worth it.
@@OptLab used my vista audio spark. Actually ended up downgrading a whole lot since then. Now I'm using the new Modi + for a dac. Maybe I'll eventually get a bf 2/64
@@JesseShotland ok. Were you not satisfied enough with the combo ? Were there drawbacks ? I Like the fact the Bifrost 2 uses 12W. I believe BF1 consumed way more.
What a great tutorial! I'm glad to hear you suggest that the Modi MB is comparable to this. I just ordered one along with a Jotunheim instead of getting the Jotunheim with the card because the Modi has the three input options.
Nice review. Very factual and great overview of the R2R tech.
It’s a matter of personal preference. To me, the instruments timber, tonality... of classical genre are rendered much more “musical” by Bifrost multibits than that of AKM4490 version. BTW, Eitr is a must for Bifrost if it does not come with gen 5 USB interface.
I have a Bifrost Multibit, at least now I know some basics of what I am listening to, I never can fully understand it any way :) please upload more videos of this type..Thanks a lot
Hi, I'm planning to buy, please advise how is the sound is it detail? Please advise
@@HariPrasad9999 it's very smooth & natural sounding as explained in the review
Thank you so much you are a god in this digital field LOL
Great video, great learning in it.
Man, what a great tutorial on the difference between multibit and delta-sigma!!! You explained that so throughly and didn't get caught rambling-very concise! I've been leaning towards the Gumbi for a couple months now, but after seeing this, I'm wondering if Gungnir DS would better suit me. I listen to all different types of music, but my primary is experimental electronic, drone, techno, dark ambient, noise, etc...
I could definitely imagine the Gumbi totally creating a new experience for all my Lustmord and AFX, but what about when I want that colder, more metallic sound with say Jesse Osborne-Lanthier or Grischa Lichtenberger? I'm afraid it might come out sounded blunted instead of sharp, like acupuncture needles for your ears. I've been meaning to hit the Schittr so I think this just further confirms I should hold off until I've gone and sampled. Again, THANK YOU for this great review!
I found that the Modi Multibits produce audible distortion at the end of songs as they fade out. Seems to be a power issue. Upgrading to the Bifrost MB resolved this.
Best explanation online! Great work!
Quick question - How does the Audio GD R2R11 compare to Mimby or Bifrost from technical perspective?
Excellent 👏🏼👏🏼
Is it true that there is no difference at all going from the modi 2 multibit to the bifrost multibit? I've seen plenty of people saying that they immediately noticed a difference after comparing the two, in the first 5 seconds of a song.
There is a difference, but it's not huge to me, and that was with MoMB Gen 5 USB versus my BiMB Gen 3 USB directly A/B-ing them for 1.5 hours. There's a reason why people generally recommend the MoMB over the BiMB: you basically get 90% of the BiMB at less than half the cost. I haven't heard the GuMB before, but I do like the Yggdrasil for what it is, and that's a very clear step-up from the BiMB unlike from MoMB to BiMB.
I'd hope so considering the price of the Yggdrasil comparatively to the others. Do you think going from like usb 2 or 3 to usb 5 really does make a difference in sound quality though?
I'd like to know since my bifrost multbit is on my way as we speak. It is usb2 but I could always upgrade it to usb5. Right now I have the lyr 2 powering my lcd 2 headphones + a modi 2 multibit.
I don't think it makes much of a difference if you already have a pretty solid USB interface. I was using my MacBook during the A/B testing, which has a pretty darn good USB interface in my experience. At home I use an iFi iUSB 3.0 (which is basically what the Gen 5 USB does) with my 2017 PC, but it honestly doesn't make much of a difference in sound quality. I use the Eitr too with my Pulse X Infinity, and that does sound different to me because implementations between S/PDIF and USB are oftentimes different in a DAC. I would recommend spending the money on the Eitr over the Gen 5 USB upgrade for just $30 more, and you can use the Eitr with other products if you need to (Eitr actually has a Gen 5 USB board in it).
I was going to add this to my reply above: Both the MoMB and the BiMB use the same DAC chip, just that the MoMB sacrifices power filtration within the unit unlike the BiMB. If you know what a good power supply sounds like, you can apply those benefits to the MoMB and get an idea of how the BiMB sounds. Basically you get a blacker background, more solid imaging, and a cleaner bass response, which is exactly what I heard in the BiMB vs the MoMB. But given that it's 2.4 times the cost, I wouldn't really recommend it and you'd be better off spending that money on a nicer power cable plus some music that you'd enjoy.
Alright thanks for your input. Thank you for the video it was very well explained.
Great explanation. Thanks.
I have Jot. with delta-sigma dac. Is it worth upgrading to the new multibit?
I don't recall, are the Jot's (and now Lyr 3) modules user-swappable? If so, it might be worth the investment if you're curious about the MultiBit sound. I wouldn't say it's necessarily an upgrade, per se, but rather a side-grade. It's like tubes versus solid state amps to me. I prefer solid state amps (Delta-Sigma DACs in this case), but tubes (R-2R DACs) are an option for people to choose from. I would be interested in building a Soekris R-2R DAC some day for fun though, just in the same for a tube amp (Bottlehead Crack).
Is the sound quality in Bifrost 2 improved to your liking?
I actually haven't heard the Bifrost 2 yet, but I'm curious about it! Schiit is always improving their products, so it's always fun to hear about their new developments/improvements.
Hi, Please advise best DACs below $500 and below $100 for HiFi stereo
Interesting that you characterize their sound as on the warm side of neutral when the objective frequency response measurements disagree with that... they are nearly perfectly flat response. It must be something that’s not captured by the measurements we have.
I think perception of smoothness is often interpreted as warmth even if the fr effect is neutral. I've heard tubes with "cold" signatures (i.e. those that only boost treble or even suck out lower midrange) still be described as warm because the harmonics they add make things feel more "accurate" to the feeling of a "warm" live performance. Very very interesting imo
Which Schiit Multi-Bit would you recommend for best sound? 🙏🙏🏽
For purely the best sound? I really like the Yggdrasil for what it is.
CD quality is 16 bit. The resolution of the bifrost multibit is also 16 bit. It's the most you'll ever need and it will sound smooth and natural. The Gungnir multibit is 19 bits of resolution and the Yggdrasil is 21. =)
Thanks for a good tutorial on how delta-sigma and multi-bit work. Regarding your impressions and conclusions when comparing different units I must take the results with a pinch of salt. The reason is that, although Schiit's USB board/module has improved, the quality of sound available through USB input is definitely and clearly NOT as good as the optical or coaxial inputs. The improvement when using the optical or coax inputs is quite noticeable. As a result of this, you may wish to re-audition sometime if you get the chance. By the way, we have a Bifrost 4490 at home and we like it a lot. Cheers!
I select schiit modi2 multibit DAC and audio gd r2r 11 multibit DAC amp in confused which one buy? not DS DAC amp ( I have it).any have or experience. pl.share
I don't have any experience with Audio-gd's current products unfortunately. I'd go for the Modi 2 MultiBit though since Schiit has a very reputable history with it.
Schiit Eitr.......
took me this long to get it! 😂
Jotunheim and Modi Multibit are stuck with USB Gen2. Unless you use an EITR with Modi, there's no way to fix GEN2 on Jotunheim. There should be a significant difference in performance of Gen5 USB/EITR vs the GEN2 of the Jotunheim module. Did you listen to an actual JOT + Module? Or just assumed Mimby would be the same?
I did listen to an actual Jot+MoMB unit at the Schiitr.
@@miceblue425 Thanks for the reply, I own both the Jotunheim /w Multibit module, and the Bifrost Multibit with USB GEN5. Maybe it's because I could test them in my own environment and spend a bit more time critical listening, but to me the difference is not really that subtle between these two. GEN5 USB gives bifrost a huge leg up. I noticed with the Multibit module, a flat, closed in soundstage, and high frequencies were not enjoyable. Paired with Jotunheim it made me wince, I wanted to turn down the music all the time. The Bifrost Multibit with GEN5 was exactly the opposite, it had the tonality of the Multibit Module, but resolution was significantly higher, more detail, less sibilant, tighter, more powerful bass notes, and I wanted to keep turning the volume higher.
I've not heard the Modi Multibit personally, but I think some of the above positives I experienced with Bifrost are applicable to Modi Multibit as well,(as opposed to the multibit module) particularly if it's paired with an EITR.
Based on what i've heard with the Multibit Module, I can't say im a fan of it, and don't recommend it to anyone. I've heard good things about the GEN2 AK4490 dac card for JOT/LYR3 but have not personally heard it, many prefer it over the multibit module however. I did own the GEN1 4490 card and was not impressed.
Thanks for your review
ok to use the Modi Multibit with Mjolnir ?
You should really use a balanced DAC.
If you haven't made a decision yet, you can use single-ended/unbalanced DACs with all of Schiit's balanced headphone amps, integrated amps, and preamps. I had the Modi Multibit connected to my Ragnarok 1 balanced integrated amp before upgrading to the Yggdrasil balanced DAC.
Well, It must be extra SHIT then!
modi multibit sucked when we tried it at my friends place
Yeah the sound isn't for everyone. Some people swear by the MoMB's sound over other DACs in its price.